Warning: Don’t Let Your Child be a Dog Bite Victim-use These Helpful Tips

There are many factors which can increase the chance of your or your child being a victim of a dog bite or dog attack.

Owners of dogs, teenagers, grandparents, babysitters, caregivers of all types and especially parents of young children, must keep in mind all of the factors that can result in or lead to aggressive and harmful behavior in dogs.

Of course, the greater the number of these factors which are present will increase the likelihood that a damaging or injurious bite or attack can occur.

For example: If a canine is continuously kept on a leash or chain, then there is a much increased chance that such a dog will be aggressive and/or lack proper “people skills.”

Not surprisingly, male dogs are more likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies and account for a higher percentage of bites and attacks on children and adults.

Notwithstanding the previous fact, dominant, poorly trained and socialized or fearful female dogs will, and often do, bite children and their caregivers.

If there are two or more dogs in a yard without the dog owner present, then there is a significantly higher chance of encountering or experiencing dog bites or dangerous do behavior.

The greater number of dogs that are present equals a much higher risk for attacks, bites, or maulings , which are associated with pack behavior.

Non-neutered or un-spayed dogs typically demonstrate higher levels of aggressive behavior.

Some additional evidence shows that the number of dog attacks and bites goes up during the warmer months of the Summer due the higher volume of people outside and in the presence of a greater number of dogs.

Disturbingly, the single, most common cause of deadly dog bites and seriously harmful canine attacks is the owner of the dog, who does not properly train, supervise or care for their animal.

As a father of two young children and a lawyer who handles injury claims associated with dog bites/attacks, I want to do everything I can to keep my kids safe and avoid them being hurt by a dog.

As a fellow parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, or friend, I know that you also want to keep all the children in your lives safe from dangerous dog behavior.

To help us all achieve this very important goal, I have compiled the following list of things that all children should be taught about dogs:

-Don’t chase or tease dogs.

-Wait to be introduced to the dog by the dog’s adult owner.

-Ask the dog owner’s permission to pet their dog first, before trying to pet the dog.

-Wait for a dog owner’s permission to pet the dog and then teach your child to let the dog sniff the child’s hand first, before petting the dog.

-Pet the animal gently after the dog sniffs his/her hand.

-Never pet a dog while it is eating or sleeping.

-Never approach a dog that has puppies or is nursing puppies.

Learn the items on this list and then teach the children in your life these valuable tips and hopefully you and your children will avoid be another victim.

-Never pet a dog while it is playing with a toy.

-Never try to take a dog’s toy away from the dog.

-Don’t play rough with dogs.

-If your child is outside and a stray dog approaches, then teach your child to not run away, but to try backing away slowly. The dog will always be able to run faster than the child and could chase your child and attack.

Put these tips into action and keep yourself and your children safe around dogs. Don’t wait. You never know when a dangerous situation will present itself.

Dog Bite Prevention

There are certain codes of behavior and etiquettes that we as people should observe and teach to our children with regards to interacting with dogs. These behaviors serve as dog bite prevention, such that tragedies can be avoided.

• Don’t run past dogs. Especially important for children. Dogs have an inherent drive called prey drive. This drive inspires them to give chase to moving objects, tennis balls, neighborhood cats, or shrieking children. This doesn’t mean that you cant go jogging, it just means that you must exercise caution when getting your daily exercise. I once had a running coach who instructed me to stop running when I saw a dog and walk past until safely out of the way. I don’t necessarily recommend you go to this extreme but it definitely wouldn’t hurt with dog bite prevention.

• Allow dogs to introduce themselves to you. A mistake many people make is to rush up to a dog to tell him hello. Many dogs see this as an invasion of personal space and a threat and may react in kind. By allowing a dog to make introductions on his terms, the level of stress he feels is much lower. By lowering the amount of stress with the introduction you greatly reduce the chance of a dog bite.

• When you allow the dog to meet you and do his obligatory sniffing, allow him to sniff your closed fist instead of your open hand. If he does decide to bite, much less damage will be done. Better to get bitten on a closed fist than to lose a finger by taking a direct bite to your digits.

• When a new dog is approaching to meet you, position your body at a sideways slant. This is a much less threatening posture than a straight-on affront. It is a more submissive posture and makes a new dog feel more at ease.

• Don’t have staring contests with strange dogs. Some dogs will see this as an invitation for conflict.

Children are the victims of the majority of dog bites. All children should learn the above codes, plus there are additional behaviors that children should learn when dealing with dogs and dog bite prevention.

