Minimizing The Possibility Your Dog Might Bite
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people are bitten by canines each year. In most cases, the episodes are minor, and result in no injuries. Occasionally, however, the victim is severely injured, and requires immediate medical attention. Most of these victims are children.
Beyond the potential for injury, those who are bitten by canines often develop a fear of them that is difficult to abandon, even years following the event. This is especially true with young people, who may never become comfortable in the company of dogs. This is unfortunate since the natural connection between people and canines is a uniquely rewarding one.
This article will approach the issue of biting from the perspective of an owner. We'll provide several suggestions for minimizing the possibility your pet will bite someone. We'll also explain what you should do if it occurs.
Steps To Lessen The Risk Of Biting
You can minimize the likelihood your pet will bite someone by enrolling him into obedience classes when he is young. This will help him learn to control himself, and respond to your commands. Professional training should begin as early as possible, preferably when your canine is still a puppy. Socialization classes designed specifically for pups expose them to other people and pets at an early age. This increases their comfort level around others, a trait that tends to continue throughout their lives.
Another key step toward preventing biting is to have your pet spayed or neutered. Doing so makes most dogs less aggressive.
It is important that you discourage poor behavior as early as possible in your canine's life. For example, does he have a tendency to mouth and subtly chew your hand? If so, teach him that such behavior is inappropriate before it evolves into a persistent habit. Also, avoid rough play with your pet since such activity teaches him to act roughly with others.
Encourage your family to spend as much time as possible with your canine, and make him feel part of your family. Rather than leaving him confined in his crate, or isolated in your backyard, interact with him. Encourage your friends and visitors to do the same. This provides a constant source of socialization training that will help your dog feel increasingly comfortable around a wider range of people.
Lastly, if you believe your canine suffers from an aggressive disorder, seek help from a professional dog behaviorist. This person can provide unique insight into the reasons a dog may be behaving aggressively. He or she can also develop training routines you can perform at home to help desensitize your pet to the presence of others.
What To Do If Your Pet Bites Someone
Regardless of the steps you take to minimize the risk your canine will bite someone, it can still occur. If it does, it is important to know what to do. First, remove your pet from the environment, and isolate him. He is already in an agitated state, and it is critical that you prevent another episode.
Second, give the person who was bitten your contact information and any relevant details about your dog's vaccinations. If this person is injured, immediately call for medical assistance.
Third, you will likely receive a call or visit from the Department of Animal Care and Control in your city. In most cases, the purpose is to request information about your canine. They may require you to keep your pet in your home for a specific period.
Fourth, keep your dog. Too often, owners abandon their pets following the first incident, either leaving them at shelters, or worse, giving them to people who want an aggressive canine. Instead, invest the time to seek the help of an animal behaviorist who can help resolve the underlying problem.
With proper socialization training, your dog is unlikely to bite anyone. That said, there is no way to eliminate the possibility. Know what to do in the event it occurs.
Beyond the potential for injury, those who are bitten by canines often develop a fear of them that is difficult to abandon, even years following the event. This is especially true with young people, who may never become comfortable in the company of dogs. This is unfortunate since the natural connection between people and canines is a uniquely rewarding one.
This article will approach the issue of biting from the perspective of an owner. We'll provide several suggestions for minimizing the possibility your pet will bite someone. We'll also explain what you should do if it occurs.
Steps To Lessen The Risk Of Biting
You can minimize the likelihood your pet will bite someone by enrolling him into obedience classes when he is young. This will help him learn to control himself, and respond to your commands. Professional training should begin as early as possible, preferably when your canine is still a puppy. Socialization classes designed specifically for pups expose them to other people and pets at an early age. This increases their comfort level around others, a trait that tends to continue throughout their lives.
Another key step toward preventing biting is to have your pet spayed or neutered. Doing so makes most dogs less aggressive.
It is important that you discourage poor behavior as early as possible in your canine's life. For example, does he have a tendency to mouth and subtly chew your hand? If so, teach him that such behavior is inappropriate before it evolves into a persistent habit. Also, avoid rough play with your pet since such activity teaches him to act roughly with others.
Encourage your family to spend as much time as possible with your canine, and make him feel part of your family. Rather than leaving him confined in his crate, or isolated in your backyard, interact with him. Encourage your friends and visitors to do the same. This provides a constant source of socialization training that will help your dog feel increasingly comfortable around a wider range of people.
Lastly, if you believe your canine suffers from an aggressive disorder, seek help from a professional dog behaviorist. This person can provide unique insight into the reasons a dog may be behaving aggressively. He or she can also develop training routines you can perform at home to help desensitize your pet to the presence of others.
What To Do If Your Pet Bites Someone
Regardless of the steps you take to minimize the risk your canine will bite someone, it can still occur. If it does, it is important to know what to do. First, remove your pet from the environment, and isolate him. He is already in an agitated state, and it is critical that you prevent another episode.
Second, give the person who was bitten your contact information and any relevant details about your dog's vaccinations. If this person is injured, immediately call for medical assistance.
Third, you will likely receive a call or visit from the Department of Animal Care and Control in your city. In most cases, the purpose is to request information about your canine. They may require you to keep your pet in your home for a specific period.
Fourth, keep your dog. Too often, owners abandon their pets following the first incident, either leaving them at shelters, or worse, giving them to people who want an aggressive canine. Instead, invest the time to seek the help of an animal behaviorist who can help resolve the underlying problem.
With proper socialization training, your dog is unlikely to bite anyone. That said, there is no way to eliminate the possibility. Know what to do in the event it occurs.
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Remember to give your dogs the all natural and healthy Snack21 Dog Treats and pick up a sample of the PureBites Dog Treats for your dogs healthy snacks
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