Before you get a Dog

Before you get a dog, there are many different things one must consider.  First and foremost, consider the breed of dog that you want to purchase and look at the species history.  Generally, breeds have certain dispositions and react in certain fashions.  The next big issue to consider is location.  Where do you live? Can your dog be happy, healthy and have enough space to expend energy?  Larger dogs need larger amounts of space to roam and run, this keeps their aggression levels down.  Finally, consider children; if you have kids, a dog can be a potential danger.  Provided below are other recommended precautions produced by the CDC. 

Things to Consider Before You Get a Dog

• Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household.
• Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler.
• Spay/neuter virtually all dogs (this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies).
• Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
• Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
• Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

A serious injury can be detrimental to your health and your lifestyle. It can also affect relationships with loved ones.  If you have suffered from a serious dog bite injury resulting from the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation.  For a free review of your claim, please completely fill out the form below and submit your case to a Boston personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will review your form pursuant to the site terms and conditions.