Dog Bite Law UK

Keeping everyone safe

Dog Law changed in 2014, to include dog attacks on private property. There is proviso if your dog is seen to be protecting you from an intruder inside the home.

Your dog doesn’t have to attack someone. If your dog makes someone feel frightened or worried that your dog might bite them, this is still an offence.

All dogs should be trained not to nip or bite humans even in play or excitement.

Dogs should be trained not to jump up at people (or to command only). A dog running towards someone and jumping up can be scary. Even if you’re a dog lover, you don’t know the dog running towards you. You have no idea if the dog is friendly.

A dog running up to a young child who isn’t used to dogs can be terrifying for the child and the parents.

An excited dog that runs up to someone can quite easily knock them over or cause them to fall.

Any of the above could now be seen as an offence.

We were recently involved in writing a health and safety document for a home visiting service. I was amazed to find that their biggest cause of staff sick leave was dog bites.

Children and Dogs

Children need close supervision around dogs. It’s so easy for dogs and children to misunderstand each other. Children can be very excitable. They often love to hug and cuddle with affection – not all dogs can cope with this.

The RSPCA have some advice about managing children and dogs together.

Managed properly dogs and children can be the best of friends and both can add so much quality to the others life.

Train your Dog not to run up to Strangers

Teach your dog not to run up to strangers in the park. This is where correct socialisation comes in. You should be in control of who your dog meets and how they meet them. It shouldn’t be a free for all.

You can find an information sheet here about socialisation. 

A good recall is vital – if in doubt, keep your dog on a long training line. This is just as important when you’re out in areas like the New Forest, or places where livestock graze freely.

When you’re out with your dog, you not only have your life and the life of your dog in your hands but also the lives of others.

Things go wrong

Accidents and incidents happen. Maybe today is the day your dog does something he’s never done before and he/she did run up to someone. Maybe your got caught off guard.

If you teach your dog not to jump up at humans and not to nip or bite humans even in play, if things go wrong there is less likelihood of your dog frightening someone and you ending up in serious trouble.

Responsible Dog Ownership

Teaching our dogs not to nip or bite and teaching them not to jump up at people, is just as important as picking up our dog’s poop when we’re out.

If you need help with training your dog, please get in touch and we will do our best to help.