Welcome to the latest edition of Igniting Your Dynamic Self with Wendy Bjork. As an international bestselling author, inspirational speaker and guide to others, as well as founder of heartsofwellness.com, it is my mission to help others understand how to make progress forward and live our best lives!
Any dog, no matter its size, sex, age or breed can bite. While there are some breeds of dogs that are more prone to bite than others, any dog is capable of biting if it feels pressed to do so, especially in situations that are emotionally or physically stressful. Whether you are a dog owner or a member of the public, there are things you can do to prevent bites.
If you see a dog that is acting strangely or looks aggressive, stay away from it. Do not pet another dog unless given permission by the owner and even then, do not reach out to touch their face or ears, as this may trigger them to bite you. Children should never run towards a dog and should always stand with their hands closed at their sides rather than reaching out to pet a dog as this can also provoke them to bite.
Be aware of your own and your family’s dog’s body language, as this will allow you to recognize cues that indicate the dog is feeling stressed. When your dog shows signs that it is uncomfortable, move it to a more comfortable environment such as a fenced-in yard or a dog park. Ensure it has plenty of toys and activities to play with, as well as an adequate amount of physical and mental stimulation from walks, training sessions and chew treats.
It’s important to socialize your dog from a young age and introduce it to people and other animals in a safe, controlled environment. This will help the dog feel at ease in different situations, reducing the likelihood of it biting in response to fear or discomfort. If you are considering adopting a dog, make sure it has had all of its vaccinations, is spayed or neutered, and has been properly socialized and trained by the original owners to reduce the risk of biting.
Dog bites occur in every state and can cause severe injuries including disfigurement, infection and even death. For these reasons, it is important that you understand your homeowners insurance policy and always check with your agent and carrier for coverage details..
Homeowners insurance is designed to protect you from losses and damage to your property caused by natural disasters, theft and fire. However, many homeowners may not realize the risks posed by their own dogs. In fact, dog bites are one of the leading reasons for homeowners liability insurance claims.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog-related liability claims cost insurers over $1 billion each year. As a result, some homeowners insurers have lists of dangerous dog breeds and others exclude them altogether from coverage or limit the amount of liability they will cover for such incidents.
While a lawsuit is rare, it is important to be prepared just in case. The Insurance Information Institute reports that the average settlement for a dog-related lawsuit is more than $380,000, which can be financially devastating for any family.
In addition, some states have laws stating an owner of a dog is liable for 2 times the full amount of damages caused by the dog biting a person in a prior dog bite incident. Wisconsin is one such state, and once an insurance company pays out on a dog bite claim, they are not interested in a double-up claim. They will give you a choice, euthanize your beloved dog or find another carrier.
Keeping your pets properly restrained and trained is the best way to avoid dog bites, but sometimes accidents can happen. No matter how much you love and trust your pet, a vicious attack can be scary and life-changing.
As a responsible pet owner, you should always ask for the owner’s permission before petting a dog. Never tease a dog or pull on its ears or tail. You should also keep your pet on a leash at all times, especially if it is unfamiliar to you. If you do get bitten, be sure to wash the wound immediately with soap and water. You should also keep the bite open to allow for proper drainage and air flow. Finally, don’t try to fight or discipline a dog that has bitten you.
Additional information in seeking your state laws: A Summary of Dog Bite Laws by State – Recording Law .
As a best selling author, speaker and Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Wendy Bjork empowers women to see beyond whatever challenges they are navigating.
She inspires them to live in acceptance, creating massive ripple effects in the world as she teaches them to simplify and purify their lives.
Her HeartsofWellness.com platform is the place for women to begin receiving the support they are seeking as they create their roadmap back to wellness with Wendy lighting their path.
She is a pioneer in advocacy and mentorship. Wendy is leading a global revolution of women walking in purpose and peace as she illumines their path ahead with the light of HOPE: Harmony, Options, Peace & Empowerment.
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