Top Tips to Prevent Dog Bites

Dogs are common and popular pets. But while many household dogs are well-behaved, even the most docile and loving dog may bite if provoked when sick, injured, or sad, or if the dog believes it is protecting its home, family, puppies, food, or toys.
In order to help prevent dog bites, teach children good “dog manners” and follow them yourself. These include:

1. Do Not Disturb. If a dog is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies, leave the dog alone. Similarly, with dogs you do not know, don’t approach or rearrange their food or toys.
2. Give Them Space. Crowding or cornering a dog can cause it to feel threatened, which may lead to an attack. Instead, never tease, chase, or yell at a dog, and avoid backing the dog into a wall or corner.
3. Ask First. Always ask a dog’s owner if you can introduce yourself to the dog. If the dog’s owner isn’t present, do not approach the dog.
4. Approach Politely. Give a dog some space, kneel down to its level, and let the dog come to you. Allow the dog to sniff your hand. Stay calm and still; if the dog wants to be petted, it will say so by nudging you.
5. Make Like a Tree. If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand silently, fold your arms inward, and avoid eye contact. Standing still makes you less interesting, and also less of a threat, which increases the chances the dog will walk away instead of attacking.
6. Take Dog 101. Before bringing a new dog into your home, spend some time learning about different dog breeds and meeting “candidates.” A class in raising dogs can also help you understand how to “speak dog” so as to identify when your dog is stressed and remove stressors before a bite occurs.

If you’ve been injured by a biting dog, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact the top-rated trial attorneys at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. today at 866.523.3121 or via their online contact form to learn more.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.