• Children should always ask permission to meet a new dog. By asking the owner of the dog permission, the owner is now more in a mindset of supervisor. He will now be in better control of the dog. Never should a child run up to a new dog to make an introduction whether or not the owner is around. In fact, a child should never attempt to meet a strange dog who is without an owner.

• Children should learn to be calm around dogs. Dogs will often bite as a result of stress. A running, screaming child can cause many dogs a lot of stress. This could provoke a dog bite and should be avoided.

• Although children are shorter, they should work to avoid being face to face with a dog. Allow the dog to instead sniff the child’s closed fist. This makes sense on a few different levels. If a dog is going to bite, the last body part you want near him is the head or face. Also, the act of a child putting his face near the face of a dog can be seen as a threat by the dog. This could provoke a dog bite.

• If possible, when making introductions to new dogs, children should be still, higher in elevation than the dog (sitting in a chair or on the lap of an adult), and calm. Allow the dog to come make the introduction on terms that are comfortable for him.

• Children would be do well to feed new dogs a treat. By making an immediate positive association between child and dog you are much more likely to avoid a dog bite.

Above all, use common sense when dealing with man’s best friend. Common sense is the best form of dog bite prevention.

Prevent Dog Biting With These Simple Steps

Does your pet dog have a tendency to bite? It’s an issue that if left alone, can become a critical one. Here are a few facts that may help you understand why your dog is biting, and a few tips on how you can help your dog overcome their habit.

First of all, it is important to understand why your dog bites. The main reason is the canine instinct that all dogs have. Long ago, before dogs became domestic animals, they were wild and ran around in packs. The reason they bite is because of their instinct to dominate. Biting is a way dogs are able to show their authority and dominance over other dogs in the pack. Because of this instinct, your dog is biting in order to establish dominance and control.

Here are a few tips on stopping biting if your dog is still a puppy. When puppies bite, there may be several reasons for this. The first is that your puppy may simply be teething, and wants something to chew on. Also puppies bite when they are unsure of their rank in the “family” pack, and start biting to try to show dominance. If this is the case, you will want to show your new puppy that you are the leader and the one in control. Obedience training is a must, and it will also set a solid foundation for other doggie behavior issues and will also start your relationship with your puppy off on the right foot.

If your dog is no longer a puppy, but is considered a “teenager” (this is usually dogs from 1 to 2 years old) the training becomes a little more difficult, but it is still possible to rid your dog of this habit. Once your puppy becomes an older puppy, their cute chewing and gnawing becomes “play biting,” which is rougher than before. Though the nips may not break the skin or even hurt, it must be stopped because your dog is forming bad and possibly dangerous habits. By changing various aspects of the pup’s life (such as where they sleep, what toys they may play with, what time they are fed), you are able to remind your dog that you are the one in charge, and this also shows them that you will not allow them to become the dominant figure in the household. Again, formal obedience training with a professional dog trainer will do wonders; it is definitely worth the time and cost you put into it.

Once a dog reaches adulthood, the biting routine is very difficult to crack. By that time, a dog has already established its domain as the leader of the pack, and assumes authority for everything in and on your property. If the dog feels a family member is out of line, they will bite. This can be corrected, but the only reliable way is to hire a professional dog trainer that can work with you and your dog to break this biting habit.

Breaking a dog of biting is difficult and time consuming, but it is necessary; otherwise, your dog will grow up biting more and more until it becomes a serious problem. It is best if you nip it in the bud and start teaching your dog not to bite from the soonest time possible. Good luck beating the biting!

Why Your Dog Bites and What to Do

More than 4.5 million dog bite incidents are reported in the United States per year. Approximately half are incidents involving the family dog. There is no guarantee your dog will never bite someone. A dog can behave unpredictably, become aggressive and bite causing injury, but why? The reasons vary and there is no one answer.

The possibilities include heredity and personality (or DNA), prior difficult experiences, lack of proper socialization, fear, lack of proper training with regard to discipline, territory and boundaries, and lack of proper guidance from the pack leader or leaders, meaning guardian or guardians.

The risk factors that precipitate a dog bite incident can be significantly reduced.

Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Dogs not socialized with children can possibly react to situations by biting. The most common reason children are bitten is a dog that is fearful or wishes to avoid what it is not sure of, resulting in aggressive behavior in an attempt to make the problem or situation go away.

You do not want your dog to be afraid or become aggressive. Therefore, socialization is very important from the earliest stages of life.

There is a difference between biting in play and aggression.

Biting is often associated with rough play that is to be enjoyed with your dog, but there is a distinct difference between biting in play and biting that turns into an act of domination and disrespect for the guardian.

