Over the past decade, we have seen a steady increase in reports from emergency rooms of injuries caused by animal bites. Most of these animals are domestic dogs. These are not stray animals, but animals owned as pets. Unfortunately, not all owners have the same definition of what a pet should be. Some think of their pet in the traditional way, an animal that gives affection and companionship and that functions as a member of the family. On the other hand, a number of pets involved in bite incidents come from families where the definition of “pet” has been expanded to include an intimidating presence on the property of the owner which goes far beyond the usual idea of a “watchdog.” Animals that are encouraged to be intimidating to strangers are more than watchdogs; they are accidents waiting to happen.
Experts tell us that virtually all animals raised in a loving household will be protective of that household. But making a dog unnecessarily aggressive poses a danger far beyond the natural protective instincts of the animal. Some breeds of dog seem especially likely to be selected by owners based on the mistaken idea that they can be “trained” to be more aggressive and protective which is an unnecessary step for a family companion.
All breeds are involved in bites. Some of these bites can be serious, life-threatening, or deadly and the more powerful the breed of animal and the stronger the bite, the greater the risk for a severe injury when a bite occurs. Pit bull attacks are being reported more and more frequently and this is probably due to three factors.
First, some pit bulls that are bred for aggression are making their way into normal households. This is a mistake and every effort should be made to buy from a reputable breeder that does not breed for aggression. This applies to any breed. Second, many of those purchasing pit bulls for pets fall into the group of people wanting to have an intimidating dog, as mentioned above. Third, when a pit bull does bite, the injury is usually severe because of the breed’s powerful jaws and crushing strength. Buy the right pit bull for the right reasons and all should be well.
The bottom line: when you acquire a dog for a pet, don’t try to make it into something else. Look for a dog that is suitable for your household and lifestyle. Some breeds are not the best if you have young children. Others don’t do well in apartments. Research the breed you are interested in. The Internet is a gold-mine of information. Also, think about adopting from a shelter rather than purchasing from a breeder. Many animal control programs offer adoptable animals and many of them include temperament testing of animals offered for adoption. These animals are often spayed or neutered. Neutering will often decrease the level of aggression in male dogs and sterile animals are less likely to wander.
Finally, treat any pet with love and affection. You should be firm, but that doesn’t mean yelling and threatening an animal to correct it. Discourage the use of mouth and teeth during play. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise and play time. Follow these common sense guidelines and you will have a pet that will become a family member and provide many years of affection and companionship. And don’t hesitate to ask your vet or local animal control program for more information about breeds and training.