Dangerous Dog Breeds (Part 2)

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Information - Dog Attack

Certain dog breeds were bred for specific characteristics throughout the centuries. Whether they were bred for small size, herding instincts, or defensive traits, these characteristics were passed along in the designated breed until it was in their nature and part of the breed itself. While all dogs can benefit from training and exposure to situations thus calming some of the more aggressive characteristics, the complete suppression of an instinct is not reasonable. Dogs that were bred to be alert, defensive, and protective will show the signs of being a dangerous dog breed throughout their lives. It is best to know which dogs naturally have these characteristics and to be cautious when interacting with them.

Dangerous Dog Breeds Due to Breeding

Akita

The Akita is known to be a stubborn, protective, an unsocial breed. They are fiercely loyal and protective of their family and naturally suspicious of strangers. This dog breed was originally utilized for guard work and for large-game hunting, as they are capable of standing their ground against bears. Without proper socialization as a puppy, this large and muscular breed can become aggressive. They are known to be unfriendly toward other animals, children, and strangers.
Height
- Females: 24-26 inches
- Males: 26-28 inches
Weight
- 85-130 pounds

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher breed originally began in Germany and was bred to be loyal and protective. Over the years, the Doberman has added intelligence, speed, and stubborn qualities to its name and has been identified as aggressive in some situations. They were used in WWI and have been used as military and police dogs in various countries. They are extremely protective and loyal to their families and can be intimidating to strangers when given cause.

Height
- Females: 24-26 inches
- Males: 26-28 inches
Weight
- 60-80 pounds

Giant Schnauzer

This dog was bred as a working dog. Known for its intelligence and energy levels, the Giant Schnauzer was used to herd cattle and act as a guard dog. They were later incorporated into the role of a police dog in Germany. They tend to have bold personalities and work well as guard dogs due to their territorial natures. Schnauzers will alert their owners of trespassers without fail. They are suspicious of strangers and will do as they please without proper socialization and training, including guarding the house in any way they see fit.
Height
- Females: 23.5-25.5 inches
- Males: 25.5-27.5 inches
Weight:
- 55-80

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Although small, these dogs were initially bred in Britain as fighting dogs. They have muscular bodies and large heads that often remind people of American Pitbull Terriers. Although they are known to be loving toward their family and friendly toward children and strangers, these dogs are highly aggressive toward other animals. Even with exposure to other dogs at a young age, this breed can be overly aggressive with other dogs throughout its lifetime.
Height
- Females: 14-15 inches
- Males: 15-16 inches
Weight

24-38 pounds

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Dogs in Restaurants, What You Need to Know

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Information - Dog Bite, Insurance

Allowing animals in restaurants has been an ongoing discussion for many restaurant owners, dog enthusiasts, dog critics, and public officials across the United States for some time. Officials and critics site facts about health and safety hazards while enthusiasts and owners rally around training and health benefit defenses. As it stands, the law is slightly different across the states and many states have yet to weigh in. To stay within the law of Louisiana and to also stay safe from the hazards and health risks that accompany the issue, we’ve compiled what Louisiana has permitted concerning dogs in restaurants.

Dog and Restaurant Laws and Risks in Louisiana

Louisiana Law for Dogs in Restaurants

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, allowing dogs in public places and restaurants is limited and restaurants have to meet strict requirements for dogs to be allowed anywhere near the premises. Dog owners are required to vaccinate their dogs and are also responsible for their pet’s behavior and any damage it causes when in a public area.

The FDA states that in a restaurant, dogs are not legally permitted to enter any location where food is being prepared. If the restaurant cannot guarantee that utensils, linens, and serving equipment will not be exposed or contaminated by the dog’s presence then the dog is not allowed to be there. This means self-closing doors and appropriate separation from the dining areas and the food preparation areas must exist. In addition, all restaurant equipment that customers may use must be kept in closed containers. Restaurants are never allowed to serve dogs food from the same equipment that human customers eat from. That means restaurants are required to make sure dog owners don’t let their dogs take a piece of food from their plate or fork.