Dogs are perfectly capable of being trained to grab enthusiastically and gently without crossing the line to aggressive biting behavior, a lesson that is naturally taught by their mother, littermates and other pack members. Young dogs bite each other everywhere and anywhere when they play. This is when they learn limits to their biting and learn control and boundaries to their play. If they are too rough with their playmates, they will find out by how the other dogs and puppies react to them. This is something that canines can accomplish and teach each other through trial and error, learning from their own experiences in the early stages far more effectively and efficiently than we can teach them. Because we take them away from this environment before this learning process is completed, it is necessary for the guardians to take over and complete the training.

If the dog happens to bite too hard during a play activity you can mimic its yelp or give a stern OUCH, and a NO BITING command, with a pause from the activity to let the dog know that it hurt. If you allow the dog to bite a bit too aggressively some of the time you will be sending an inconsistent message and biting will never be completely eliminated.

Under no circumstances do you hit.

If your dog grabs or jerks a toy from your hand during this play activity, it is time to suspend play, remove the toy from the dog’s possession and issue a verbal correction of NO BITING in a “you mean business” firm tone of voice. The dog must understand that the biting is too aggressive and you don’t like it. You do not want to give the dog the impression that you suddenly do not like it by becoming abusive. Make up afterwards after a short time period, on your terms and not the dog’s.

Physical punishment is the quickest way to erode the dog’s trust.

It is up to the dog’s guardians to establish appropriate boundaries and behaviors in all aspects of living as a family pack unit through an education process without physical abuse by the guardian. A dog can love you almost unconditionally because of its loyal characteristics, but that does not mean it trusts and respects you.

Training the family dog should be a family matter.

Every household member should learn the proper training techniques and participate in the dog’s education. It is best to not send your dog away to be trained; family members should be the ones, with proper guidance, to teach your dog how to behave in your home. Note that training courses are a great investment even for experienced dog caregivers.

Investigating Dog Bite Cases

In most instances of dog bites in California, the dog’s owner is held liable. However, in an attempt to avoid liability, and the financial penalties that go along with it, many owners will attempt to deny liability through various methods. Often, these methods will include accusing the victim of provoking the attack, or proving that the dog has never bitten anyone else if the incident happened in a state that uses the “one bite” criteria as law. In states that use the “one bite” law, the victim must prove that the dog has previously bitten someone else. Fortunately, this is not a legal loophole through which Californians have to jump.

If an investigation is necessary, a dog bite attorney can help you locate the best people for evidence to support your case. Someone who is experienced in litigating dog bite cases in California will know the proper avenues to go through for questioning potential witnesses. Any evidence that supports your claim will be beneficial, and anyone who has had experience with the dog could help provide that evidence.

Your dog bite attorney will most likely want to speak with people who have interacted with the dog from its birth. This will include (but will not be limited to) the breeder of the dog, the dog’s veterinarian, the kennel or boarding facility where the dog might have been kept, neighbors, delivery truck drivers who have delivered packages to the dog owner’s address, and utility workers who might have come into contact with the dog at some point.

Even within the state of California, any evidence gained by your attorney to prove that the dog has attacked another person will help your case in court. Often, victims of dog attacks do not report the incident to animal control or the police department, and careful investigation might be necessary to uncover information about the true disposition of the dog. The “one bite” rule that many states use in litigation is not always fair; the dog could have well bitten someone else previously, without a paper trail as proof of the incident.

You will want to have documented proof as the result of an investigation. Such documents could include complaints to homeowners associations, police reports, animal control reports, or animal behaviorists’ records. Additionally, you will want to have copies of any previous files or paperwork relating to previous litigation, or menacing dog petitions. A qualified California dog bite attorney will be able to locate and acquire this information for you to help you fully prepare for your lawsuit.

With California dog bite laws constantly changing, and dog bite litigation in any state often resulting in complicated cases that require in-depth investigation, a dog bite attorney will be your best resource in compiling the information you’ll need in court. The more prepared you are in proving that the dog bite incident was not an isolated one, the better your chances are in winning your case. A dog bite attorney who is highly skilled in trying dog bite cases in California will know the steps to take to solidify your case before you bring it to court.

Dog Bite Law: National Statistics Regarding Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, every year nearly 4.7 million people become the victims of dog bites within the United States. Of these bites, almost 800,000 require medical attention, with a small percentage of dog bite injuries resulting in fatalities.

