Whether you are an animal lover or animals are not for you, the reality is that dogs can be dangerous, and understanding why dogs bite can help people avoid dog attacks. Every dog owner should know these common causes so that they can work to keep their dogs out of situations where they could bite.
However, it is even more important for others to know the common causes of dog bites in Bakersfield so they can know what might provoke an attack. This information is essential for parents because children are at a higher risk of dog bites and severe dog bite injuries. Our experienced dog bite attorneys at Colvin Accident Lawyers could help you understand your legal options if a dog has injured you.
Some people believe that certain breeds are inherently more dangerous than others. That is mostly a myth. For example, while most people think the pit bull is the most dangerous dog, it is one of the safest and least aggressive dogs, constantly ranking at or near the family’s favorite golden retriever.
The breed does have some bearing on a dog’s likelihood to bite. Dogs bred for certain activities, such as terriers, who were bred to hunt small game, often have high prey drives. However, the real impact of breed on the likelihood of biting is size. Small dogs are not only much more likely to bite than larger dogs, but they are also the right size to do substantial soft-tissue damage to children.
While breed may not be a reliable determinant of whether a dog will bite in Bakersfield, one factor is. The vast majority of dog bites and injuries from severe dog attacks come from unneutered male dogs. Additionally, female dogs may also be more likely to bite because of protective instincts around their puppies. To make dogs safer around people, owners should spay and neuter them.
Dogs use body language to communicate with other dogs and with people. They often project that they will bite long before they nip, snap, or attack anyone. Unfortunately, many people do not understand these warning signs, which are ways dogs show fear or pain.
A dog that is hurt or fears that it is about to be hurt has few ways to escape. They may be or feel cornered, which can result in them biting someone. These bites often happen with children who may climb or crawl all over dogs, pull their hair, bite them, and step on them. One common way to reduce the likelihood of your child being hurt by a dog bite in Bakersfield is to teach them respectful behavior around dogs. They should not approach strange dogs, pet a dog without permission, or pursue a dog that is trying to get away from them.
Many dogs are happy-go-lucky creatures who will welcome any visitor into their home. Others are wary of strangers. How an owner responds to that behavior can make it more or less likely that a dog will bite.
A trainer can help address territorial aggression, but a dog owner who ignores those behaviors is courting danger. Even protective breeds should not be aggressive, and owners should be able to stop aggressive behavior. Unfortunately, many people get dogs with naturally aggressive tendencies and have no idea how to socialize or train those dogs.
One of the top mistakes people can make is in Bakersfield to run from an aggressive dog, which can trigger a bite. Once a human turns and runs, it changes from the apex predator to a prey animal. No one should ever turn their back on a dog and run if they think an attack is imminent. People cannot outrun dogs, which is more likely to trigger a bite.
Dog bites can range in severity from so mild they require no medical attention to disfiguring, severe, and even deadly. Understanding the common causes of dog bites in Bakersfield can reduce your chances of being hurt.
If you have been severely injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation from the owner. Contact an experienced lawyer from our firm to find out more during a consultation meeting.
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