Exceptions for Dogs in Restaurants

As with any law, certain exceptions exist that allow dogs to be in restaurants in specific cases. The most obvious exception is service animals for people who have disabilities. These dogs are highly trained to perform actions that their owners have trouble completing on their own but even then these dogs are still restricted from the cooking areas of the restaurant. Another exception is patrol dogs that are accompanying police or security officers.

Risks for Allowing Dogs in Restaurants

While dogs can be extremely well trained, there is always the potential for a dog to bite someone. A loud noise, an accidental bump, or an unfamiliar person can cause a dog to bite, resulting in tissue and nerve damage.

Having a dog in a restaurant introduces many other threats to customers. Pet dander and hair can cause other restaurant customers to have allergic reactions. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has stated that three of 10 people in the United States suffer from allergic reactions to cats and dogs, so having dogs in restaurants can cause problems for many people.

Along with the common health risks, dogs bring in more severe health risks as well. Naturally, dogs have to use the restroom and when they are confined to an area, whether it is an eating establishment or not, they will go to the restroom when they need to go. This brings in the risk for sickness for customers if the restaurant is not properly maintained and sanitized by the restaurant staff after each accident. Dogs also have the potential to bite restaurant patrons, too. They can also psychologically affect people. Those who are afraid of dogs or who have been attacked by a dog in the past can feel extremely uncomfortable around dogs, no matter how well the dog is trained.

Ultimately, it is up to the restaurant owners whether or not dogs are allowed in their place. They have to consider all the risks and take extreme precaution to ensure sanitation if they decide to allow them. Restaurants and business establishments may be responsible for attacks and other health or safety risks associated with allowing dogs on their premises.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Dangerous Dog Breeds (Part 1)

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Information - Dog Attack, Dog Bite

Let’s face it, not all dog breeds are created equal. The Labrador breed is known to cause the most dog bites each year in America, but it is also the most commonly owned breed. This favorite family pet has more opportunities to bite because of the larger population. But the fact of the matter is that a Labrador, no matter how big, simply lacks the temperament, inclination to bite, and the jaw strength to do serious damage except in the most extreme of circumstances. Other dog breeds have more severe temperaments, inclinations, and jaw strengths.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

The American Pit Bull Terrier

This dog has a long and violent past and is known to be a fighting breed. Characteristics include massive jaws, high agility capabilities, and owner obedience. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog that will become aggressive if not properly socialized from a puppy. They are known for never backing down from a fight and fighting to the finish, no matter the consequences.
Height
- Females: 17-18 inches
- Males: 18-19 inches
Weight
- 30-85 pounds

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler breed is an extremely muscled breed and can be identified by its large size and coloring. It is mostly black with brown highlights around the face, chest, and eyes. These dogs have enormous physical strength and have been used as work dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. Rottweilers are protective and aggressive and can be dangerous when strangers or unknown animals come into contact with them.
Height
- Females: 22-25 inches
- Males: 24-27 inches
Weight
- 85-130 pounds

German Shepard

This dog breed is a working dog known for its agility, high energy, and trainability. They tend to be large and are versatile in the jobs they can perform. Combined with their other traits of a suspicious nature toward strangers and a protective nature of their family and home, German Shepards can be dangerous to those not known to them. They are not afraid to attack and as a result, have been used for military and police jobs.
Height
- Females: 22-24 inches
- Males: 24-26 inches
Weight
- 75-95 pounds

Bullmastiff

Originally bred to be a guard dog, the Bullmastiff is a confident, fast, and courageous dog. They are extremely large in stature and carry a lot of muscle enabling them to take down fully-grown adults with ease. The dog breed is a known protector and can be aggressive with strangers.
Height
- Females: 24-26 inches
- Males: 25-27 inches
Weight
- 100-130 pounds

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

What to do When You Slip and Fall

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Information - Slip and Fall

A leaky roof, an uneven step, or an unlit room is all it takes for you to have a slip and fall accident and obtain a painful injury. An accident like this occurs quickly and can be covered up or forgotten swiftly and easily. Sometimes you may not want to report the incident due to embarrassment. Other times the property owner may try to downplay your injuries in an effort to reduce possible claims. In any slip and fall incident however, you should report it so you are compensated for your injuries. There are several steps to complete in order to successfully report a slip and fall accident. Be sure to complete each one so you get your compensation.

