5 Ways for Dog Owners to Prevent Dog Bites

I completely support the need for insurance for all dog owners, prevention is the best policy, and finding ways to protect yourself and those around you from the possibility of being injured by a pet is important.
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There is a cry for lawmakers to impose mandatory insurance for dog owners, with many asking for insurance coverage for dog bites. Although very few bites result in the need for anything more than a band-aid, that is of very little comfort to those who have to pay for more extensive care. These people, however, are forced to spend money out of pocket because many dog owners do not have insurance to compensate those who have been injured by their pets.

Although I completely support the need for insurance for all dog owners, prevention is the best policy, and finding ways to protect yourself and those around you from the possibility of being injured by a pet is important!

There are some great tips on the web for dog owners, and I had a blast compiling a few of my favorites, for my readers, as well as for myself, soon to be adoptive mom of an adorable little dog.

Our family is excited to welcome a new addition to the family in the near future, but we wanted to make sure that we are prepared in every way to take on our new friend.

These first 3 basic steps are from The Humane Society, offering basic and simple ways of preventing dog bites by preparing yourself early.

  • Spay or Neuter Your Dog

One that is not a favorite for everyone, according to The Humane Society, spayed or neutered dogs have less of a desire to roam and fight with other dogs, and are therefore less likely to bite.

  • Socialize Your Dog

Socializing your dog will allow your dog to feel comfortable around other people and dogs. A social dog is less nervous around people and less likely to bite.

  • Train Your Dog

A training class is a great way to socialize your dog and teach him the appropriate training techniques.

Quirky and Dirty Tips, gives some great tips for recognizing signs that may result in a dog
that bites.

  • Be Aware of Your Dog's Needs

If your dog is surrounded by children, be aware of how the children treat him, ensuring that they do not pull and ears and tails. Allow your dog to get enough rest, and watch out for stressors, like noise, fights, and things that can make your dog restless.

  • Watch Your Dog's Body Language

¨A happy, relaxed dog moves softly and loosely. The muscles of her face will be soft; she may squint and her ears may be back slightly. Her mouth will probably be open, and the corners of her lips will be pulled back. Suppose your dog is resting but makes a smiley face and thumps her tail on the ground when your child approaches: good sign! If she gets up and moves away, though, she's signaling a wish to be left alone just then.¨
Jolanta Benal, The Dog Trainer

Prevention is always the best approach, but there is never a guarantee, and the in case of an accident, the best way to protect yourself and others is to consider insurance. And there are an abundance of choices out there available to current and future pet owners.

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