Steps You Can Take To Avoid Connecticut Dog Bites From Your Neighbors Dog

Friendly neighbors and their dogs are one of the great joys of life.  It is so nice to go out for a walk and be able to wave to your neighbors and ask them how their day is going.  Even better still is to see them out walking their K9 companion and give the dog a little attention.  It’s very neighborly and something that will leave your heart smiling.

Unfortunately there are also risks involved with interacting with your neighbor’s dog, even if you are familiar with him.  Connecticut dog bites occur even among friends and neighbors whose dogs are familiar with the surroundings and recognize their face.  The good news is, there are some steps you can take to make sure that your smiling face isn’t injured by the dog in an unusual circumstance.

Here are some things you can do to insure that your interaction with your neighbor’s dog isn’t one that will get you injured.

1. Always approach the dog from the front.  Approaching a dog from the back may startle him and cause him to get agitated and aggressive.  Approaching from the front will allow the dog to see you coming and assess the situation without being startled.
2. Stay at a distance, especially if the pup appears to already be agitated.  A dog that is growling or showing his teeth is not a dog that you want to approach.  If your neighbor’s dog, no matter how friendly, is in a posture that is aggressive, stand back.
3. Don’t approach with your dog, even if she is on a leash.  When dogs get together their behavior can become unpredictable and dangerous.  Keeping dogs at a leash length from each other is the best way to keep you and your dog safe.
4. Avoid interacting with your neighbor’s dog when it is hot out.  Heat can leave animals feeling more agitated than normal and this can lead to unexpected behaviors.  If a dog is hot he may be experiencing unusual behaviors which could lead to an injury.  Stay safe by leaving the dog alone and moving on.

It can be such a joy to see your neighbor out walking their dog and approach with a friendly smile and a warm greeting for the dog, but if the situation becomes even remotely uneasy for you or the dog make sure to back up and avoid contact.  Coming in contact with a dog, no matter how familiar he is, can lead to the dog feeling agitated and biting you.  A Connecticut dog bite between neighbors can be awkward and damaging to a friendship.  

If you become injured as a result of a dog bite you may want to seek medical assistance and then speak with an attorney who can work to protect your long-term rights.  Contact our office and we can review your case.