Did you know that August is considered one of the most dangerous months for dog bites? Experts say that there are two explanations for this. The first is that heat and humidity irritate animals the same way they do people, giving them a shorter fuse. Secondly, the warmer weather means that more people are out and about, so there's increased interaction between humans and dogs.

Children are at a particular risk of being bitten. In a recent interview with the Altoona Mirror, Attorney Cynthia Danel, a partner at my law firm, gave a good rule of thumb for parents when it comes to dogs: "As a parent, unless it's a dog you know well and a dog that you know has lived with small children, it's best to assume that any dog is unpredictable and you should keep your child away from the dog." And, of course, never leave a small child alone with a dog.

Here are some other dog bite safety tips you should keep in mind:

•    Don't make an assumption on a dog's likelihood to bite based on its breed. According to veterinarian Dr. Matthew Stachmus, "There are many factors to take into consideration when talking about dog aggression - like the environment and improper breeding… There is no 100 percent guarantee that any particular dog will not bite someone."
•    Similarly, don't assume that a dog is safe because it's someone's pet. About one-third of dog bites come from household pets.
•    Make sure you or your child asks for permission before petting a dog.
•    If a mother dog is with her puppies, practice extreme caution. Mother dogs are very protective of their new pups and don't like strangers coming near.
•    Older or sick dogs may be more irritable than younger dogs.
•    If a dog comes toward you without a leash and you feel threatened, simply stand with your arms crossed and don't make eye contact.
•    You can find more tips on my firm's dog bite safety page.
 

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It's finally started to warm up in Pittsburgh, and the nice weather means that more people are enjoying the outdoors. It also means that more canine companions are heading out with their owners.

Any dog, no matter what size or breed, has the potential to bite, so owners should always be in control of their pets. This includes following Pennsylvania's leash law – which essentially states that a dog must either be confined to the owner's property (or secured so it can't get away) or controlled by a person. You can find a list of state-by-state leash laws on my firm's website.

Our site has a number of other dog bite resources that you can take advantage of, including:

State Dog Bite Laws – Learn who's responsible in the event of a dog bite.

Signs That a Dog Is Going to Bite – How to tell if a dog is in a relaxed or aggressive state.

Ways To Avoid Dog Bites and Attacks – Safety tips for owners, parents, and the general public.

Dog Bite Prevention Quiz – Test your knowledge.

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This past weekend, my wife and I experienced something that I think is a good lesson for everyone to keep in mind. We saw a nice, friendly dog unexpectedly "turn" on a child. While there were no injuries and the dog didn't actually bite, it was a close call. This was a gentle, normally loving family dog, and it served as a true reminder that as much as we love dogs, they are animals and need to be carefully supervised, especially when around children.

Any dog is capable of biting, regardless of its breed or history with people, and it is important to make sure that everyone who interacts with the dog is mindful of this. Most dog bites are avoidable, so please check out these dog safety tips. In addition, here are some safety reminders that parents and guardians can review with children.

You can check out my firm's website if you'd like more information on topics like what to do if you've been bitten by a dog, dog bite laws, leash laws, and more.

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This week is Dog Bite Prevention Week, so I thought it would be a good time to repost some important safety information. Even though there are 4.5 million dog bites each year, experts say that most of them can be prevented. Here are tips they recommend:

Tips for Children

• Don't approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Don't scream or run from a dog.
• Stay still when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If you're knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still.
  
• Don't play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult right away.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
• Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
• Allow a dog to see and sniff you before you pet it.
• Pet dogs gently, avoiding their tails, faces, and heads.
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Tips for Adults

• Don't approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Remain motionless if an unfamiliar dog approaches you.
• Never pet a dog without the owner's permission.
• Let strange dogs sniff you before you pet them.
• Pet dogs gently, avoiding their tails, faces, and heads.
• If you're approached by an aggressive dog, remain calm, avoid eye contact, stand still or back away slowly.
• Don't run from a dog or scream.
• If you're knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms.

Tips for Dog Owners

• Talk to a professional like a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to determine what breeds are the best fits for you.
• Dogs with histories of aggression shouldn't be in households with children.
• If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your house.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
  
• Spay/neuter your dog as this can reduce aggressive tendencies.
• Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
• Properly socialize and train your dog.
• Immediately seek professional advice if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

You can visit my firm's website if you'd like more information on dog bites, including state-by-state dog bite laws.

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There was a tragic story in the news last month – an 8-year-old girl was killed by a dog in Beaver County. Her body was found in a trailer where the dog was kept chained by its owner, the girl's guardian.

When dog attacks like this happen it's shocking – the thought of man's best friend becoming his worst enemy is difficult to understand. Experts say, however, that dog attacks are rarely fatal and most can be prevented. My firm's website has a lot of information on dog bite prevention and attacks, but I wanted to post the following tips that experts offer to help avoid dangerous situations with dogs:

•    Always ask the dog's owner for permission before petting the dog
•    Let a strange dog sniff you before you touch it
•    Pet the dog gently, avoiding its tail, face, and head
•    If faced with an aggressive dog, remain calm, avoid eye contact, stand still or back away slowly
•    If you're knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms

You can check out my firm's web site for more information, including statistics, dog bite laws, and leash laws. And remember that while dogs are loving, loyal, and wonderful "family members," any dog can be dangerous in certain situations, so always be careful!

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I blogged about Pittsburgh hero Big Ben the other day (go Steelers!), and now another quarterback is in the news. Michael Vick won’t return to training camp this season because he’s allegedly involved with illegal pit bull fighting.

I love dogs. Sometimes it’s not the dog – rather it’s the owner who’s to blame for dog attacks. Mr. Vick’s situation highlights the sort of training that causes some dog breeds to be dangerous. Especially for pit bulls, a potentially dangerous dog breed is made even more deadly by owners who want their pet to live up to its vicious image.

Just the other day, my wife was jogging in our neighborhood when a dog from a nearby yard began to chase her. Fortunately his bark was worse than his bite, but it shows how owners need to take responsibility for their pets. The owner should not have let their pet run loose and unattended in their front yard. That’s why it’s important for dog owners to understand the leash law in their state.

It’s sad to see people, especially children, who have been severely hurt by a dog attack. These injuries are serious, and may leave disfiguring scars and painful injuries. On my website, we have dangerous dog information to help protect you and your loved ones.

So please, train and treat your dogs with compassion, and above all, protect yourself and the people you care about from dog bite injuries.

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