LAWYER FOR DOG BITE MN – TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DOG FROM BITING
Of course, you don’t want you dog to bite anyone. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee that. However, you can significantly reduce the risk. To help, the Humane Society has published the information below, which our lawyers want to share with our readers.
At the Rochlin Law Firm, calls come in to our office every day from people needing to talk with a lawyer about a dog bite. Many cases involve a child. Our lawyers are experienced at pursuing an insurance claim against the dog owner’s insurance to get fair compensation for each dog bite victim who calls our office.
However, as dog owners ourselves, we also want to share information with other dog owners to prevent the dog bite to begin with.
Take the three basic steps toward dog-bite prevention
- Spay or neuter your dog. This important and routine procedure will reduce your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs. Spayed or neutered dogs are much less likely to bite.
- Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many different types of people and situations. This will help them not be nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.
- Train your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Keep in mind, training your dog is a family matter. Therefore, every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dog’s education. Consistency is key.
Never send your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home. In other words, go to the classes with your dog. Training classes are a great investment even for experienced dog caregivers.
Teach your dog how to behave
Teach your dog appropriate behavior. For example, don’t encourage your dog to chase after or attack others, even in fun. Dogs can’t always understand the difference between play and real-life situations. Set appropriate limits for your dog’s behavior. In other words, don’t wait for an accident to take action. Also, the first time your dog exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, seek professional help. Contact your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer.
Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services. Keep in mind, dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people.
Be a responsible dog owner
License your dog as required by law and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone’s safety, don’t allow your dog to roam alone. Make your dog a member of your family: Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised are much less likely to bite.
Keep your dog away from stressful situations
If you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. For example, if your dog gets nervous in crowds, leave him at home. Likewise, if a dog overreacts to visitors or delivery people, keep him in another room. Work with professionals to help your dog become accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are confident of his behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.
If your dog bites someone
- Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim’s condition. If necessary, seek medical help for the victim.
- Provide the victim with the date of your dog’s last rabies vaccination.
- Cooperate with the animal control official investigating your dog. If your dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether he may be confined within your home or at your veterinarian’s hospital. Then, strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog.
- Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. To start with, consult with your veterinarian. They may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. In addition, your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.
- If your dog’s dangerous behavior cannot be controlled, do not give him to someone else without carefully evaluating that person’s ability to protect him and prevent him from biting. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage he does even when he is given to someone else.
- Don’t give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. “Mean” dogs are often forced to live miserable, isolated lives, and become even more likely to attack someone in the future. If you must give up your dog, consult with your veterinarian or humane society about your options.
EXPERIENCED DOG BITE LAWYERS
If you or a family member are unfortunately bitten by a dog in Minnesota, call our office and speak with a top dog bite lawyer. First, an attorney will answer your questions and explain your rights after the dog bite injury. Our best lawyers have over 25 years’ experience successfully representing many people injured by a dog attack. Most importantly, we make sure our clients are compensated properly for their injuries. We have offices where you can meet an experienced dog bite lawyer in Edina, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and St. Louis Park. In addition, a dog bite attorney will also come to your home to discuss your case in St. Paul and other cities throughout Minnesota.