{"id":1608,"date":"2017-05-09T17:57:27","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T17:57:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.summeridgeanimalclinic.com\/blog\/?p=1608"},"modified":"2021-11-29T15:34:36","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T15:34:36","slug":"dog-bite-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summeridgeanimalclinic.com\/blog\/dog-bite-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Bite Prevention for the Safety of Everyone"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"dogAlthough the actual number of dog bite related injuries is open to debate (many occurrences go unreported), it\u2019s a good assumption that the number ranks in the thousands since there are nearly 80,000 household dogs in North America. Dog bites happen for a wide range of reasons, and any dog – no matter the breed – can bite.<\/p>\n

So what causes dog bites or canine aggression, and what dog bite prevention measures can you take to reduce the risk for everyone?<\/p>\n

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The Myth of the \u201cBad Breed\u201d<\/h3>\n

One of the first misconceptions of dog bite prevention is that only certain dogs are dangerous (think of Ontario\u2019s pit bull ban enacted in 2004). While some dog breeds are more prone to bite, training, socialization<\/a>, and human behaviour are actually more important than size and strength.<\/p>\n

Many dogs who bite, for example, suffer less from simple aggression as they do fear. Fear or anxiety can often prompt a dog to bite, as well as behavioural problems that have never been addressed (and sometimes are even reinforced), including resource guarding. Dogs who have never been properly trained and socialized are also much more likely to bite than those who are confident and well socialized.<\/p>\n

In some cases, dogs will also become more aggressive when they\u2019re in pain, are ill, or have limited vision\/hearing, as is the case with many senior pets. This is why it\u2019s so important to note any behavioural changes that arise and have your pet examined.<\/p>\n

Dog Bite Prevention: What Can I Do?<\/h3>\n

As a responsible pet owner, there are many ways you can help raise a healthy, well-adjusted doggy:<\/p>\n