Why do dogs bite?

Dogs are domesticated animals, but like most animals they rely on their instincts to guide their behavior. Even instances where an attack seems “unprovoked” and unreasonable will seem perfectly reasonable to the dog. And because we as humans cannot always fully understand what a dog is thinking or feeling, we can be left open to attack seemingly out of the blue.

Breed – All dogs come directly from the wolf family, but have been bred to display certain characteristics like long or short hair, large or small body, flat or round face, etc. Level of aggression is another factor built into the genetics, and is bred either intentionally or unintentionally. Despite the claims of Pit Bull owners, this group of dogs has been bred for hunting or fighting, and therefore aggression was considered to be a good trait.

Socialization – Dogs who are loved by their owners and treated affectionately are less likely to be aggressive against humans. This is particularly crucial in the first 14 weeks of life, which is one reason why pet store and puppy farm dogs tend to be more aggressive.

Training – A well-trained dog will be less likely to attack a human (unless it has been specifically trained to do it).

Health – A dog that is suffering from disease or physical injury is more likely to become aggressive. Note that the health of the dog may not be easily identified by the average person.

Perceived Provocation/Behavior of the Victim – This is perhaps the single biggest factor. Any dog that feels defensive may attack to protect itself, its owners, or its territory. This can be triggered by pain or injury, taking an object away from the dog or disturbing its sleep, “punishment” aggression aimed at those who have attacked it, or simply by approaching a strange dog, its owners, or its territory. Predatory aggression is the natural hunting tendency to attack small moving objects such as other animals or children, especially when there are two or more dogs present.

Regardless of the reasons why dogs bite, owners have the responsibility to keep them restrained to protect other people. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog or any other pet resulting in serious injury, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case assessment. We will advise you of your rights and get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost work, and pain and suffering. Click the link below to submit your case, or contact us directly.