Precautions For Owners Of Aggressive Dogs

A "Beware Of The Dangerous Dog" sign should be placed at the front entrance to the property to serve as a warning to visitors. However, any person with a legitimate reason for visiting must be able to have unrestricted access to at least one door of the house. If a dog is not adequately confined and it attacks a legitimate visitor on its owner's property, the owner of that dog can be made liable for any damages caused by the dog.

Any dog that is likely to bite should be kept in a secure compound where it can be seen and heard, but prevented from attacking visitors or passers-by.

Correcting Aggressive Behaviour

Many owners do not realise the seriousness of owning a biting dog until they are required to explain their dog's behaviour to a magistrate in court, or to a veterinarian when the dog is destroyed. Any aggressive behaviour should be addressed immediately after an incident of concern. It is not a behaviour to be ignored or boasted about.

Where To Seek Help

A dog that bites because it is frightened requires a different treatment programme to a dog that bites because it is dominant or territorial. For this reason it is important for the dog owner to receive a correct diagnosis of the problem and expert advice to treat it. The dog will need training, veterinary attention and its behaviour modified. A veterinarian can initiate a treatment programme and conduct a physical examination of the dog to rule out sickness or injury as a cause of the biting.

Training

A professional dog trainer will be able to assist with some biting dogs. Obedience training may not stop the dog's aggression, but it will give the owner more control over the dog. However, a dog that bites cannot be treated effectively unless its owner is prepared to put in the time, effort and expense to do whatever is necessary to correct the problem.

Sterilisation

This method alone does not stop a male or female dog from biting people, but may be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.