According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2008, one third of all homeowners liability claims were caused by dog bites, at a cost of costing $387.20 million.
First off, discuss your liability with your agent and make certain you have adequate insurance.
Then your best bet is to prevent bites to start with.
- Before you buy a dog, check with a professional to see what breeds would be best for your home, family, and neighborhood.
- Get your dog spayed or neutered. Studies have shown that dogs are three times less likely to bite if they are neutered.
- Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (like tug of war). Stick to non-aggressive games like fetch.
- If your dog starts exhibiting aggressive habits, talk to a professional immediately.
- Click here for more tips.
Any animal, even the best trained, can bite, but being responsible from the start, with your insurance and with your pet, is the key to minimizing your chances having your loved pet put you into a tricky (and potentially financially devastating) situation.