Almost 5 million people a year suffer dog bites in the U.S. with 20 percent of those bites requiring medical attention. Children tend to be victims of dog bites disproportionately – with young children being particularly vulnerable. And dog bites with children in particular can be disfiguring.
Why do dogs bite in the first place?
- Dogs can bite out of fear. Fear of unfamiliar people or situations. Make sure that your dog is introduced to strangers with great care. Supervise those introductions. If you sense the slightest risk of a problem – place your dog is a safe and secure location away from all guests.
- Dogs bite as possessive behavior. Make sure you start early in your training to minimize possessiveness. If your dog needs to eat or drink – make sure that activity occurs away from guests or small children.
- Dogs in pain can bite. If you own a dog with a chronic illness or injury that makes handling them problematic – make sure you place your dog in a safe and secure location away from all guests – particularly children.