If you live in the United States, it is estimated that you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming the victim of a dog attack. This chance increases if you are a postal worker, delivery person, or utility worker. This chance also increases if you are a minor, as children tend to attract dog attacks due both to their careless play around animals and their vulnerability in size. In fact, dog bites account for one of the top reasons children are sent to the emergency room each year; and the number of incidents involving children only continues to grow.

Fifteen years old is the median age of dog bite victims within the United States, with boys aged five to nine years old being the most common victims of dog bite injuries. In most cases of severe injury, the victim was 10 years old or younger, with injury focused on the face and neck.

Last year, 32 people died due to dog attacks in the United States. These statistics become more interesting when broken down, as fewer deaths occur in states that have more strict liability laws. In 2007, California in particular only had one fatality on record that was the result of a dog attack. California is one of the strict liability states, meaning that a claimant can hold a dog’s owner liable simply by proving that the owner’s dog bit them. There are very few exceptions, and in most cases, these exceptions exist without the loopholes available in other states.

Examples of such loopholes are the “one bite” laws, in which the courts require evidence that the dog has previously bitten someone before the owner is held liable in a dog bite case. According to statistics, states with “one bite” laws and mixed statute laws generally have more instances of dog bites than states with strict liability statutes, such as California.

If someone in your family has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to understand the specific laws in your particular state regarding the statutes of limitations and liability for dog bite injuries. A qualified dog bite attorney will be able to counsel you regarding your case, and help you gather evidence that will help the courts in determining liability. This is especially important if you live in a “one bite” state, in which you must gather evidence to prove that the dog has previously bitten someone.

Dog bite injuries are far too common in the United States, and often children are the innocent victims. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, an experienced dog bite attorney can explain your rights, options, and challenges to making a claim. The more highly skilled dog bite attorneys will provide a free consultation, process your dog bite claim efficiently, and effectively resolve your claim through negotiations or litigation, recovering for you the compensation to which you are entitled.

National Statistics Regarding Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, every year nearly 4.7 million people become the victims of dog bites within the United States. Of these bites, almost 800,000 require medical attention, with a small percentage of dog bite injuries resulting in fatalities.

If you live in the United States, it is estimated that you have a 1 in 50 chance of becoming the victim of a dog attack. This chance increases if you are a postal worker, delivery person, or utility worker. This chance also increases if you are a minor, as children tend to attract dog attacks due both to their careless play around animals and their vulnerability in size. In fact, dog bites account for one of the top reasons children are sent to the emergency room each year; and the number of incidents involving children only continues to grow.

Fifteen years old is the median age of dog bite victims within the United States, with boys aged five to nine years old being the most common victims of dog bite injuries. In most cases of severe injury, the victim was 10 years old or younger, with injury focused on the face and neck.

Last year, 32 people died due to dog attacks in the United States. These statistics become more interesting when broken down, as fewer deaths occur in states that have more strict liability laws. In 2007, California in particular only had one fatality on record that was the result of a dog attack. California is one of the strict liability states, meaning that a claimant can hold a dog’s owner liable simply by proving that the owner’s dog bit them. There are very few exceptions, and in most cases, these exceptions exist without the loopholes available in other states.

Examples of such loopholes are the “one bite” laws, in which the courts require evidence that the dog has previously bitten someone before the owner is held liable in a dog bite case. According to statistics, states with “one bite” laws and mixed statute laws generally have more instances of dog bites than states with strict liability statutes, such as California.

If someone in your family has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to understand the specific laws in your particular state regarding the statutes of limitations and liability for dog bite injuries. A qualified dog bite attorney will be able to counsel you regarding your case, and help you gather evidence that will help the courts in determining liability. This is especially important if you live in a “one bite” state, in which you must gather evidence to prove that the dog has previously bitten someone.

Dog bite injuries are far too common in the United States, and often children are the innocent victims. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, an experienced dog bite attorney can explain your rights, options, and challenges to making a claim. The more highly skilled dog bite attorneys will provide a free consultation, process your dog bite claim efficiently, and effectively resolve your claim through negotiations or litigation, recovering for you the compensation to which you are entitled.

Dog Training – Dog Bites

So you’re either in the unfortunate situation where you, some one you know, or a family member has received a dog bite or maybe you’re just curious of what steps to take in the case of this kind of situation. Well there are different types of dog bites, some are really bad, some are just minor injuries, and then there’s everything in-between.

The first thing you need to do is assess the situation and see what step needs to be taken next, you will most probably be able to assess whether the dog wound is serious enough for hospital straight away, or if you are the stubborn sort then if bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or so then you will need the hospitals help.

