Dog bites are a common occurrence in Canada due to the popularity of having a dog as a companion in urban and rural areas. The Canada Safety Council estimates that there are 460,000 dog bites that occur per year. A dog bite injury lawyer is familiar with these cases, and it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t bite people.
The Most Common Biters
All dogs have the capacity to bite, regardless of the breed, if they are not trained properly. The top dog breeds that are often reported for causing dog bite injuries that require a lawyer are larger and can cause more harm due to their size. In 2014, it was determined that German Shepherds were the number one dog breed causing dog bite injuries, followed closely by mixed-breed dogs. Rottweilers, Jack Russell Terriers, Chow Chows, Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers followed these two dog breeds.
Small Dogs and Dig Bite Injuries
Interestingly, smaller dogs have as much aggression and capacity to bite people, yet these bites are not reported due to lower levels of pain that they inflict on their victims. The most popular occurrences causing dog bite injuries that require a lawyer are when multiple dogs attack at once. Popular reasons for multiple dogs attacking a person occur when someone interrupts normal pack activity, such as when dogs are playing in groups. If a person tries to take a puppy from a pack as well, dog attacks can happen. Approximately 3 out of every 4 reported Canadian deaths, from dog bites, were caused by multiple dogs in the last 20 years.
Rural Areas and Dog Bites
Several dog attacks transpire from “sled dogs” such as huskies in more rural areas where this breed of dog is used accordingly. Aboriginal reserves have higher levels of dog bite injuries requiring a lawyer due to wild dogs living in the area that are not as accustomed to human activity. Dogs living in packs that are unneutered have a tendency to show more aggression towards humans as well.
How to Recognize and Prevent Bite Injuries
There are several factors that contribute to dog bite injuries that require a lawyer, including if the person is a stranger or friend, if the dog lives in an urban or rural area, and if it is trained properly. It is integral that dog owners train their dogs properly to prevent dog bites. Professional training courses with larger dogs are a great way to learn how to work on appropriate dog behavior. It is important to start with these steps when the dog is a puppy.
Spending time with a dog is essential for a happy and healthy companion. Dogs are pack animals and need high levels of socialization in order to be content. Human socialization is a great way to ensure a dog is comfortable being in contact with humans. Adequate food and exercise is important for dogs as well, otherwise the animal can become agitated and may become aggressive.
Overall, higher levels of reported dog bite injuries are often not adequate in assessing whether that particular type of animal is dangerous. These dog bites are reported because the larger dog can cause more damage than a smaller dog, yet is not necessarily more aggressive. A dog bite injury lawyer can help your case regardless of the bite. With proper treatment and care, all breeds of dogs can be happy and healthy companion animals, and dog bites will cease to be an issue.
Sources
https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/LiteratureReviews/Pages/The-Role-of-Breed-in-Dog-Bite-Risk-and-Prevention.aspx
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/10/03/pit_bulls_were_torontos_biggest_biters_before_the_ban.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387261/