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Responsibilities of Dog Owners
Help Make Your Dog Less Inclined To Bite
There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite
someone. But you can significantly reduce the risk. Remember
the old saying "There are no bad dogs, only bad owners." Here
are ways you can help your dog:
Before you obtain a dog, think carefully about the breed that
would be best for you. Any breed of dog will bite, but some
bites are more harmful than others. What breeds of dogs are
more likely to bite? During the 20 year span between 1979 and
1998 there were more than 300 dog-bite-related fatalities, and
at least 25 different breeds were responsible. More than half
of the fatalities were from bites inflicted by pit bulls and
Rottweilers. Wolf hybrids and German shepherds were also more
likely to fatally injure people than some of the other breeds.
Rottweilers were responsible for a greater number of fatal
attacks than any other breed between 1991 and 1998.
Spay or neuter your dog. This important procedure will reduce
your dog's desire to roam and fight with other dogs, making
safe confinement an easier task. Spayed or neutered dogs are
three times less likely to bite.
Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many different types
of people and situations so that he or she is not nervous or
frightened under normal social circumstances.
Train your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is
an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training
techniques. Training your dog is a family matter. Every member
of your household should learn the training techniques and
participate in your dog's education.
Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive
games with your dog such as wrestling or tug-of-war. Your dog
should be submissive, not aggressive. A dog is being
submissive when it rolls over and exposes its belly or
relinquishes food without growling.
Set appropriate limits for your dog's behavior. Don't wait for
an accident. The first time he exhibits dangerous behavior
toward any person, particularly toward children, seek
professional help from your veterinarian, an animal
behaviorist or a qualified dog trainer. Your community animal
care and control agency or humane society may also offer
helpful services. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may
eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is
also a reason to seek professional help.
Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by
law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies
vaccinations. For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to
roam. Make your dog a member of your family: Dogs who spend a
great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain
often become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and
supervised rarely bite. Keep your dog on a leash at all times
when he is outside your own yard. Don't leave your dog
unattended around small children.
Err on the safe side. If you don't know how your dog will
react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic
in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to
visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another
room. Work with professionals to help your dog become
accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are
confident of his behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.
If Your Dog Bites Someone
At the scene of the attack:
Stay calm, don't argue and don't accuse. Don't take blame or
responsibility, but be nice to the victim because he or she
will have to make a decision about pursuing you for damages.
If you are nice, the victim may decide to go easy on both you
and your dog.
Make sure the victim gets medical attention. Take him or her
to the hospital or to a doctor if necessary.
Take steps to protect others from your dog.
Obtain the name, address and phone number of every witness.
In the weeks after the attack:
In the days and weeks after the attack, keep in touch with the
victim if possible, and continue to show a genuine interest in
his or her condition. Victims often love dogs and may decide
to forget the entire thing if you are kind and they are not
badly hurt.
The local animal control authorities may require that your dog
be quarantined. Sometimes the quarantine can be at your own
home. Ask whether home quarantine might be agreeable in view
of the circumstances that apply to your incident.
Locate and preserve your dog's medical records, including
proof that it has received rabies shots. Make a copy of the
rabies certificate and give it to the victim, to put his or
her mind at ease.
You generally are not required to submit your dog for tests
unless the authorities or your insurance company request that
you do so. If you suspect that your dog has rabies or some
other disease, however, you voluntarily should take steps to
warn the victim, and you should talk to your insurance company
or an attorney.
Whether you need to seek legal advice depends on the
circumstances and whether you were insured. If you have not
ruled out criminal consequences in your city and state,
contact an attorney who is familiar with dog bite criminal
laws. If you are insured, report to your insurance company. If
you are not insured, talk to an attorney if:
The victim asks for money.
You receive a claim or suspect that the victim will make a claim in the
future.
The bite was significant.
You suspect that your dog has rabies or another significant illness or
disease.
You have a bad feeling about the situation or the intentions of the
victim.
You hear from the police.
You suspect there may be criminal consequences in your city and state.
If you are a homeowner or renter, or if there is any
possibility that you have other insurance that may possibly
provide coverage for the dog attack, get in touch with your
insurance agent and make a proper report if:
The victim asks for money.
You are paying a significant amount of money to the victim.
You receive a claim or suspect that the victim will make a claim in the
future.
The bite was significant.
You suspect that your dog has rabies or another significant illness or
disease.
You have a bad feeling about the situation or the intentions of the
victim.
You hear from the police.
You may have medical payments coverage which you can offer to the victim.
Every insurance policy has a "cooperation clause." It requires
you (as the insured person) to make reports of incidents, and
then cooperate fully with the insurance company. Obviously,
give them the name, address and telephone number of every
witness.
Insurance for Dog Bites
Homeowners insurance covers most dog bite injuries. Insurance
companies are required to investigate each dog bite claim and
deal in good faith with the victim. Damages in a dog bite case
include medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, future
plastic surgery costs and perhaps psychological counseling.
Dog owners who do not have insurance for dog bites can lose
their homes, their assets and their income as a result of a
single dog bite incident. Although many dog bites do not
result in serious injury, the sad fact is that a significant
number cause devastating scars and disfigurement.
If you don't know if you have insurance coverage for dog
bites, contact your insurance agent now and ask. It could be
extremely important to you.
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