What to Do If Your Dog Bites

If your dog bites someone, you will probably find yourself worried and upset—the last thing you want is for your precious pet to cause harm. It is important to take swift action if a dog bite occurs, as you do not want this to become a recurring behavioral issue with your dog.

Most often, dogs bite people when they feel threatened in some way. It's an instinct still present in domesticated dogs, no matter how friendly they are. But, you can prevent your dog from biting someone, especially if you know why they might bite. Training and socialization are two ways to prevent situations that may lead to bites. Here are tips on how to stop dog bites and what to do if your dog does bite someone.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs may bite people if they feel threatened in some way. It is important for everyone who interacts with dogs to understand what may provoke this aggressive behavior.

• Defensive: Dogs may bite to defend or protect themselves, their territory, or a family member. Mother dogs will fiercely protect their puppies.
• Getting Startled: Waking up a dog or suddenly approaching from behind, can cause a dog to bite.
• Pain: Hurting a dog, even if by accident (such as stepping on them or pushing on sore spots) can provoke a bite.
• Illness: If a dog is not feeling well, they may not even want to be approached or touched by their favorite people.
• Fear: Dogs in fear may bite whoever approaches them. This may be something as severe as being abused or abandoned, or it may be something you perceive as ordinary, such as a loud noise.

How to Stop Dog Bites

As a dog owner, you must take responsibility 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 in preventing dog bites. It's important to do whatever you can to keep your dog from biting, and these tips can help:

• Put your dog through basic training. Continue a training program throughout your dog's life to reinforce the lessons you've taught them.
• Socialize your dog from a young age. Allow them to meet and interact with different types of people under calm and positive circumstances. It also means exposing your dog to various situations regularly. If your dog is not well socialized or displays any signs of fear or aggression, work with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
• Learn your dog's body language and the signs that may lead to a bite. When around people, pay attention to your dog. If needed, remove your dog from the situation before it escalates.
• Do not discipline your dog with physical, violent, or aggressive punishments. Opt for positive reinforcement and reward your dog for good behavior.
• Always keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area. Know your dog well before letting it off-leash in permitted areas. Keep your dog in your sight at all times.
• Warn others if you suspect or know that your dog has fearful or aggressive tendencies. Do not let your dog approach people and other animals unless the situation is highly controlled.
• Be mindful of your dog's limitations and do not place them in situations that will stress them or put them or others at risk.
• Work with a trainer if your dog has fearful or aggressive tendencies. They can discuss the appropriate use of a basket muzzle if necessary.
• Keep your dog's vaccinations current (especially rabies) and visit your vet routinely for wellness check-ups.

How to Interact With Dogs

Dogs are cute and often friendly, so it's easy to get excited when you see one. However, they can quickly turn on someone they don't know. Even if you don't have a dog yourself, it's important to know proper behavior for interacting with dogs and how and when to approach one.

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 education of the public can keep everyone safe.

• Never try to approach or touch an unfamiliar dog without first asking for the owner's permission. If an owner is not present, do not go near the dog.
• When meeting an unknown dog, allow the dog to come to you. Allow it to sniff you. Do not reach to pet it unless the owner has given permission. If the owner and dog cues are appropriate you can, crouch down or turn to the side. Always let it sniff your hand before you pet it.
• Do not put your face close to an unknown dog.
• Understand dog body language. Most dogs will show specific warning signs before biting. But some may not.
• If you are cornered by a dog, remain still and avoid eye contact. Never run or scream. When the dog stops paying attention to you, slowly back away.
• If you're knocked over by a dog, fall to your side in a fetal position, covering your head and face. Remain very still and calm.
• Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Dogs in these situations are more likely to be protective and can become startled.
• Never leave young children or babies 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 for assistance.

If a Dog Bite Occurs

Don't delay, if your dog bites someone, take the following steps:

1. Remain calm.
2. Confine your dog to a crate or another room.
3. Help the bite victim wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
4. Be courteous and sympathetic to the bite victim. Avoid laying blame or getting defensive. This does not mean you need to admit fault. Remember that what you say may be used against you later if a legal or civil action is taken.
5. Contact a medical professional for the bite victim. Depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed. No matter how minor the bite is, the victim should seek medical care. Dog bites that look mild on the surface can get serious very fast.
6. Offer to contact a friend or family member for the victim.
7. Exchange contact information with the victim. Provide your insurance information, if applicable.
8. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information.
9. Contact your veterinarian and obtain your dog's medical records.
10. Inform local authorities of the incident and comply with their orders.

Dog Bites and the Law

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

• You will need to show proof of your dog's rabies vaccination history.
• A quarantine period may be required. The period will likely be longer if the rabies vaccination is not current.
• Depending on the situation and your dog's history, it is possible for your dog to be designated a "dangerous dog." You may have to comply with specific laws regarding the handling of your dog.
• Laws may require that your dog is euthanized if your dog is considered "dangerous," if the injury was very serious, or if a fatality occurred. Also, you could be held legally responsible and face criminal charges.

Your Role After a Dog Bite

The dog bite victim may choose to press charges or file a civil suit against you. In either case, you should immediately hire an attorney.

You may or may not be legally ordered to cover the victim's medical expenses. Ethically, it may be a good idea to offer up front to pay. This shows the victim that you are accepting responsibility for your dog. It may even help you avoid a messy lawsuit. Above all, it is the ethical thing to do, even if you have an explanation for the dog bite. In reality, proving your dog was provoked or somehow justified will be difficult unless it can be proven that the victim was committing a crime. This simply may not be an argument that is not worth having.

If you are fortunate enough to get to keep your dog, it is your responsibility to prevent this type of thing from happening in the future. Take steps to prevent your dog from biting again. In most cases, a dog bite can be easily prevented by taking the proper safety measures. 

If you are able to determine what triggered the bite, try to keep your dog from getting into the same situation. Work with your dog to adjust its reaction to the trigger. It is absolutely essential to work on training and socialization with your dog as soon as possible after the bite. The best plan is to contact a professional trainer and possibly a veterinary behaviorist.

Many dogs with aggression can be helped through training, socialization, and behavior modification. Sadly, in some cases major aggression cannot be reversed and the most humane thing to do is euthanasia. Of course, this is the last resort.