Domestic dogs are not predisposed to bite people. As an owner, you have a great deal of control when it comes to training your dog and reinforcing certain behaviors. Training your dog well can help you avoid any legal actions for dog bite injuries. Here are three tips to help you prevent your dog from harming others:
Socialize Your Pet
One of the best ways to prevent dog bites is to ensure that your dog is used to interacting with people of all different sizes. Begin socializing your dog as soon as you bring it home for the first time. Dogs that are not socialized properly can feel uneasy, anxious, or aggressive when approached by strangers. If a dog is scared, it is much more likely to bite someone. By ensuring that your dog does not feel anxious, you can help prevent bites.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
This may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping your pet on a leash can make a big difference in preventing your pet from harming others. A leash gives you control over your dog and can help you keep your pet from feeling anxious. In addition, a leash allows you to quickly remove your pet from unsafe situations.
Stay Away from Dangerous Situations
As a pet owner, you are often liable for any pain that your dog may inflict, so it benefits you to steer clear of certain situations where your dog may injure someone. Avoid leaving your dog alone with small children, and be cautious when introducing your pet to brand new situations that can overwhelm it. A little bit of due diligence can go a long way.
If your dog bites someone, there is a very high chance that your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy will cover it. If you are ever the victim of a dog bite, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The dog bite injury team at Shea Law Group has been helping Chicago-area residents receive compensation for dog bite injuries for decades. Call our office today at (773) 365-0040 for a free evaluation of your dog bite claim.