Dog Bite Lawyer

As descendants of fierce predators, our furry best friends have long served as companions and protectors, for ages. It is easy to forget this when we are interacting with dogs in our daily lives. Whether you own a dog, regularly visit locations where dogs are present, or happen to cross paths with a stray dog in a public place, it is generally a good practice to play it safe and avoid certain behaviors that can end in a dog biting or attacking you. Dog bites can range widely in severity, but the large majority of attacks are unexpected. As a top-rated dog bite lawyer from Wandres Law, P.C. explains, it really does pay to exercise caution.

Continue reading for a few strategies you can practice to help reduce your risk for being bitten or attacked by a dog.

Practice Spatial Awareness and Mindfulness.

Dog bites can occur in any setting, but you are particularly vulnerable when environmental factors such as darkness and closed spaces inhibit your ability to respond to a potentially aggressive dog that is approaching you. Especially during the evening and nighttime hours when it is dark, be hyper-aware of your surroundings. If you see a dog on the loose while on a walk at night, do not call it to you and do your best to create distance between yourself and it.

Avoid Contact With Wild and Loose Dogs.

Thanks to generations of domestication, many dogs are relatively friendly, however you should never assume that an unfamiliar, wild, or loose dog is friendly. If you happen to unexpectedly encounter a wild, unfamiliar, or loose dog do your best to move away from it. Try to put space between yourself and the dog and consider notifying your local animal control regarding the sighting. A dog with aggressive tendencies may pursue and attack you without provocation and for this reason should be treated with caution.

Defensive Handling Techniques and Practices.

When interacting with dogs, even if you are familiar with them, it is best to not do anything to provoke sudden and unexpected behaviors. We must treat dogs with respect, even those we feel we understand fully. Dogs that are known to be well-behaved but are new to you should be greeted with caution and respect. Ask the handler if the dog is friendly and only after obtaining their consent, allow the dog to sniff your hand before petting them. Mindful handling practices can help prevent painful and costly injuries and contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Obey Warning Signs.

Dog owners usually will display “beware of dog” or similar notices for a reason. Dog owners know that their dog might pose a potential risk to those who do not obey the warnings and are doing their part to reduce their accountability. Before entering, try your best to ask the property owner about their reasoning for displaying a “beware of dog” sign. This is the owner or handlers time to disclose any unapparent tendencies that their dog may have.

Dog Owners Beware When Someone Wants to Pet Your Dog

Most children love dogs. If you own a dog and are out in public and a child and their parent approaches you asking “can I pet your dog?”. Use your best judgment based on your knowledge of your dog’s behavior. It is perfectly okay to deny their request. But, if you consent, be sure to keep your dog under complete control incase of unexpected behavior changes while your furry friend gets pets.