Causes of dog bites and dog attack injuries

Why dogs bite

Most dogs are loving companions to their owners, and safe for other people. But even a friendly dog may bite if it feels threatened. A dog may also bite if it is angry, afraid or hurt. Some breeds have been bred to be aggressive, increasing the likelihood that they will attack, especially if the victim is running away. Some dog owners train their dog, of whatever breed, to be aggressive.

Most dog bite victims know the dog that bites them. It may be the family dog or a relative’s or neighbor's dog. Children are frequent dog attack victims, usually because in the course of their play with the dog they have gotten the animal excited.

Dogs have been bred to be protective. They protect what they most value, such as their puppies, their food, or favorite toys. Dogs also protect the spaces they regard as their own, and those of their owners’. A dog may see the place where it sleeps and eats as space to be protected. Similarly the owner’s porch and yard, and a car the dog is riding in may become territories to defend. A visitor at the door or a hand reaching into the dog’s yard may be experienced as challenge. An ordinarily amiable dog may become a barking, fangs-bared protector.

Most dog bite injuries to children happen during play with a dog the child knows, often the family’s own dog. Dogs that live with children, or are frequently exposed to children must be able to tolerate a degree of rough treatment without resorting to biting. When a dog is excited or nervous or fearful of people, it is more likely to bite by mistake.

Dog attacks are more likely to occur when they feel endangered. A variety of stressors may cause dogs to feel endangered. Strays are frequently maltreated and may become more aggressive to protect themselves. Sick or injured dogs may also be afraid or irritable. An old dog whose hearing or vision is comprised, or who has become sensitive to touch will startle more readily, and may respond by biting. Avoid crowding a dog by standing over it or backing it into a corner; in these situations a dog is more likely to feel endangered, and to bite.

Are some dog breeds more dangerous?

Research published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA in 2000 identified Rottweilers and Pit Bulls as the dogs responsible for more than half the deaths by dog attack in the previous 20 years. While some may agree that each dog should be independently evaluated, it seems prudent to avoid contact with these two breeds, and especially to educate young children to avoid them.

Other breeds have also been involved in fatal attacks, and AVMA’s position is that breed is only one influence driving a dog’s tendency to bite and attack. In a position paper on dog bite prevention programs AVMA experts identify five interacting factors that influence a dog’s tendency to bite and attack. These are early experience, the kind of social exposure and training the dog experiences, medical and behavioral health, heredity, and behavior of the victim.

Other predictors of danger are gender and spay/neuter status. Male dogs attack and bite more than three times as frequently as female dogs. Neutered and spayed dogs of either gender are far less likely to attack than non-spayed and non-neutered.

Dog owners’ responsibilities

Responsible dog owners, no matter what their dog’s breed, recognize their obligation to keep others safe, and to reduce the chances of their dog’s attacking and biting people. The American Veterinary Medical Association outlines some commonsense steps for dog owners to reduce the risk that their dog will attack or bite someone. These include:

• Carefully consider your pet selection. Don’t by a puppy on impulse. Before and after selection, your veterinarian is the best source for information about choice of a suitable breed and your dog’s behavior.
• Be a responsible owner. Register and license your dog according to local requirements. Obey all regulations that apply to dogs, especially leash laws. Spend time with your dog; all dogs are social animals, and those left alone much of the time are more likely to develop problem behaviors.
• Socialize your dog when it’s a puppy so it learns to be comfortable around people and other animals. Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased. Offer your puppy safe exposure to many different situations, and continue those exposures frequently your dog matures.
• Your child should be 4 or older. Children under 4 are at much higher risk for dog bites. Parents are encouraged to wait until a child is past 4 years of age before they bring a dog into the house.
• Give your dog training in basic obedience. Work with your dog to teach such commands as "come", "no", "stay"," and "sit". When you take your dog out, always use a leash. A dog who knows what’s expected of it and can follow commands will feel more comfortable and safe.
• Don’t get your dog unduly excited. Avoid games that get a dog challenged and excited, like tug-of-war or wrestling. Your dog may not know when to back off.
• Keep your dog healthy. Be sure your dog is current on vaccinations for rabies and other diseases, and also free of parasites.
• Neuter your pet. Reduce your risk. A neutered dog is a third less likely to bite than a non-neutered dog.
• Pay attention to your dog’s mood and conditions. Know your dog well enough that you can spot indicators of illness, and behavioral indicators that your dog is scared, uncomfortable or unduly protective.