Fool-proof Tips that Will Save You from Dog Bites

When a dog bites, there is a significant chance that it might cause serious injuries that may eventually lead to long recovery. As a result, dog bite victims are at risk of suffering from physical, financial and emotional losses.

Definitely, no one wants dog bites. Thus, out of concern for his fellow citizen in Los Angeles, a personal injury lawyer shares herein some important guides on how to prevent dog bites taken from a professional dog trainer.

According to Victoria Stilwell, a dog trainer by profession, by understanding a dog’s body language, people can prevent dog bites.

“Most dogs that bite are only doing so because they are scared and want to warn you to back away. That is what aggression achieves – distance,” said Stilwell.

Stilwell suggests that if you are meeting a dog for the first time, keep in mind that the most important to do is give the canine a space and do not go beyond that space.

When the dog becomes familiar or comfortable with your presence, it will eventually come to you. Once it approaches you, turn your body to the side so that you will look less threatening.

Thereafter, put your hand in fist so that the canine can sniff it.

Additionally, when you meet a dog for the first time, don’t stare straight into its eyes because doings so may mean that you are challenging them. Also, don’t smile at them as they may interpret it as if you are furiously grinning at them.

Pet the canine on the back of its neck or on its back and not on the top of its head.

A dog’s yawning and lip licking may be a sign that it is not comfortable with your presence and that it wants you to stay away.

If the scenario gets worse, try not to run from a dog or scream. If you get knocked over and have no choice, roll into a ball, lie still and cover your head for your own protection.

Knowing the above-said facts is the best way to prevent injuries resulting from dog bites. Therefore, take note of these signs.

Experts Say Children are More Prone to Dog Bites

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that children have the highest risk for dog bites. Also, they are most possibly to need medical attention from a dog bite incident.

In its statement, the agency claimed that children below the age of 15 account for nearly 60 percent of dog bites, while those between the ages of 5 to 9 years old seem to be the most prone to dog attacks.

Several studies explained three of the major reasons why children are the most prone to dog bites. Here are they:

1.    Children are less perceptive of a dog’s body language and emotions.

According to a 2010 study, two researchers proved that children tend to be less understanding of a dog’s body language and emotions. In fact, out of 372 children aged 8 to 12, only few of them understand a dog’s emotions. The six emotions of dogs tested were joy, submission, threat, attack, fear, and friendliness. Although children obviously understand joy, friendliness, and fear, a dog’s body language signs for submission, attack, and threat were often almost unrecognized.

2.    Children have perceived authority over their family dog.

In a separate study, it revealed that children have a sensed authority over their dog to the point that they are overly confident that the dog will obey them at all times. In many dog bite incidents, the child tries to exert control over the dog. Experts say that the best way to overcome such kind of dog behavior is to develop a healthy relationship with your dog. This way, children could learn from you by example.

3.    Children engage in risky behavior with the dog.

Oftentimes, children become very active and engage in risky behavior with dogs by grabbing them, hitting, or playing with them too harsh. Apparently, it is entirely unintentional but the problem is that dogs completely don’t recognize it. Such problem can be solved by teaching your child how to properly play with your family dog. It is also important to make sure that children are always supervised when pets are around.

Knowledge begins at home, said a Los Angeles injury lawyer. By teaching the children how to properly deal and care for animals, especially for your family dog, is the best way to correct any risky behavior. In that way, your pet can be very responsive to any possible situations as well.

Entwined Relationship between Dog Bites and Personal Injury Lawyers

An owner of an animal shall be responsible for everything that it does. This is true to a dog owner whose dog bites or attacks an innocent person.

Thankfully, I do not have pets so I may not held liable but I may be a victim of these vicious pets.

The responsibility of the dog owner arises from the fact that as its owner, he/she has the responsibility to take care of it. Otherwise, liability shall devolve upon the owner for all the consequences of his/her negligence.

The responsibility of a dog owner is discussed in a blog, “Dog Bites and Personal Injury Attorneys Go Together”. The author laid down the liability of the owner from medical bills to vaccinations, from psychological damage to loss of earnings.

Moreover, Jon Farris, vice president for insurance company General Casualty, said that “Pet owners are typically responsible for their animals' actions -- provoked or not -- including medical bills and legal fees". She even suggested getting an insurance to be prepared from any accident concerning your pets.

I may agree with the author when it stated that dog bites and personal injury go together.

It is because injury from dog bites or attacks constitute personal injury. The term personal injury is encompassing. It includes some form of injury either physical or psychological suffered by another. Consequently, injury sustained from dog bites or attacks is intertwined with and included in the term personal injury.

True enough; a personal injury lawyer should be consulted for legal assistance in case any problem involving your pets occurs. They are your protectors so to speak.