Important Recommendations to Prevent Attacks

Above all, remember that dogs can't talk! It is up to the dog owners and everyone approaching a dog to take into account the animal's perspective before it's too late. The National Dog Bite Coalition and these Pittsburgh lawyers recommend the following to prevent dog bites:

 

1. Dog training and health

Dogs that are sick or in pain are more likely to bite. A dog cannot say when it's stressed or aggravated due to some ache, pain, digestive problem or otherwise. Therefore, keeping a dog healthy is important.  

 

2. Be Vigilant to Learn About Your Dog

If your pet is adopted or purchased, for example, the dog can’t tell you its prior history. Moreover, there are limits to the knowledge of the prior owner, kennel or breeder.  It's unlikely they know everything about the dog's prior history of abuse or aggression. Therefore, you need to learn about the dog for yourself. 

 

3. Don't Make Assumptions

You can only assume one thing about dogs: all dogs are potentially dangerous.  Studies about whether certain breeds are more dangerous than others are unreliable, given that dog bite reporting has limits. For more, click here.  Keep it simple: just assume every animal -- especially those having an “unknown” history -- are dangerous, unless you raised the dog from a new born puppy.  (Even then, can you account for every day of the dog's life, to know whether it had been abused or demonstrated some triggered behavior you haven't seen?) Above all, assume every dog has been previously neglected or abused in some way, then...

 

4. Take it Slowly

Try to expose your dog gradually to new people, other dogs and situations; reward the dog with treats and praise for good behavior.  Do not bring your new dog to a social gathering one with potential over-stimulus -- such as people talking loud, or other pets or noises, because you don’t want to learn about your dog’s triggers from an attack. Slowly arrange play dates for your dog with other dogs and people, and gradually increase the amount of time your dog has with others.

 

5. Get Training For Your Pet  

Learn positive training techniques and make sure your dog gets attention from you. All dogs can benefit from at least some training.  And so could you!  Having the right kind of leash is one thing, knowing how and when to use it is another.  For example, on a narrow bike/walking path, a retractable leash may prove to be extremely dangerous.  Go outside for leash training and to let your dog socialize.