How to Stop Your Dog From Biting

All dogs are capable of biting, especially those that are not trained in their puppyhood and even the ones that are always on their best behavior. As a responsible dog owner, you are responsible for preventing your dog from biting people. 

If you ignore your dog’s behavior or be careless about its biting habit, you may have to face lawsuits and pay unwanted penalties. In 2021, two dogs bit multiple people in the village of Palatine near Chicago and the village officials had to go head-to-head with a Chicagoland dog bite attorney. As dog bite lawsuits are common, it is better to take precautions to avoid any financial strain or legal liability. 

But how can you stop your dog from biting people? Because it may not understand the consequences of its action. Well, here are a few tips to help you.

Tips to Stop Your Dog From Biting People

Understand Why Dog Bites

When your dog is in its puppyhood and growing, the behavior of biting and scratching is normal. That is how puppies learn about the world around them and it’s a part of their development. And when they are fully grown, they only bite or tend to bite when they feel threatened as a way of defense. It is most common in mothers who do it to protect their puppies.

Several other factors influence the development of biting in dogs. An injured or abused dog will bite when frightened or startled. Also, biting can happen while playing or running away, provoking herding behavior or predatory pursuit.

So, it is better to look for early signs to keep yourself and the people around you safe. If your dog looks worried and frightened, waiting for them to assess the situation is better. Maintain a safe distance, or try to calm them down by offering treats or their favorite toys.

Exercise Your Dog

Exercising is the best way to stop your dog from biting people. It also helps your dogs with other types of destructive behavior such as growling, excessive barking, and digging. You need to do this from the initial days of your dogs’ development, as biting occurs when dogs do not have proper physical or mental stimulation. 

Also, be informed that taking your dog around the park is not exercise. It should be something more structured that challenges them physically and mentally, like a game of fetch, tug of war, or other activities. Remember not to overdo exercise, as it can increase the chances of joint problems.

Engage In A Training Session

Dog biting is dangerous for many reasons. You can prevent it with the right training. You can use treats to implement good behavior. Start with basic training by teaching them to sit or lay on command. The five-second stay can help your dog calm down in a difficult situation. Also, create a positive experience for your dog by including rewards and treats, and don’t be harsh.

“Leave it” is another technique you can teach your dog and prevent it from harming people. It is all about teaching your dog to restrain. 

Teach “Yes & No”

It is a simple concept, but it may take a lot of time for your dog to grasp it. By making your fur baby understand the concept of “yes” or “no“, you can have better control when your dog tries to attack someone. 

Although, it will require a higher level of training that you can include in your initial training sessions. For example, when you teach your dog to sit or lay, you can give them a treat by saying “yes“; when it doesn’t do as commanded, you can teach them “no” to help them differentiate. 

Use A Muzzle

If your dog is showing signs of aggression often too common, then consider getting a muzzle to prevent them from causing any harm to you or the people around you. A leash and muzzle will help you control your dog in a situation where it might turn aggressive toward a stranger. It will be more useful while taking your dog on a walk, as it will prevent them from biting and also eating things they shouldn’t. 

Don’t Leave Them Alone With Children

No matter how well-behaved your dog is, never leave them alone with children. Dogs can be unpredictable, and even the most well-behaved one can snap. Children and dogs are much alike. They are innocent and do not know what is right for them. So, it is better to keep them apart or under constant surveillance to avoid any unfortunate situation. 

Take Expert Advice

If your dog has started biting people more regularly, then it is time for you to take it to the vet to get to the root cause of the problem. Some dogs start biting when they are injured or ill, so it is better to involve an expert to have a better understanding of the change in their behavior. They will also help in controlling your dogs’ aggressive tendencies. 

Final Words

Dogs can be easily trained and put to their best behavior, but they are often unpredictable, so it is always better to keep your distance from unknown dogs. In case your dog bites someone, it is better to immediately confine your dog and help the victim.

The wound needs to be washed with clean water and soap, and then you should help the victim to get immediate medical attention. Dog-biting lawsuits are getting more and more common. So, it is always better to take precautions to avoid any unfortunate situation from arising.

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