Other situations when you may need to see a doctor or go to hospital are if you think the bone may be broken, if the dogs bite is deep or gaping, if signs of infection are starting to appear like fever or wound puss, or if you have not received your tetanus injection in the last 5 years.

All the cases above could lead to much more serious problems than you might think and are all seriously recommended procedures for dog bites.

If your dog bite is serious enough to warrant hospital, then on your way to the hospital or until you get to see a trained professional about your wound you should keep firm pressure on the wound to stop any bleeding, and trying to clean out the wound of any dirt may be a good idea.

When you get to the hospital or medical department, they will need to know current medication and must know of any allergies that may affect the patient’s condition. Along with this they may need or you may want to tell a figure of authority where this attack happened, if the dog was provoked and if anyone else may be in danger so local authorities and laws may be contacted.

Dog Bite Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions

Question.

How many people die every year as a result of dog bites?

Answer.

Ten to 20 people die every year as a result of dog bites in the U.S. By far, the majority of the victims are children. In a three-year period between 1999 and 2001, 33 people died after being bitten by a dog. A vast majority of these victims (24 of 33) were under 12 years of age.

Question.

Why do some dogs bite?

Answer.

There are many reasons why a dog bites. Dogs bite out of fear or to protect their territory or to establish their dominance over the person bitten. Some owners mistakenly teach their dogs that biting is an acceptable form of play behavior. And every year a number of newborn infants die when they are bitten by dogs who see them as “prey.” Because dog bites occur for a variety of reasons, many components of responsible dog ownershipincluding proper socialization, supervision, humane training, sterilization, and safe confinementare necessary to prevent biting.

Question.

Which dogs most commonly bite? Are some breeds more likely to bite than others?

Answer.

The breeds most commonly involved in both bite injuries and fatalities changes from year to year and from one area of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed. Although genetics do play some part in determining whether a dog will bite, other factors such as whether the animal is spayed or neutered, properly socialized, supervised, humanely trained, and safely confined play significantly greater roles. Responsible dog ownership of all breeds is the key to dog bite prevention.

Question.

How can local laws prevent dog bites?

Answer.

The most effective dangerous dog laws are those that place the legal responsibility for a dog’s actions on the owner rather than on the dog. The best laws hold the owner accountable for the bite victim’s pain and suffering, and mandate certain corrective actions such as spay/neuter and proper confinement of the dog. For more information on legislation that will effectively reduce dog bites in your community, contact The HSUS. For guidance on developing a dog bite prevention plan in your community, read the American Veterinary Medical Association’s A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention.

Question.

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

Answer.

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic.

º Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.

º Contact your physician for additional care and advice.

º Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner’s name and the address where he lives. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control official what the dog looks like, where you saw him, whether you’ve seen him before, and in which direction he went.

Question.

Can children be taught to avoid being bitten by a dog?

Answer.

Yes, just as we teach our children to practice safety in other situations, we can teach them to be safe around dogs. The most important lessons for children to learn are not to chase or tease dogs they know and to avoid dogs they don’t know.

Question.

Is there any way I can “bite-proof” my dog?

Answer.

There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite someone. But you can significantly reduce the risk. Here’s how:

º Spay or neuter your dog. This important procedure will reduce your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs, making safe confinement an easier task. Spayed or neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.

º Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many different types of people and situations so that he or she is not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.

º Train your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Training your dog is a family matter. Every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dog’s education.

º Never send your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home.

º Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don’t play aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling, tug-of-war, or “siccing” your dog on another person. Set appropriate limits for your dog’s behavior. Don’t wait for an accident. The first time he exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, particularly toward children, seek professional help from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek professional help.

º Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone’s safety, don’t allow your dog to roam. Make your dog a member of your family: Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised rarely bite.

º Err on the safe side. If you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another room. Work with professionals to help your dog become accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are confident of his behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.

Question.

What should I do if my dog bites someone?

Answer.

If your dog bites someone, act responsibly by taking these steps:

º Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim’s condition. If necessary, seek medical help.

º Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog’s last rabies vaccination.

º Cooperate with the animal control official responsible for acquiring information about your dog. If your dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether he may be confined within your home or at your veterinarian’s hospital. Strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog.

º Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.

º If your dog’s dangerous behavior cannot be controlled, do not give him to someone else without carefully evaluating that person’s ability to protect him and prevent him from biting. a Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage he does even when he is given to someone else.

º Don’t give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. “Mean” dogs are often forced to live miserable, isolated lives, and become even more likely to attack someone in the future. If you must give up your dog due to dangerous behavior, consult with your veterinarian and with your local animal care and control agency or humane society about your options.