Dog bites and dog bite injuries happen all the time, much more than most people would expect. Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with nearly 20% of those bites requiring medical attention. Preventing dog bites from happening is imperative.
Knowing some basic, useful tips can help everyone prevent a dog bite.
- Stay away from dogs you do not know.
- When approached by a dog you do not know, stay absolutely still. Do not run away from the dog and/or scream.
- If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball and stay absolutely still.
- Do not make direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not try to break up a fight between two or more dogs, even if they are only play fighting.
- Never try to pet a dog that is chained up or behind a fence.
- Never try to pet a dog that is in a car or truck.
- Never try to pet a sick, injured, or scared dog.
- If a dog is sleeping, eating, or is caring for puppies, leave the dog alone.
- Make sure a dog is familiar with you and sees you before petting it.
Dog bite prevention can also be promoted through proper training techniques. Dog owners have a major incentive to prevent dog bites as well: they’re liable! If a dog happens to cause an injury, the dog’s owner is responsible for that injury. These tips for dog owners may help to prevent dog bites.
- Prior to getting a dog, research which dog breeds would fit well into your household.
- If your household has children, you should not have any dog with aggressive tendencies.
- If your household has children, verify that the children are not fearful of any new dog prior to brining the dog in to the family.
- Bond with a dog before brining it in to the family. Be especially careful if you have an infant or toddler.
- Never leave an infant, toddler, or young child alone with any dog.
- Spay and neuter all dogs in the household. Spaying and neutering can prevent aggression in dogs.
- Do not wrestle or encourage aggressive behavior with your dog.
- Do not chain your dog up or leave it alone in a yard.
- Teach your dog non-threatening games, such as fetch in lieu of rougher games, such as tug-of-war.
- When training a dog, emphasize submissiveness. Do not let your dog bare teeth or growl at you.
- If your dog becomes aggressive, seek the assistance of trained professionals.
For more information about dog bites and dog bite litigation, visit the Larry H. Parker California dog bite or Arizona dog bite websites. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at (800) 333-0000. Acting immediately could help you protect your legal rights.
