Dogs have a reputation for being excellent family pets and great companions. They bring many upsides to our lives and are incredibly loyal and protective of their owners. However, lack of training or miscommunication can sometimes make an otherwise friendly animal dangerous.

A dog bite is a common and dangerous canine behaviour. In the United States alone, approximately four and a half million are bitten by dogs. Yes, stray and other strange dogs significantly contribute to the dog bite statistics, but most of the times people are actually bitten by a pet dog.

Pet owners must be wary of their dog’s biting habit as it can become a serious concern. Enlisted below are five reasons why you should never neglect the biting habit of your pet dog.

1.      Your children can be at risk

Unfortunately, children are at high risk of a dog bite. At times, pet owners fail to educate their children as to how they must behave around animals. Lack of understanding on what to do and what to avoid around a pet often lands kids into trouble. Sometimes children create situations where the dogs feel the need to defend themselves. The results are ultimately bad for the kids as well as the dog.

2.      Dog Behavior is uncertain

Dogs are known to be possessive and territorial by nature. They tend to act out when they fear someone or believe that a person is encroaching on their territory. As such, individuals who do not understand the body language of animals or dog behaviour risk getting hurt.  The uncertainty of a dog’s behaviour creates a potential risk when your pet encounters strangers.

3.      “One Free Bite” no longer exists

Back in the day, “one free bite” rule was followed by most states in the USA. The law exempted the dog owners from the responsibility of dog bite if their dog had bitted for the very first time. As of now, the legislatures in several states have eliminated the rule, and the owner is held responsible for the behaviour of their dogs.

4.      Dog owners are strictly liable

For all the dog bite cases, owners are strictly liable for the injuries inflicted by the dog. The injured has legal rights to demand compensation without having to prove that the dog owner was negligent. Dog bite attorney can help the victim press charges and avail the claim. Typically, dog bite claims can amount to tens and thousands of dollars, which the owner is liable to pay by dog bite law.

5.      Quarantine of biting animal

The biting habit of your pet dog not only creates problems for you but also puts him in trouble. The biting animal must be impounded and quarantined for ten days by law. During quarantine, the dog is securely confined at an animal shelter.

Biting is a dangerous canine behaviour, which must never be neglected by any pet owner. Train your pet at an early stage, so that you can avoid all the troubles associated with a dog bite.