2019 statistics show that dogs bite one out of every 73 people in America. This number is alarming, but equipping yourself with the right information as a pet owner can go a long way in preventing your dog from biting people.

Most Common Dog Breeds that Bite People

While any breed of dog can cause injury to a person, the most common breeds to bite people are pit bulls, German Shepherd, terriers, and Rottweilers. It is very important to remember that if your are ever bitten by a dog, we strongly recommend you visit a doctor (especially if blood was drawn). Most diseases, such as rabies, are way easier to treat if they are treated immediately after the bite occurs.

Pitbulls

Pitbulls are commonly cited as the most dangerous dog breeds, as pitbull attacks lead to more than half of reported dog-related deaths. When they bite, they lock their jaws and shake. Their strong jaws and overall strength enable them to inflict the maximum amount of damage on another dog or person. While pitbulls are known for being aggressive, it is important to remember that dogs are ultimately a product of their environment. Therefore, if a pitbull is well cared for and not brought up in an aggressive environment, the pitbull will most likely be just as tame as other dog breeds.

German Shepherd

This breed is naturally territorial and protective of its family and they are responsible for a large number of attacks. If they are not properly socialized, they can be too aggressive towards strangers, but not as nearly aggressive as the pitbull or rottweiler. While German Shepherds are mostly feared for their large size and loud barking, the vast majority of them are friendly and amicable. Most k-9 dogs that are used by the police are German Shepherds. They are used as police dogs because they are very disciplined and know how to behave around humans. 

Terriers

The Jack Russell Terrier, for example, is a very active dog and can be one of the most aggressive dog breeds. Bred as a working dog, they can become destructive and aggressive when they are left with nothing to do. 

Rottweiler

Also very territorial, rottweilers tend to be more aggressive to strangers than other dog breeds. This is why rottweilers, along with pitbulls, are commonly used as guard dogs. When not properly trained and socialized, they can be extremely dangerous as they are large in size and have a powerful build. Since they are not sedentary dogs, rottweilers tend to be more aggressive and excited without proper exercise.

Pet Care Tips

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to train your dog and keep it under control at all times. Below are a few pet care tips to reduce the risk of your dog biting people.

• Socialize your dog. You can do this by regularly exposing your dog to children, older people, disabled persons under calm and positive situations.
• Put your dog through basic training, and keep at it throughout its life.
• Pay close attention to things that trigger your dog’s aggression. 
• At your dog’s youngest age possible, regularly expose it to various circumstances such as loud noises, machines, bicycles, or anything that might spark fear. Make sure to make the experiences positive. 
• Do not use physical and violent punishment, but rather, use positive reinforcement to promote good behavior.
• Keep its vaccinations, especially its rabies vaccine, up to date at all times. 
• Make sure to warn others when you know that your dog has fearful and aggressive tendencies. 

This article was provided by Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers