December 27, 2021
It is traumatic for you and your dog when your dog bites another dog. You, like most dog owners, go to great lengths to keep your dog safe. Animals, on the other hand, can be unpredictable. As a result, the majority of emergency veterinarian visits are due to dog bite wounds.
You or your dog’s caretaker are or should be in control of your dog at all times, just like the operator of the car. If your dog bites another dog, you are responsible.
Why do dogs attack other dogs?
The attack is not the right word because dogs do not go about looking for people to attack. Instead, dogs are social animals who avoid situations where they can become aggressive.
Dogs get aggressive only when they believe they have no other option. This could be due to a sudden fright or the failure to notice signs that they are uncomfortable.
When dogs have a high ‘prey drive,’ they may feel compelled to chase and bite small pets or farm animals, mainly if they are going away. Owners of dog breeds known for this should ensure that their dog does not accidentally harm other animals. Making your home and garden secure and keeping them on a lead when outside is examples of this.
Dogs rarely bite without warning. However, there are clear signs of aggression that dogs are likely to display, including:
- Growling
- Snarling
- Snapping
- Baring teeth
- Lunging.
However, dogs often show signs of feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
It is crucial to recognize the signs that your dog is uncomfortable, as they try to ‘talk’ to us before they growl. Never punish a dog for growling since they are simply expressing their uncomfortableness. Unfortunately, many warning signals will have been ignored up to this point, and a growl is frequently used as a last resort before a bite.
Keep an eye on your dog’s body language. Give your dog some space if you notice these signs. Dogs may simply require a break from the company of other dogs or people before they are willing to play together again. If they show signs of stress, do not force them to interact with other dogs or people which will help preventing your dog from attacking because this will only make them feel uncomfortable.
What to do if your dog attacks another dog
If your dog has become aggressive, it is easy to feel powerless or embarrassed, but you can do a few things to help.
- Stay Calm – If you become agitated, your dog may become more concerned.
- Distract your dog from a distance – Avoid making direct eye contact with or shouting at your dog since this can make them more aggressive. If you can, call them away or use their favorite toy to divert their attention. If you have a leash or a large coat, you can use it to distract your dog long enough for the other dog to get away, and then you can bring them under control. Hopefully, the owner of the other dog will try to get their dog out of the situation.
- Get them back on the lead – When you do this, be careful because they may be under a lot of stress, and you do not want to get bitten. A slip lead can be safer (you can make one with a normal lead by putting the end of the lead through the handle to make a loop).If you cannot get a lead on their collar or over their head, try putting a slip lead under their tummy, right in front of their back legs. Again, keep calm and take them somewhere where they will not see the other dog and can calm.
- You need to take precautions for next time – If this was a one-time incident, something might have scared your dog, such as the size or way in which the other dog approached yours. Take your dog to the vet to make sure the unexpected aggression is not due to medical reasons. If this is ruled out, working with an approved behaviorist may be beneficial. They can assist in ensuring that your dog can deal with any situation that may arise without using aggression.
Muzzle training your dog is a good idea regardless of how your dog behaves with other dogs. For example, if your dog finds vet visits stressful or known to eat things they shouldn’t while out and about, muzzle training may be beneficial.
Your dog’s aggression toward other dogs may be a learned behavior. They may need to wear a basket muzzle in public, and you will need to adjust the times you walk them so as not to meet as many other dogs. In the long run, it is better to have your vet refer you to an accredited behaviorist so you can train your dog that other dogs are not a threat.
Damages you owe when your dog bites another dog.
The damages can be severe. For example, you will be responsible for the injured dog’s veterinary care, surgical costs, and other costs associated. In addition, if the dog is a “companion animal,” damages may include training and other costs.
Khashan Law Lawyers know what it takes to win your dog bite case, and we are ready to fight for your rights. Our team of experienced dog bite lawyers have been successfully winning dog bite cases for our clients for several years.
California dog bite law is complicated, but finding the right dog bite attorney is simple. Contact us at 951-461-2397 for a confidential and free consultation with our team of personal injury lawyers.