A dog's bite can cost you

Yesterday we talked about general long term budgeting when purchasing a dog or cat, however, money needs to be set aside for "incidentals" and or accidents especially relating to dog bites.

Did you know that a dog's bite can make you bankrupt? To summarize an article that was published earlier this week by Liz Pulliman Weston, legal fees if your dog attacks another person or animal can lead to $33,000 to $1 mil in settlement awarded to the other party.

Freedom is gentle, never bit anyone, loves children etc., however, like people we all have our moments and although Freedom hasn't thankfully expressed aggression, I remember that he is a dog, an animal and is capable of attacking.

As expressed in many of my blogs, prevention is always the key. Freedom is never off leash except in the house and wears a muzzle just in case.

A lawsuit for a dog bit can cost homeowners up to thousands of dollars in liability plus in most cases the dog has to be euthanized.

Last year the average claim for dog bites was $25,000.

Some insurance companies will refuse to cover the following dogs based on breed:

Pit Bulls
Dobermans
Rottweilers
Akitas
Chows
Wolf hybrids

I love Freedom, however, I am not naive in recognizing the signs that may put myself and others in danger. Most notably I take note of his daily behavior. Thankfully he doesn't demonstrate the behavior that I see in some my neighbor's dog's which is a clear indication of aggressive behavior.

Patterns such as:
Cornering elderly and children
Threatening those passing

There are some things that those considering a dog can do to limit the risks both for safety and financially.

Researching the breed is very important. You may be a good pet owner, however, considering the breeds listed above, some are breed with natural aggressive behavior.

Be honest with your insurer and disclosing that you own a dog.

Spaying and neutering reduces the aggressive hormone in dogs.

Invest in some good quality training and practice often with your pup. Although I've had Freedom for 7 years now, we still work on training lessons at least once a week at the park.

No dogs should be left with toddlers or children alone, make sure that there is an adult around.

A dog who repeatedly lunges at people isn't being protective but aggressive.

Luv Sheila & Freedom