Dog Bite Prevention: Educating Owners and the Public

Proper Socialization and Training

Many bites result from insufficient socialization and training. Puppies missing early positive interactions with people, other pets, noises, and environments can become fearful. Socialization should start as early as 3 weeks old. Ongoing positive training also reduces aggressive tendencies. Reward-based methods work best to reinforce good behaviors. Techniques using punishment or intimidation can actually worsen aggression over time. Owners should seek professional advice if struggling with training.  Consistency with rewards and corrections is important when training dogs properly.

Supervising Interactions

Even friendly dogs should not be left alone with children or strangers. Their play may be misinterpreted as aggression or lead to accidental bites due to puppies’ sharp teeth. Small children should be taught how to properly interact with dogs to avoid bites – no pulling tails or ears, poking eyes, using loud voices, hugging tightly, or bothering dogs while eating. Parents should supervise all interactions and keep dogs and babies separate unless actively supervising. Allowing children to treat dogs like stuffed animals can lead to traumatic bites.

Secure Containment

Proper containment minimizes opportunities for bites and other dangerous interactions. Fences or leashes keep community members safe when taking dogs into public areas. At home, baby gates work well for separating dogs and children. Crates not only limit access when owners are away but provide a safe space for dogs themselves. If dogs exhibit territorial, possessive or reactive tendencies, owners may need professional help with containment solutions to avoid liability for bites. Secure gates and fences also protect dogs themselves from getting loose and injured.

Understanding Liability

Dog owners can be held legally responsible for bites depending on laws that vary by state and situation. Homeowner’s insurance may help cover medical bills or legal claims, but often excludes certain breeds considered prone to aggression. It is critical that owners educate themselves on local dangerous animal ordinances, leash laws, and quarantine procedures following bites. Taking responsibility for dogs’ behavior is the best way to avoid legal issues. Checking with insurance providers annually ensures appropriate coverage for dog bites liability.

Educating the Public

Community education helps prevent bites through appropriate interactions with unfamiliar dogs. People should receive consent before approaching and refrain from interacting with dogs displaying fearful body language. Running or shouting can also trigger a chase and bite response. If approached aggressively by an unleashed dog, experts recommend standing still like a tree with arms at your sides rather than trying to outrun the dog. Carrying protection like pepper spray when out walking is also wise in areas with loose dogs. TV and radio public service announcements may effectively share bite prevention tips.

Seeking Legal Recourse

If you are ever bitten by a dog, start by seeking appropriate medical care, which may involve contacting emergency services, visiting urgent care or the ER, getting stitches, or even plastic surgery. Also, file an official bite report with animal control agencies to ensure the incident is on record, which will be essential if considering legal action later. While not every dog bite case warrants suing owners, those involving significant uncompensated damages may benefit from legal guidance.

An experienced dog bite injury attorney from The Brown Firm can advise victims on state laws and procedures for recovering damages. With proper education and responsible ownership, we can work together as a community to prevent these traumatic incidents.

You can find us at the following locations:

• 7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406
• 320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
• 197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
• 110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909