Why Does A Dog Bite?

There are a lot of scary stories about dogs attacking people these days. But the reality is that dog bites are a lot more common than you might think - it’s just the serious, terrible, and disastrous incidents we hear or read about in the news. In fact, there are over 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year, most of which are mild accidents - and almost all of them can be avoided.


The key to understanding how not to get bitten is to learn why dogs bite. Having covered what to do to avoid and deal with a bite from a dog, we thought it was time to explore the reasons why it happens so much. Let’s take a closer look.

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Why do dogs bite?

The first thing to understand is that any dog can bite. Sure, there are aggressive strains and personalities out there in the world, but even a timid dog will snap at you in fear if you close off their escape route. Big, small, male, female, young, old, cuddly, scary: any dog will try to protect themselves the best way they know how when they find themselves in a stressful situation.

‘Stressful’ is the key word to understand, here. Almost every dog bite will occur as a reaction to something - they don’t just do it for the sake of it. It could be to protect something, or to ward you off from its territory. It might be because they feel threatened - or even that someone or something is threatening you. They can even bite when they feel unwell and just want to be left alone. But the key thing to remember is that in almost every scenario, it’s because your dog is stressed.

Understanding the issue

The trouble is that too few owners understand the signs that their dog is stressed. And unless you learn those signs yourself - as a dog owner or otherwise - it could spell trouble. For example, if you have a small child who loves pooches and sees one on the street, can you be sure that the dog they go up to and try and stroke isn’t afraid? And can you guarantee they will not bite? Educating yourself and your kids on how to approach - or not - any animal is wise.

That said, if you do ever receive a bite from someone else’s dog, it is the owner’s fault. Contact a lawyer to file a claim for canine bites and make sure you get the relevant medical attention - every owner has a responsibility to look after their animals. And if you know your dog is stressed, make sure you have full control over them and let the approaching party know to keep a good distance away.

 
What about play?

In their natural environment, dogs will play with other dogs - and they tend to nip at each other for fun. The trouble is that they nip and bite during play with humans, too. And while it’s fun for them, it’s dangerous for you - and especially for your kids.

You can avoid getting bitten by not wrestling with them, or playing tug-of-war. Ultimately, these are games that will overexcited your dog and accidents are more likely to occur.

The Hidden Rewards Of Getting A Dog

Everyone can appreciate the main incentives for getting a pooch. Dogs truly are our best friends, and their unconditional love is sure to make your home a happier environment for all the family. Likewise, your furry friend will encourage the household to become more active, which can bring a host of rewards too.

The benefits don’t stop there, though. There are many additional benefits to be gained from bringing a dog into your life. Here are just five that you may have overlooked. 

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A dog makes you healthier

 

Not only does having a pup encourage you to be more active, but it can boost your immune system too. In fact, studies have shown that this can begin as early as the gestation period. So, expectant parents may even find that the positive influences are passed onto the kids. As long as you avoid the breeds that are likely to leave lots of hair around the home, you should find that the property becomes cleaner too. After all, you’ll pay closer attention to these issues.

 

A dog can make the home safer

 

Make no mistake; adding Swann home security features is never a bad idea. Nonetheless, a dog can provide an extra sense of security for the home. The pooch will detect movement and alert you to intruders. In truth, the barking alone is likely to deter most prospective burglars. Aside from the direct benefits, this can be an excellent feature for your peace of mind. In truth, being able to fully relax in your home is one of the greatest rewards of all.

 

A dog can brighten up the home

 

The unconditional love is sure to brighten up the atmosphere for all the family, but the benefits don’t end there. Learn to take stunning photos of your pooch. The results can be used as wall art and canvases, screensavers, and other items to improve the mood on a daily basis. 

Meanwhile, as strange as it sounds, some of the dog toys and bedding items can actively make the living spaces feel more homely. 

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A dog can help your child learn

 

Most children are fascinated by dogs, and their desire to aid the pup will lead to a deeper understanding of exercise, nutrition, and hygiene. However, your child will also develop communication skills by merely talking to the pup. Writing stories about the dog can lead to increased creativity and written language skills. Writing Samurai can provide your child with the education needed to express themselves openly. That’s a win in any parent’s books.

 

A dog can aid mental health

 

Stroking a dog is scientifically shown to fight stress and put your body at ease. Meanwhile, the love and companionship can go a long way to battling depression. The dog will always be there to listen to your problems, even when you aren’t ready to speak to another human. This is supported by the simple fact that a dog’s natural personality will encourage you to smile. So, there’s no doubt that having a pet pup in your life could be one of the best moves you’ll ever make.

5 Ways To Help Your Dog Adjust To Their New Home

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Whether you are moving to a new accommodation with your four-legged friend, or you are introducing a new pet into your home, there are several things you need to do to help them adjust. Your dog will adapt quite easily to a new situation, but here’s how you can aid them in the transition.


Pet-proof your home

The dog is a member of your family, so you need to pet-proof every area of your home. This is similar to welcoming in a child, such as making each room safe and putting away anything that could be a choking or chemical hazard. You should also work on the outside. Dogs love to explore, so ensure the fence and gates are secure and close up any other gap that could lead to your dog escaping. In a new area, they can easily get lost if they do.

Remember toilet training

As part of your regular dog training, you need to focus on this one aspect. This isn’t an issue for older dogs, but if you are welcoming a puppy into your home, you need to expect the occasional accident. However, if you have recently acquired an adult dog, there may be issues with nerves and excitement, leading to toilet troubles within the home. On the inside we recommend training pads, and in an outside area, consider Pet Zen Garden Grass, to make those trips to the toilet safer and more acceptable to everybody.

Create familiarity

Familiarity ensures your dog feels safe in the home. For a new addition, everything will be new, but you may still be able to bring a few of the dog’s belongings from their previous owner. For your long-standing pet, the same is true. Arrange your dog’s toys and bedding in a way that closely matches their old setup in your previous house. You should stick to familiar schedules as well, so continue with feeding and walking at the regular times your dog is used to.

Explore with your dog

On arrival at the new home, keep your dog on the leash. Otherwise, your excitable pet may run rampant around the house as they explore the new surroundings. Understandably, chaos will abound. By having control over your pet, you can safely guide him around the areas of the home they are permitted to visit. As part of your pet-proofing, safety gates should have been fitted to block off unpermitted areas.

After exploring the interior of the property, you should take them on a walk of the neighborhood. You can do this on your regular walking schedule, but your dog needs to get used the area in stages. New sights and sounds can prove alarming to an animal, so introduce the area gradually, so they know what to expect on future travels.

Create a fun environment

For new or existing dogs, it is important to create an area that is fun and mentally stimulating. Particularly when in a new house, you want your pet to be distracted by anything that isn’t the legs of your furniture. There are plenty of toys on the market that will keep your dog entertained, but remember to change things up a little with something new once in a while. Our pets get bored with the same old stuff as much as we do!

Thanks for reading