Adopting A Dog Without a Bite

by Fusion 360 Studios Digital Marketing Specialists

When someone says “puppy” or “dog” you may think of all the adorable, doe-eyed, wagging-tailed animals that fill the pictures on Pinterest and Instagram. These are the stereotypical dogs that love unconditionally, always sit when asked and both protect and cuddle you at night.

However, not all dogs are actually like this. Many deal with abuse, homelessness and mental issues much like humans. These kinds of problems can lead to both aggressive and anxious dogs that are more likely to bite.

When adopting a dog, a great kind-hearted gesture, no one wants to adopt an animal that may bite them or their children. According to the Center for Disease Control, dogs bite roughly 4.5 million people from Utah and all over the U.S. each year. 800,000 individuals have to seek medical attention and even legal help for their injuries. Children are the most at risk as half of bite victims are under age thirteen. Every year, fifteen to twenty people die from dog bites from Utah across the US.

It’s no doubt that a dog may be a great addition to your household, but you want to make sure to pick the right one when adopting. Dogs that are spayed or neutered are less likely to bite because they are biologically less aggressive. Dogs that engage in exercise and play are also less aggressive because they are able to put their energy towards something else.

Whether adopting in Utah or elsewhere, make sure the shelter gives dogs proper medical care (including up to date vaccinations) and provides a playful environment conducive to exercise.

Good shelters in Utah and elsewhere will conduct temperament testing on dogs to make sure they are ready to be adopted. They should also disclose to buyers if a dog does have a history of biting, abuse or any other problems. Make sure you inquire with the shelter and get all the information possible about the dog’s history.

In addition to the temperament testing the shelter may do, conduct your own testing before you take the dog home. Socialize with him or her in the shelter, try petting, feeding, playing and walking the pet to make sure you mesh well and feel safe. If you have children or others living in your household, make sure they socialize with the animal as well.

Be aware of warning signs such as barking, growling, or signs of being scared. Dogs, like humans, also have body language. An aggressive dog attempts to make himself or herself bigger. Perky ears, puffed out fur, rigid tail, stiff stance, bared teeth, growling or barking and a lunched forward stance can indicate this. An anxious one, in contrast, tries to be smaller: lowered head, tail between legs, downward eyes, retreating stance. However if an anxious or fearful animal can’t retreat they may go into defense mode. Thus, both aggressive and anxious dogs are prone to biting.

Whether searching for the perfect dog in Utah or elsewhere, use these tips to bring home a cuddling cutie and not a biting companion.

Saja Chodosh is a legal writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry.

*Image Credit: Wikimedia