Why Dogs Bite

Why Dogs Bite and Dog Bite Laws

Dog Bite Law

Dogs remain one of the most popular domestic companions on the planet today. They were among the first domesticated animals, and for the last 17,000 years people around the world have prized their strength, devotion, and sociability. There are hundreds of breeds of "man's best friend", each with different shapes, sizes, colors, and roles, but most experts believe that all domestic dogs share a common ancestor – the wolf.

Unfortunately, thousands of years of extensive breeding has only partially eliminated some of the ferocity of these pack animals. Although most breeds may seem outwardly docile and friendly, regardless of size or shape these animals are basically predators. Dogs retain thousands of years of base, primitive instincts that no amount training or socialization will completely condition.

Dogs bite for a number of different reasons. Dogs are aggressive by nature, and they can attack with or without provocation. There are several types of aggressive behavior that can lead to a dog biting a person. They include:

• Dominance: aggression towards family members who disturb the dog
• Defensive or fear: aggression based on the need for self-protection
• Protective/territorial: aggression caused when strangers enter the dog's territory
• Predatory: elicited by small animals or children the dog confuses with prey, commonly involving more than one dog
• Pain-elicited: aggression based on a reaction to pain or discomfort
• Punishment-elicited: a reaction to unpleasant treatment by strangers or family
• Redirected aggression: caused when the dog is aggressive due to another reason

Dog bites are complicated legal affairs, as they often involve insurance liability, debilitating injuries, and conflicting emotions. If you or someone you know was the victim of a dog bite, you may have the right to seek financial compensation for your extensive physical pain and emotional suffering. A dog bite lawyer will guide you through this difficult time, and help you get the restitution you deserve. Contact a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer who understands your particular experience today.