The majority of us are familiar with the term “guard dog”. Some dogs are utilized specifically to protect the boundaries of properties.
When entering a property, even one where you know the dog, it’s important to exercise caution. Why are some dogs so protective over property?
Protectiveness and possessiveness
Protective behavior is inherent in many dog breeds, particularly German Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. That isn’t to say that these dogs are necessarily any more dangerous than others, but they have historically been used for at least some form of guarding purpose.
What this means is that if they notice a stranger, or someone they perceive to be a stranger, approaching their territory, they may become protective. Well-trained and socialized dogs are good at assessing individual situations, and once it has been established that the stranger is not a threat, it can be safe to enter the property. However, it’s important that owners take every possible step to ensure that their dog, whatever breed, is not startled.
Who is responsible for dog bites?
Dog attacks are rare overall, but they are significant enough of a problem to warrant further consideration. If a stranger enters a property and is bitten, who is at fault? While this may depend on the reason for the visit and whether or not the entry was lawful, on the whole, the owner of the dog is liable for their behavior.
Not having control of a potentially dangerous dog, even on private property, is unlawful.
If you have been bitten then you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.
Why are some dogs protective over property?
The majority of us are familiar with the term “guard dog”. Some dogs are utilized specifically for the purpose of protecting the boundaries of properties.
When entering a property, even one where you know the dog, it’s important to exercise caution. Why are some dogs so protective over property?
Protectiveness and possessiveness
Protective behavior is inherent in many dog breeds, particularly German Shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers. That isn’t to say that these dogs are necessarily any more dangerous than others, but they have historically been used for at least some form of guarding purpose.
What this means is that if they notice a stranger, or someone they perceive to be a stranger, approaching their territory, they may become protective. Well-trained and socialized dogs are good at assessing individual situations, and once it has been established that the stranger is not a threat, it can be safe to enter the property. However, it’s important that owners take every possible step to ensure that their dog, whatever breed, is not startled.
Who is responsible for dog bites?
Dog attacks are rare overall, but they are significant enough of a problem to warrant further consideration. If a stranger enters a property and is bitten, who is at fault? While this may depend on the reason for the visit and whether or not the entry was lawful, on the whole, the owner of the dog is liable for their behavior.
Not having control of a potentially dangerous dog, even on private property, is unlawful.
If you have been bitten then you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.
