Owners are liable for their pets’ behavior. If your dog bites someone, you will be held accountable by the law and/or the insurance company.
Dog laws do vary from state to state and even from one community to another.
What can happen if your dog bites someone?
- You can lose your dog — it may be taken away and euthanized.
- You can lose your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
- You may have trouble obtaining homeowner’s or renter’s insurance in the future.
- You may be responsible for paying for treatment for the bite victim.
- If you have children in the house with an aggressive dog, you may be subject to child endangerment laws.
Breed-specific legislation will not help prevent dog attacks. There are aggressive dogs (and perfectly well behaved dogs) in EVERY breed. Aggression is not a breed problem; it is a dog problem.
Being a responsible owner can help prevent dog aggression issues. Even older dogs can learn to modify their behavior — though it is far easier with a dog under one year old.
- Proper training is essential. If you have control of your dog in all situations, you are less likely to be involved in an incident where your dog is the aggressor.
- Proper health care is essential. With regular veterinarian visits, you can ensure that there are no medical reasons for your dog to behave aggressively.
- Know the signs of aggression.
- Know your dog’s history as much as possible; this can be difficult with shelter dogs, who may come in as strays.
- Don’t make excuses for your dog’s aggressive behavior. Work to change the behavior instead.
- Seek help from an expert: a trainer, a behaviorist, or a veterinarian.
There are some cases where behavior cannot be modified. An aggressive dog may not be safe around children, and should never be left alone with small children. A home with only adults in it may be able to deal with life with an aggressive dog as long as everyone understands the safety and liability issues. Some dogs need to be kept away from people and animals entirely, and may need to be euthanized. Talk to your trainer and veterinarian about all the options available to keep your pets and your family safe.