Preventing Dog Bite Cases
Helpful Tips for Dog Bite Victims
The reasons for each case we see come through the door are unique and specific. That’s the nature of personal injury – the circumstances surrounding every incident are, well, personal. Even as a dog bite attorney, it is rare to see an exact situation replicated in this industry, but over time you start to recognize themes. In understanding some of the common ground that cases share, we can start to develop a foundation of advice to offer clients and the general public. At our firm specifically, we’ve seen a number of serious dog bite cases – almost all of which could have been prevented. In the interest of keeping citizens and pets alike safe, we decided to take a closer look at how to prevent dog bite cases.
Dog Safety Is Important
It’s not just about the people, preventing dog bite cases keeps dogs safe, too. A dog involved in a dog bite incident may face numerous injuries or even death when the person being attacked lashes out to defend themselves. It is not unusual for dogs to wind up severely injured when bite incidents occur, and in some cases, the dog may even have to be put down following the incident.
Consider Variables
It’s easy to think that your dog will be the exception to the rule, but it’s important to consider that the variables in any given situation will impact your dog’s ability to maintain their training. No matter how well-mannered your pup is at home or around people in general, any one thing out of your control could cause them to act out or get aggressive. Just as you would monitor and try to keep your children under control in unknown situations, you should apply the same rules to your dog. Though they can be trained thoroughly, they are animals with a mind of their own and free will that they will exercise when you least expect it. Expect the unexpected.
Remember, Behavior Is Situational
Like we mentioned above, even the most well-trained and mild-mannered dog can become aggressive in a situation where they feel threatened, afraid, or surprised. Behavior for dogs is situational. They can’t speak to us, so they interact with the world through their actions. If a dog is afraid and has no way to communicate that, they may lash out with a growl or a bite. Sometimes, the growls or other defensive behavior are ignored, or go unseen by the person involved in the incident. When the bite comes, the person is shocked, but the dog may have tried to warn otherwise. Sometimes the bite is sudden, a quick reaction to a motion or approach it views as requiring defense against. It’s impossible to know how your dog will react to every situation, so it’s important to take necessary precautions when taking your dog out in public.
Leash ‘Em Up
The number one thing dog owners can do to prevent dog bite incidents and lower the number of dog bite cases brought to court is to use a leash with your pet. A leash provides limitations for the dog’s movement and keeps you connected and in tune with what your dog is doing in any given situation. It also allows you control to keep your dog close or direct them away from danger or strange situations that could cause them to lash out. If a leash isn’t enough, consider a muzzle as well. They make a variety of low-profile muzzles that are comfortable and safe for dogs, so the frightening image of muzzles that often comes to mind for owners is a thing of the past.
At the end of the day, the best thing owners can do to keep their dogs safe and the people in their community safe, as well, is to take the necessary precautions to ensure your dog remains under your control no matter what variables might come your way. If you find yourself involved in a dog bite injury incident and aren’t sure what to do, give us a call. We have the expertise to help you navigate this scary territory and achieve the best possible outcome.
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The Truth About Dog Bite Cases
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