4 Ways Dog Owners Can Help Prevent Dangerous Attacks or Bites on Pedestrians

Dog owners can follow different steps to try preventing their pets from biting or attacking others.

Dog owners represent a large percentage of households with a pet in the US. Studies estimate 38.4 percent of all households have a pet dog. 

Walking around Los Angeles, it’s undeniable to see dog owners with their four-legged companions. From parks or even grocery stores, dog owners love bringing their pets with them around town. 

While most dog owners have friendly pets that love belly rubs and playing, a dog can still attack others in Los Angeles at any time.  In fact, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs across the country each year. 

Dog bites have various levels, ranging from 1-6. 

One is the least serious bite, with no direct skin contact. A six is a bite that results in a fatality of the victim.

Dog bites or attacks can lead to other serious personal injuries, including:

• Scarring and disfigurement: a dog attack might lead to deep puncture wounds that leave a lasting visual impression on a victim. Bites can be deep enough to puncture the skin and damage muscle.
• Eye Injuries: a dog might scratch at the victim’s eyes, leading to potentially permanent vision damage.
• Broken Bones: being attacked by a dog can result in a victim falling and smashing a bone in their body.
• Psychological Injuries: many dog bite victims suffer mental trauma, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

While there is no way to determine when a dog might attack, dog owners can still take various precautionary steps to help prevent their pet from injuring another person.

One way is to train your dog. There are various classes you can take your dog to that might help them with behavior.

Dog owners should pay close attention to their dog’s behaviors in the class. If you have a more aggressive breed, understand that they may be trained at a different pace.

Additionally, it’s important to put your dog in different social situations. A well-trained dog may understand how to properly interact with various types of people.

When you walk your dog, it’s important to keep them on a leash. A leash can help you guide your dog if they were to try attacking another person.

Some dog owners may not think leashes are necessary, or that they can hurt and choke the dog. There are multiple types of leashes that can provide comfort for your dog, with some leashes designed for specific breeds.

Last but not least, if you know that your dog still displays aggressive behavior, or has a tendency to bite, it’s important to warn others. 

Think of a situation where Michelle takes her dachshund Bowser for a walk. During a stop at a park, they are approached by Lester, who tries to pet Bowser. 

For those Bowser is unfamiliar with, he has a history of biting and pawing. Michelle notifies Lester not to pet him, who obliges. 

Imagine if Michelle didn’t warn Lester about the potential for an attack. He could have suffered a serious injury, and Michelle would have left herself open for a personal injury claim.

In this type of case, California is a strict liability state. For dog bite injuries, this means dog owners are liable for physical injuries caused to others whether they knew their dogs could be aggressive or not. 

The liability of dog owners to protect others remains true as long as the victim is either in a public place or lawfully on private property. This includes the dog owner’s property.

If you were the victim of a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries you suffered as the result of an attack.

Dog owners must do all they can to help protect the safety of others. A dog owner’s negligence can leave you seriously injured, physically, mentally, or even both.

At C&B Law Group, our Los Angeles dog attack attorneys have an over 99 percent success rate at settling cases. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for dog bites victims across Southern California.

Don’t let a dog bite or attack prevent you from working or spending time with family. Dog owners need to shield you, especially if they know their dog has a history of biting.

Reach out to the Burbank lawyers and Los Angeles attorneys at C&B Law Group today for a free consultation regarding your injuries