Most dogs in Pennsylvania never hurt anyone. When dogs do bite, though, the consequences can be severe, potentially leading to hospitalization. In an effort to prevent dog attacks, professionals have identified numerous causes of canine aggression.
They haven’t been neutered
Some neutered dogs do bite, but the majority of attacks come from unneutered dogs. Neutering a canine may prevent the hormonal fluctuations that can make some dogs aggressive. Additionally, owners who take the time and expense to neuter their dogs may be more responsible when it comes to training their dogs not to be aggressive.
They’re guard dogs
Most dog owners just want a pet to care for and love. However, some people have a different aim: They want guard dogs. When someone trains a dog to guard, they also teach the dog that some situations might require attacking a human. A well-trained guard dog is unlikely to bite at random, but not all guard dogs have good training. Even a well-trained guard dog might get confused and attack if a person accidentally behaves in a way that seems threatening.
Bad breeding habits
Some unscrupulous dog breeders run “puppy mills,” attempting to breed as many puppies as possible without much concern for providing good care. The early lives of these dogs are sometimes traumatic with abuse and neglect. Abusive living conditions can make some dogs aggressive.
Irresponsible owners
Not all canine owners know how to keep dogs in line. Some never teach their dogs bite restraint. Others ignore signals that their dog might be aggressive. Even in cases where an owner tries their best, they might fail to supervise their dog appropriately.
It’s not always possible to identify why a dog bit someone, but contributing factors are usually evident. If you want to avoid dog bite injuries, it’s crucial to stay aware of why some dogs lash out.