When it comes to dog bite injuries, you need to understand the circumstances which indicate owner negligence or irresponsibility. While most people understand that an aggressive dog is a risk, there are other things to consider as well.
Here are a few situations to watch for with dog owners and their pups to minimize the risk of dog bite injuries.
Failure to use a leash
Even dogs with good recall training can ignore commands from their owner if something else has captured their attention. Whether a dog feels threatened or is targeting prey, that recall training is often irrelevant. Dog owners should use a leash or keep their dog inside a fence at all times for security. A dog allowed to roam off-leash is a liability risk.
Exposure to overstimulating environments
Some dogs enjoy busy environments with lots of people and behave quite well. Others find environments like this stressful and frightening. An overwhelmed dog will often cower, snarl and lash out. Watch for signs of an overstimulated dog and steer clear to reduce bite risks.
Forcing interactions
Some dog owners believe that the only way to teach a dog social skills is to force them into those social environments. For some dogs, this is not a pleasant experience. Dogs with anxiety, fear and discomfort may struggle with socialization. Forced situations create a risk of bites.
Dog bites can be medically severe, especially with larger breeds. Be attentive to the common situations that foster aggressive behaviors so you can avoid those irresponsible dog owners.