Complete each step after a slip and fall accident

Report it Immediately

In a slip and fall accident, timing is everything. The quicker you report an incident the better the chance police have in finding evidence that the injury was the property owner’s fault and was caused by his or her negligence. If you wait too long on reporting the incident and taking legal action, you give the property owner time to destroy evidence with convenient excuses. If you report the incident immediately and take legal action, the owner will be put on notice that they need to secure and protect the evidence from destruction.

Get Witnesses

Obtaining witnesses who can vouch for your incident is important in proving you are a victim of the property owner’s negligence. When you slip and fall, talk to the people who were present during the incident. Ask them for permission to call upon them as a witness to the accident in the future. Also, ask for their contact information in case the police have any questions. Getting people outside of the immediately affected parties who can explain the incident will help provide solid evidence of who is to blame for the incident.

Check Surveillance

You will need to ask to see the surveillance video and have the police obtain them for you as soon as possible. Seeing and getting the surveillance video quickly will prevent the property owner from destroying the evidence with excuses such as accidentally taping over the incident or losing the video. Once the police are notified of the existence of the video, it is illegal for the property owner to destroy the evidence.

Preserve Evidence

Preserving the evidence will be a key factor in your case. While you may technically have a year to report your injury after a slip and fall accident, a lot can change in a year. If you fell on an uneven step and don’t report it for a year, the step may well be already fixed by then. If your only evidence was the physical step then you should photograph the area before changes are made. Reporting the incident as soon as possible is important so your lawyer can demand that the evidence be preserved.

A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere at anytime to anyone. If you do not report the incident then you cannot be compensated for your injuries and you may be allowing it to happen again to someone else. Addressing each of these steps after an accident will help build a solid foundation for your case and get you one step closer to being compensated for your injuries. If you or someone you know has experienced a slip and fall accident, contact Gegenheimer so he can help you address each factor listed above and get you your compensation.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

A Loose Dog Caused Me to Crash My Car

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Information - Damages, Dog Attack, Injury

Many people automatically think a dog injury only occurs when a dog bites a person, which forces them to seek medical attention. While this is one type of injury caused by a dog, it’s not the only type of injury. When a driver swerves or brakes to avoid hitting a loose dog, it can cause serious property damage or bodily injury to you, your car, and others in the area. These types of injuries that are not a result of direct interaction with a dog but are still caused by a dog are considered dog-related damages.

Louisiana Law

Louisiana addresses the negligence of a dog owner with specific legal doctrine. When a dog owner does not take precautions to prevent their dog from causing injury to others then they can be held liable. Louisiana doctrine states that dogs must be secure at all times, either on a leash or behind secured fences, and that a dog does not have to bite anyone in order for the doctrine to apply. If a dog causes someone to injure him or herself through directly targeted behavior, then the owner can be liable for the resulting damages and injuries. This means that if a dog causes a car wreck then the owner is responsible.

Responsibility of the Accident

While Louisiana is a strict liability state, meaning a dog owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes, a situation can become complicated if more than one car is involved in a wreck.

If your car is the only one affected when a dog causes a car wreck then the owner of the dog is likely responsible for the accident. The resulting injury and/or property damage caused by the negligence of the dog owner to properly secure their dog means that it is the owner’s responsibility to pay for the damage.

If several cars are involved while avoiding the dog then two or more parties could be held responsible for the accident, including the dog owner. If someone rear-ended you after you hit the brakes, the dog owner and the person who rear-ended you could both be responsible.

Filing a Claim

A car wreck can lead to serious expenses and that’s something you don’t want to be on the line for by yourself. This is especially true if you didn’t cause the accident in the first place. Getting the responsible party, in most cases the dog owner, to cover your expenses will be your top priority. If the dog is a strange dog you are unfamiliar with, try to identify it by its nametag. If the dog is aggressive or skittish, ask around the area where you wrecked to see if any neighbors know who the dog belongs to and avoid further injuries. After you find the owner, you can file a claim.

