Dog Bite Prevention

Our Sacramento dog bite lawyers have discussed, in great detail, the types of dog bite injuries one can sustain along with the different types of infections they can cause. But the best-case scenario is to not be bitten at all. Dog bite prevention can save you a great deal of pain, stress, and money once you recognize the behaviors that can cause a dog to bite.

Any Dog Can Bite

Any breed of dog at any size can bite. It’s not just pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds or the other breeds of dogs we think of when we envision dogs biting. Any dog that is attacked, feels threatened, or is defending its territory can and will bite if they feel a strong and imminent threat.

There are some signs dogs exhibit when they’re feeling threatened, and recognizing these signs should be cues to be cautious or leave the area before a dog attacks.

Signs a Dog is About to Bite or Attack

When dogs become aggressive, they will usually stiffen up, becoming rigid and still. They may also start lunging forward at a person and let out deep, guttural barks or growls. Snarling and showing teeth is another sign a dog is preparing to bite or attack.

Other signs an attack is imminent is when a dog starts to bite or snap toward you, by which point you would know it is prepared to attack you.

However, a dog may only give these signs within seconds of actually attacking, giving you no real time to react or respond, but they will give a sign nonetheless. As soon as you recognize these behaviors, take quick action before becoming a victim.

How to Prevent a Dog Bite as an Owner

Training is the key to preventing dog bites and attacks and as an owner, you have an obligation to make sure your dog is safe to be around. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself at the opposite end of a plaintiff’s attorney in a very expensive lawsuit. Here are some things you can do to make sure your dog doesn’t sink its teeth into family, friends, or strangers.

Socialize Your Dog and Keep Watch Over Children

Your dog will have less fear and uneasiness around strangers if it is socialized early and often. When dogs become excited, they can run and leap at others, sometimes knocking them down—especially children.

Dogs can be equally excitable around other dogs, so exposing them to other dogs early can help them be comfortable when encountering strange dogs.

Children are disproportionately attacked and injured seriously by dogs. Because of their size and lack of experience, a child might not recognize a dog’s warning signs or confuse it for playfulness. And because children can’t outrun or fend off most dogs, they’re often left as victims of vicious bites.

Train Your Dog and Keep a Leash

Training is one of the more powerful tools in keeping a dog’s behaviors in check. Without a behavioral reinforcement loop early on, dogs will ignore an owner’s calls and commands as it grows up, making training more difficult. Proper training involves getting a dog to sit or stay on command, restrain itself from jumping on people or eating everything it comes across, and more importantly learning that growling, snarling, and snapping at people is prohibited.

During a dog’s training period, or when it’s especially emotional and excitable, the dog should almost always be on a leash when around other people or dogs. Even if your dog is well behaved, they can still be unpredictable when it comes to other dogs or around unknown children. Check leash laws in your city to make sure you’re doing your part in keeping your neighborhood safe.

Identify Groups and Individuals That Trigger Your Dog

Some groups, individuals, or animals can make your dog more aggressive than others. For example, a dog might only get worked up around a delivery person, or other children. Sometimes dogs will only become anxious and aggressive around other dogs. Recognizing these patterns early and taking precautions will prevent serious attacks most of the time.

If the trigger groups are nearly impossible to avoid, either notify the other person or dog owner and make sure you keep your own dog on a short, strong leash.

Repeat Behavior Warnings

Unfortunately, if a dog has attacked or bitten someone once, it’s likely they’ll do it again. These dogs can be a huge liability and it’s on the owner to make sure this dog is secured or away from triggers and perceived threats. If a dog causes severe injuries or death, it will likely be put down. To avoid having to go through this, and saving others the pain and suffering, keep the problematic dog tied or caged away from threats and consider options about managing your pet.

Dog Bite Prevention is About Recognizing Behavior and Adjusting Accordingly

If you own an aggressive dog or encounter one that starts to feel threatened, look for the signs it’s about to attack. Remember, a dog’s breed or size don’t make a difference as to whether it will attack. A dog that feels anxious, threatened, or uneasy can bite. For owners, keep the dog secured or hold tightly on its leash when in public. And for friends, visitors, delivery personnel, joggers, etc. recognize when a dog is starts to freeze up or growl at you and act quickly—a few seconds is all it takes before a devastating attack.