How to stop dog bites and know what to do if your dog bites

If your dog bites someone, you may feel worried and upset—the last thing you want is for your precious pet to get hurt. If a dog bite occurs, it’s important to act quickly as you don’t want this to become a recurring behavioral problem for your dog.

Most often, dogs bite when people feel threatened in some way. This is a natural instinct that domestic dogs still have, no matter how friendly they are. However, you can prevent your dog from biting, especially if you know why they bite. If you find that your dog is intent on biting, training and socialization are two solutions. Below, you'll find tips on how to stop your dog from biting and what to do if your dog does bite.

As mentioned before, dogs bite when they feel threatened in some way. It is important for everyone who interacts with dogs to understand what may trigger this aggressive behavior.

• Dogs may bite to protect themselves, their territory, or pack members. Dog mothers will also be fiercely protective of their puppies.

• A dog bite may result from startling the dog, such as by waking the dog or a child suddenly approaching from behind. Even accidentally injuring a dog, such as pushing an old dog's sore bottom, can cause a bite.

• Running away from a dog, even while playing, may cause the dog to bite. They may think it's part of the fun at first, but even that can quickly turn into aggression.

• Dogs in a fearful state may bite anyone who comes near them. This could be something as serious as being abused or abandoned, or it could be something you think of as ordinary, like loud noises.

• Injury and illness are also common causes. If a dog doesn't feel comfortable, they may not even want to be approached or touched by their favorite person.

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How to stop dog bites

As a dog owner, you must be responsible for training your dog and keeping them under control at all times. You are responsible for your dog's behavior and are the first line of defense against dog bites. It's important to do everything you can to prevent your dog from biting, and the following tips can help:

• At the very least, get your dog through basic training. Continue the training program throughout your dog's life to reinforce the lessons you teach them.

• Follow your veterinarian's recommendations and socialize your dog from an early age. Start doing this when they are puppies and keep it consistent throughout their lives! Socializing your dog involves allowing them to meet and interact with different types of people in calm and positive situations, including children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. This also means regularly exposing your dog to situations such as other animals, loud noises, large machinery, bicycles, and anything else that might induce fear. If your dog is not well socialized or shows any signs of fear or aggression, consult a professional trainer before trying any of the above. If possible, a trainer can help develop a plan to socialize your pet safely and slowly.

• Understand your dog's body language and the key signs that could lead to a bite. Pay attention to your dog when you are around people and know when aggressive behavior is occurring. Stop it or remove your dog from the scene before it escalates.

• Do not punish your dog with physical, violent, or aggressive punishment. Choose positive reinforcement before resorting to aversive tactics. Remember to reward your dog for good behavior.

• Always keep your dog on a short leash or in a fenced area. Get to know your dog before going off leash in permitted areas. Keep your dog within your sight at all times. If you know your dog may be fearful or aggressive, do not place them in a situation where they may become fearful and bite other people or pets. Instead, err on the side of caution and work with a professional trainer who can guide you.

• If you suspect or know that your dog has fearful or aggressive tendencies, be sure to warn others. Do not allow your dog near people or other animals unless the situation is strictly controlled. Be aware of your dog's limitations and don't put them in situations that stress them or put them or others at risk. If you know your dog has fearful or aggressive tendencies, work with a trainer. If necessary, they can discuss the appropriate use of a basket muzzle.

• Keep your dog up to date on vaccinations (especially rabies) and visit your veterinarian regularly for health checkups.

How to interact with dogs

Dogs are cute and generally friendly, so it's easy to get excited when you see one. However, they are quick to attack people they don't know. Even if you don't own a dog yourself, it's important to understand the proper behavior for interacting with dogs and how and when to approach them.

All children and adults should learn how to keep themselves safe around dogs. Most importantly, dog owners must be responsible for their dogs. Fortunately, responsible dog ownership and educating the public can keep everyone safe.

• Never attempt to approach or touch an unfamiliar dog without asking the owner's permission. Do not approach the dog if the owner is not present.

• When encountering an unknown dog, let the dog come to you. Let it smell you. Do not touch it unless you have permission from the owner. If the cues from the owner and the dog are appropriate, you can squat or turn to one side. Make sure you let it smell your hand before petting it.

• Don't put your face close to an unfamiliar dog; this includes "hugs and kisses."

• Understand your dog's body language. Most dogs will display specific warning signs before biting. But some may not.

• If you are cornered by your dog, remain still and avoid eye contact. Never run or scream. When the dog is no longer paying attention to you, back away slowly.

• If you are knocked over by a dog, fall on your side in the fetal position, covering your head and face. Stay still and calm.

• Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for a puppy. In these situations, the dog is more likely to be protective and may become frightened.

• Never leave a young child or baby alone with a dog for any reason.

• Do not approach, touch or attempt to move an injured dog. Instead, contact a veterinary professional or animal control department for help.

If a dog bite occurs

Don't delay, if your dog bites, take these steps:

1. keep Calm.

2. Confine your dog to a crate or another room.

3. Help the person who was bitten wash the wound thoroughly with warm soapy water.

4. Be polite and compassionate toward the bite victim. Avoid blaming or defensiveness. This doesn't mean you need to admit you were wrong. Keep in mind that what you say could be used against you later if legal or civil action is taken.

5. Contact the medical professional of the person who was bitten. Depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed. No matter how minor the bite, the victim should seek medical attention. What appears to be a minor dog bite can quickly become serious.

6. Reach out to the victim’s friends or family.

7. Exchange contact information with the victim. Provide your insurance information (if applicable).

8. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.

9. Contact your veterinarian and obtain your dog's medical records.

10. Notify local authorities of the incident and comply with their orders.

Dog bites and the law

Dog bite laws can vary greatly depending on your local jurisdiction. It’s important to research the laws in your area so you know what to expect. The following typically apply to dog bite cases:

• You will need to show proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination history.

• A quarantine period may be required. This period may be longer if rabies vaccination is not currently available.

• Depending on the circumstances and your dog's history, it is possible that your dog may be designated a "dangerous dog." You may have to follow specific laws regarding the handling of your dog.

• If your dog is deemed "dangerous," is seriously injured, or dies, the law may require your dog to be euthanized. Additionally, you may be held legally responsible and face criminal charges.

Your role after being bitten by a dog

Dog bite victims may choose to press charges against you or file a civil lawsuit. In either case, you should hire an attorney immediately.

You may or may not be legally ordered to pay the victim's medical bills. Ethically speaking, paying up front is probably a good idea. This shows the victim that you are accepting responsibility for your dog. It may even help you avoid a messy lawsuit. The bottom line is that even if you have an explanation for the dog bite, it's the ethical thing to do. In fact, it can be difficult to prove that your dog was provoked or was somehow justified unless it can be proven that the victim was committing a crime. This may not be an argument worth arguing.

If you are lucky enough to have a dog, you have a responsibility to prevent this from happening again. Take steps to prevent your dog from biting again. In most cases, dog bites can be easily prevented by taking appropriate safety measures.  

If you can determine what triggered the bite, try to prevent your dog from getting into the same situation. Work with your dog to adjust his response to triggers. It is absolutely essential to train and socialize your dog as soon as possible after a dog bite. The best plan is to contact a professional trainer and possibly a veterinary behaviorist.

Many aggressive dogs can be helped through training, socialization, and behavior modification. Sadly, in some cases, severe aggression is irreversible and the most humane option is euthanasia. Of course, this is a last resort.

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