In the case that you know the dog and whom it belongs to then all you need to do is file your claim with the owner’s information. While you may be hesitant to cause strain in your relationship by filing a claim, you don’t need to worry about putting a financial strain on them. Their homeowners insurance will cover the costs of the damage and your injuries. You’ll be able to get the compensation you need to repair your life.

A car accident caused by a loose dog in the street is no laughing matter. Swerving into a light pole, mailbox, or other object will result in extensive property damage and can result in great personal injury. If you have experienced an accident due to a dog roaming the streets, contact Gegenheimer so he can help you get the compensation you need to restore your life. Whether you need help making sure the claim includes all damage and costs or you need help getting the dog owner or other party involved to cooperate, Gegenheimer can help you with your accident claim.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Dogs and Your Child

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Information - Dog Bite

You’ve heard all kinds of stories about dogs and children. Some of them were inspiring, stories woven together about best friends that do everything together. Others have been scary snippets about dog attacks on innocent children. What you want to know however is if your child will be safe around your dog, the neighbor’s dog, or any dog they happen to come across. It’s safe to say that when you put two beings that have their own personalities together nothing is guaranteed. That being said, let’s look at a few things and how your child and dogs can live together peacefully.

Facts

First things first, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million dog bites occur each year just within the United States. The CDC also stated that those most at risk to receive a dog bite are children and men. Children aged 5 to 9 have the highest rate of dog-bite related injuries.

Those numbers can look frightening to anyone with children, but if you have your hopes set on having your children and dogs play together, not all is lost.

Dogs and children can live together with proper lessons and attention.

Safety Rules

Remember, children are not as practiced at reading signals from dogs as adults. Never leave your children alone with a dog. Children don’t always understand dog behavior, so teach your children the warning signs dogs give when they are unhappy or getting ready to attack. Let your child know that some of the warning signs that a dog gives when it’s unhappy include baring its teeth, lowering its head or tail, attempts at hiding, or holding its body straight or rigid.

Maintaining proper respect for the dog is also imperative to avoiding bites. Teach your children to never approach a strange dog and always ask permission from a dog’s owner before trying to pet the dog. When they are introduced to a new dog, be sure they know to let the dog sniff them before reaching out and the proper way to pet and treat a dog. Knowing how to treat a dog properly will lessen the chance of a bite.

Another safety rule for children when interacting with dogs is to prevent your child from interrupting a dog when the dog is enjoying its own space. Prevent your child from interrupting a dog when it’s sleeping, eating, chewing a bone, playing aggressively with a toy, or when the dog is a mother with her puppies. During these times dogs can become more aggressive than usual so it’s a good idea to keep small hands away at these times.

If you are a dog owner, you’ll also need to spend some time teaching your dog how to interact with children, especially if it hasn’t been around them from the beginning. Teaching your dog some basic obedience skills will help prevent any bites as well. Spend time teaching your dog to drop and leave any item it has, to sit, lie down and stay, to come when called, and to greet people and children gently. These skills, if taught properly can help to prevent a dog from biting a child.

With certain precautions and extra care, children and dogs can live peacefully together. It’s important however to be aware of the risks and if a bite does occur be sure to know what steps to take to help your child. In your own home you’ll have more of a handle on any situation but if your child meets another dog it won’t always be possible to stop a bite. In those times, be sure to hire a lawyer who can give you and your child the help you need.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

My Neighbor’s Dog Just Bit My Child

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Information - Compensation, Dog Attack, Dog Bite, Injury, Legal Representation

It happens more often than you think; you’re attending a social event at your neighbor’s house and your neighbor’s dog bites your child. This situation can become pretty awkward due to your relationship with your neighbor. Because this can be a delicate situation, you should hire a lawyer to help you navigate the situation and get the compensation you need to pay for your child’s medical bills. If you’re worried about this incident stressing the relationship, don’t. Getting the compensation you need for your child doesn’t have to cause strain between you and your neighbor.

