Dog Owners: Prevent Your Dog from Biting | Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer

Six Dog Bite Basics for Michigan Dog Owners:

• Dogs bite approximately 4.7 million Americans each year. Around 800,000 of these cases require medical care.
• Dogs that are well socialized, well supervised and are in good health are much less likely to bite.
• Spayed or neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
• Most dog bites occur to children between the ages of 5-9. Boys are slightly more susceptible, statistically speaking.
• Individuals usually know the dog that bites them.
• Most dog bites occur on the property where the dog lives.

Have Children and Considering a Dog?

• Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
• If your child is apprehensive around dogs, hold off owning one.
• Many families wait until their child is older than 4 years before bringing a dog into the home.
• Families with children and dogs should be even more aware that making a dog a member of your family is a significant commitment.

Provide Adequate Behavioral Training

• Seek out a qualified veterinarian, animal behaviorist, dog trainer, animal care agency or humane society for appropriate behavioral training.
• Classes are the most effective tools for behavioral training, even for experienced dog owners.
• Accompany your dog to class; do not send your dog away to be trained.
• Basic commands such as sit, stay, no, and come build a bond of obedience and trust.
• Teach submissive behaviors, such as rolling over to expose the abdomen and relinquishing food without growling.
• Help your dog become accustomed to new situations, crowds, visitors and delivery or service personnel.
• Every family member should learn training techniques and participate in the dog's education.
• Appropriate behaviors should be reinforced by everyone, every day.
• Do not play aggressive games, such as wrestling and tug-of-war.
• Do not teach your dog to chase or attack, even in fun.

Safeguard Your Dog's Health

• Spay or neuter your dog to reduce aggressive tendencies, including its desire to roam and fight.
• Illness and pain can make a dog more likely to bite.
• Seek and maintain proper vaccinations, including rabies and preventable infectious diseases.
• Provide regular, preventative veterinary care.
• See a veterinarian promptly if your dog is sick or injured.

Take Your Responsibility Seriously

• Consult with a professional to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your family and your lifestyle.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
• License your dog as required by law.
• Obey leash laws.
• Provide an ample, safe confined yard or pen for your dog when it is outside.
• Do not keep your dog on a chain or tether, which contributes to aggression.
• Plan ways to spend significant time on a daily basis with your dog.
• Do not leave your dog in isolation for long periods.
• Immediately seek professional advice if the dog develops aggressive or adverse behaviors.

When Your Dog is Around Others

• Always err on the safe side.
• Watch for signs that your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.
• Supervise all interactions.
• NEVER leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
• If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious or, better yet, avoid it all together.
• Don't put your dog in situations where it may feel threatened or be teased.
• If your dog panics in crowds, leave him at home.
• If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery/service personnel, keep him in another room.
• Seek professional help the first time your dog exhibits dangerous behavior towards a person or animal. A dog’s aggressive behavior can be as harmful as a bite, such as if it were to cause someone to fall off a bicycle.

Times to Exercise Extra Vigilance

• Elderly individuals and children are less likely to perceive the signals a dog is sending them; increased care should be used.
• Home service providers such as mail carriers and meter readers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims.
• Dogs not raised around small children or not frequently exposed to them may not be socialized toward them, and may react aggressively.