I recently received the following letter reference my article, “I Don’t Want My Dog to Bite.”
“I wanted to tell you, I read your blog post about the idea that all dogs bite and will say, I used to be in the “my dog doesn’t bite” camp until my dog bit (seemingly by accident) a little boy and almost bit an older lady. He does, will, and wants to bite, especially if he thinks his family is in danger. And he’s just a tiny dachshund. all the more reason to train him properly.”
The above letter is not uncommon. Every year thousands of people are bitten by dogs, “that never bit before.” As an owner, that does not release you from the liability of your dog’s actions. Two things are at play here.
First, you must learn your dog’s communication to you. Not only will all dogs bite, but all dogs will also indicate that they are about to bite prior to actually biting. It is the owner’s responsibility to be able to determine this indication and respond accordingly to their dog.
Second, you must have control of your dog. When you tell your dog to “leave it,” they MUST leave it. You, as the owner, must have control of your dog. When you put your dog in a place and command them to lay and wait, they must remain in that location and position you put them in. Consider the consequences of the contrary. Even if you escape litigation, there is a very good chance that your dog will be taken from you and put to death. That is what really happens when they are “put to sleep by the way.” It is a painful lethal injection that kills your dog. All that because you refused to train your dog for proper control.
Discipline and training for control is not harsh and cruel, it is the most loving thing you can do for yourself, your family and your dog. Protect your family, protect those around you and protect your dog. Get competent, real world training for control today.
Contact me for more information at joel@dk-9.com.