Paying the Bills

Medical bills for a dog bite injury can be expensive. You’re worried about being unable to afford it yourself, while also not wanting to put the burden on your neighbor. The good news is that the burden to pay for your child’s medical bills will not fall on you or your neighbor when you sue for a dog bite injury. Normally, medical costs from claims for dog bite injuries will fall to your neighbor’s homeowners insurance company.

What Happens to the Dog

Another concern you may have about filing a suit against your neighbor after the attack is what will happen to your neighbor’s dog. The last thing you want to do in this situation is cause more pain, and you don’t want to make your neighbor put down their beloved dog. Most likely however, that won’t be the case. Your neighbor will have to report the attack and the dog may be placed on a dangerous dog list, but the chances of it being put down is minimal.

Talking About the Injury

This will be the hardest and most straining part of the situation. Your neighbor will want to talk to you about the incident and your child’s injuries. You should consult with an attorney before speaking about or discussing the consequences of the dog bite incident with your neighbor. Exchanging contact information and the medical records of the dog is advised, but nothing beyond that should be discussed before your consultation with an attorney.

Being familiar with a dog will not always save you or your family from a bite. Having a friendly relationship with the dog owner doesn’t have to complicate the process of getting the compensation you need. While this won’t be a happy situation, it doesn’t have to strain your relationship with your neighbor. Speak with an attorney today to find out how to proceed with getting the compensation you need for your child following a dog bite.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Liability for Slip and Fall Accidents

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Information - Damages, Injury, Slip and Fall

When you enter a business or place of residence you have the expectation to leave in the same condition that you entered.

Slip and fall accidents are a serious concern and can cause serious injury. Businesses and individuals are obligated to provide a reasonably safe area to others. If an incident does occur and you are injured, you’ll need to know if it was caused by the other person’s negligence or if it was something that was a normal part of life.

Providing a Safe Premises

Businesses and individuals that open their property up to the public have an obligation to provide a safe environment to their guests. They need to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of anyone on their property.

This means they cannot ignore problems that are obvious safety concerns and must take steps to fix and warn people of potential injuries. When people know about problems before they encounter them they can decide whether they want to take that risk or not.

The owner of a property that has unsafe conditions could be liable for injuries that occur on the property. If they are liable they will have to compensate the victim for injuries.

Act Within Reason

A factor that affects who is liable for an injury after a slip and fall is whether the injured person was acting within reason and with care. If an alert person would’ve noticed the danger and avoided it, or was acting recklessly or was in the area without a reason, then the chances of the building owner being liable is low.

While the owner has an obligation to provide a safe area, you have an obligation to act within reason and with reasonable care. The property owner will not be liable for an injury that was a result of reckless behavior.

When it comes to determining who is liable and whether or not you have a case concerning your personal injury, it is best to consult a lawyer. To get an idea of whether or not you may have a case, ask yourself the following questions:

Did the owner of the property cause the danger?
Did the owner of the property know about the danger or was the danger obvious to a reasonable person and did the owner refuse to fix it?
Did the object that caused your injury have a legitimate reason to be in the place that you were injured?
Were there any signs indicating the spot could be dangerous?
Were you distracted or doing something else when you were injured?
Would an alert person have avoided the danger?

There are many factors that go into determining who is liable in situations and a lawyer can help you figure out whether or not you have a claim.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Understanding the Compensation Surrounding Dog Attacks

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Information - Compensation, Damages, Dog Attack, Dog Bite, Injury

If you’re a victim of a dog bite, you’re entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. But how do you know what you’re entitled to? There are many parts of losses and damages, but they can be generally put in two categories: economic (damages that cost you money) and non-economic (damages that to put to an exact number).

Economic Damages

Economic damages include medical costs such as emergency vehicle transportation, compensation for future operations or cosmetic scar treatment, loss of past and future income or opportunity, defensive measures (such as putting up a fence), and past counseling expenses. It also covers less obvious expenses like future psychological costs, funds expended on a vacation that could not be taken, torn clothing, and more. Essentially, economic damages are explicit expenses incurred as a result of the dog attack.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages include but are not limited to the pain of the injury and the treatment, mental suffering when confronted by dogs or remembering the attack, humiliation caused by scars, and loss of quality of life due to disability. Non-economic damages are implicit costs.

In some states and cases, the defendant may not be solely liable for the injury. Louisiana however is a strict liability state. This means that the owner of the dog that attacked is liable for the injury, as long as the plaintiff was legally allowed to be where he or she was when the attack occurred, and did not provoke the dog.

Your lawyer should establish the full measure of your damages. Medical bills and records, opinion letters written by your primary physicians, and letters from employers are used as the starting point for the case. A private, experienced attorney is the only one who can advise a dog bite victim as to what evidence is needed in any particular case. They will help determine which experts need to be retained to present their opinions, how much a victim should receive for pain, suffering, humiliation and loss of income, and all of the other items of possible loss mentioned above.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.

Why Does a Dog Bite?

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Information - Dog Bite

Just like our own mood swings, sometimes our furry friends have a lapse in their dispositions and become a little more aggressive than we’d like. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to ever be around your dog again, as there are lots of reasons why a dog might bite you or someone you know. That being said, you don’t want a temporary lapse in your dog’s mood to cause you any trouble in court or with animal control. The best way to avoid an incident is to know the cause that might trigger the bite reaction in the first place and then take steps to avoid putting yourself and others in harms way.

Here are a Few Reasons that Dogs Might Bite You or Another Person.

Redirected Aggression

Often times when dogs get into a fight, they are acting on instinct and adrenaline and are not concerned with other aspects of their surroundings. You should avoid putting your hands anywhere near a dogfight and instead use a stick or loud noises to break up a dogfight.

Defense/ Feel Threatened

When dogs are protecting their toys, home, people, or themselves they can become aggressive. To avoid aggression when dealing with their toys or food, use obedience training to dispel some of the dominant possessive behavior. Training will also help with possessiveness of the people and home as well. You can also help by letting the dog meet new people gradually. You should advise visitors to not make any aggressive moves, even if they are joking, toward your dog. Let them know to never corner your dog, because if they corner your dog and it feels it can’t escape, it may resort to violence.

Dominance Aggression

Dogs who bite due to dominance aggression feel they are the leader of the household. They don’t believe you have the right to tell them what to do and will act accordingly. Obedience training as early as possible will curb this behavior and so will spaying or neutering the aggressive dog. You will need to monitor dominant aggressive dogs more carefully and avoid putting them in situations that will trigger undesired behavior.

Pain

Dogs can hide their pain fairly well. If your dog inexplicably bites you and you can find no other reason for the aggression, they might be in pain. You could have accidentally petted a sore spot and a warning nip of instinct might be the result. If this is the case, try taking your dog to the vet. The vet will be able to identify your dog’s injury and get them back to their healthy selves.

Maternal Aggression

If your dog is a new mother then she will be protective of her puppies. To avoid aggression bites during this time, let her have her space until she is ready to allow people around her puppies.

Prey Instincts

If you are playing an aggressive game with your dog, like tug of war and you are bitten, it was most likely an accident. Your dog was probably reaching for the toy and got you instead. Try switching to a different game like fetch that will satisfy their prey instinct and keep you out of harms way.

Dogs don’t always mean to bite and accidents do happen, but you can minimize them by knowing your dog’s tendencies and the situation. Always keep an eye on your pet when they are around strangers no matter how well behaved they are to avoid incidents. Knowing the reasons why dogs can become aggressive will help you keep your dog from biting others and help you stay clear of strange dogs that might cause you problems.

This site is intended purely as a resource guide for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney in your state. The use and receipt of the information offered on this site is not intended to create, nor does it create, an attorney-client relationship. The content of an e-mail sent to Scott T. Gegenheimer Attorney at Law or any of its attorneys will not create an attorney-client relationship and will not be treated as confidential.