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.

Kraft & Associates

2777 Stemmons Freeway
Suite 1300
Dallas, Texas 75207

Dallas: (214) 999-9999
Fort Worth: (817) 999-9999
Toll Free: (800) 989-9999
FAX: (214) 637-2118
E-mail: info@kraftlaw.com

Please direct general business inquiries to:
Ms. Nita Maki, Office Administrator
nmaki@kraftlaw.com