Summer is upon us here in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Many dog owners enjoy this time of year specifically because it gives them more opportunities to explore the city and the region with their furry friends in tow.
This is entirely acceptable and even advisable. Many dogs, particularly larger ones, benefit from spending time outdoors and getting exercise.
However, it’s simply important to remember that a dog can cause harm if it attacks someone. Even a small dog can cause injury if it attacks a child or infant. Naturally, large and aggressive dogs have an even greater potential to injure others nearby.
This is not meant to discourage you from taking your dog with you on outdoor trips. It’s simply meant to encourage you to keep the following dog safety tips in mind:
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
The desire to allow your dog to roam freely is an understandable one. Unfortunately, if your dog is not on a leash, the possibility that it may cause injury rises substantially. While your dog may not naturally be aggressive, if someone provokes it, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it may injure someone when attempting to defend itself. As such, it’s always best to keep your dog on a leash whenever you venture outside with it.
You may be able to justify not leasing your dog if you are in a fairly remote area where the odds of your dog encountering other people are very low. Just be certain to keep it on a leash when you are in public.
Consider Training
Most dog owners like to believe theirs are “good dogs” who would never hurt anyone. Generally, though, it’s best to err on the side of caution when you own a dog.
Strongly consider having your dog undergo a training and obedience program to minimize the odds that it will harm others. You might believe this is an unnecessary expense, but the cost of sending a dog to obedience school is much lower than the cost of a lawsuit if your dog bites someone.
Consider Using a GPS Tracker
Numerous companies now sell small devices which can be attached to a dog’s collar. These products allow owners to track their lost pets via GPS.
Such a device offers multiple benefits to dog owners. If your dog gets lost, you’ll want to find them as soon as possible to ensure they do not get themselves into any situations where they may be in danger. This is much easier to do if you can track your dog with a GPS device. Additionally, the sooner you find your lost dog, the lower the odds your dog will end up attacking someone because you weren’t there to monitor and control its behavior.
That said, not all dog owners are equally responsible. If you have been attacked by a dog in the Los Angeles area, contact the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg. A Los Angeles dog bite attorney can help you pursue any compensation for which you may be eligible. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 310-997-0904 to schedule your free consultation.
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