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Preventing Dog Attacks

Serious dog attacks can be violent and even deadly. Violent dog attacks have been on the rise since the 1990s. What can Kansas and Missouri residents do to protect themselves from a vicious dog?

While the dog down the street you see every day may be a member of a family to someone, it is still an animal. Each year, 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs. About 20 percent of those bites will require medical attention. Clearly, not every dog that bites is a vicious stray.

Children and dogs

Children are most likely to be the victims of a dog bite. Children who fall in the five to nine year-old age group are the most likely to be bitten by a dog. Although rare, the family dog may be capable of (uncharacteristic) violence towards youngsters. Children are especially susceptible as they usually view dogs as friendly animals, and may not be aware of the signs of a potentially aggressive animal.

There are a few steps you can take to help prevent you or a member of your family from becoming the victim of a dog attack. One of the best things you can do is to shift your thinking and view every dog as a potential aggressor. Never take for granted the possibility that a dog could bite, regardless of size or breed. Teach little ones early on to be cautious and follow certain rules when they see a dog they are unfamiliar with.

Know the breed

The debate has brewed over whether breeding or environment makes an aggressive dog. When it comes to safety, the question may be a moot point. Some dogs, like pit bulls, were originally bred to be vicious and aggressive. Pit bulls are also statistically the most likely dog to be abused. Keeping your child away from a pit bull is a very good idea. Pit bulls may attack regardless of the size of the victim, and they often do it without much warning. Teach young children to leave large breed dogs alone until they are old enough to identify a pit bull.

Other aggressive breeds are Rottweilers, German shepherds, Dalmatians, and Dobermans. Each of these breeds has natural instincts that make them excellent guard dogs and law enforcement service animals. These same qualities can raise the likelihood that they will attack if they feel a threat to themselves, their territory, or the family they feel protective loyalty over.

A few key preventative steps

In addition to the key point mentioned previously, follow these steps and teach your family members to do the same. Much of what you can do to protect your family is an exercise in common sense.

1. Approaching an unfamiliar dog is a bad idea. Never go up to a dog you are not acquainted with regardless of the breed.
2. Even friendly dogs may not take interference with mealtime well. Never disturb a dog while it is eating. Absolutely never try to remove food from a dog.
3. Stay still if a dog approaches you. Never run or scream; the dog may interpret these actions as aggression.
4. Do not leave small children with a dog unsupervised. Never leave a child alone with a dog that is unknown to you.
5. Dogs of questionable breed should never have access to a child.
6. Allow a dog to sniff your hand before you reach over its head to pet it. A dog may instinctively snap at a hand reaching over its head.

Have you or a loved one been injured by a dog bite? The Kansas City personal injury lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys offer a free consultation to answer your questions. Give them a call at 888-348-2616 for more information. You can also download a free copy of the resource guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim for further information.

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