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March 21, 2023 - Blog, Dog attacks at work

The Dangers of Dog Breeds with a History of Aggression in New Jersey

While your own dog is obviously your best friend, dogs owned by others can be far less lovable. In fact, some dog breeds have a history of aggression, and when their owners don’t employ the necessary care to ensure their pets don’t harm others, it can lead to dangerous attacks. If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite or attack, reach out for the professional legal guidance of an experienced New Jersey dog bite liability lawyer.

Common Dog Breeds with a History of Aggression in New Jersey

The State of New Jersey has no laws on the books that are breed-specific, but some municipalities do. According to DogsBite.org, pit bull terriers and rottweilers are the two most aggressive – and most dangerous – breeds.

The Statistics  

Consider the following sobering statistics:

  • Over a recent 15-year span, 521 people in this country were killed by dogs.
  • More than 75 percent of these entirely preventable deaths involved pit bulls and rottweilers.
  • The number of dog-related deaths has more than doubled in recent decades, and the percentage that pit bulls and rottweilers are responsible for has increased.
  • Since 2005, pit bulls and bully mixes have fatally attacked people at a rate that is seven times higher than rottweilers, and unlike most other breeds, they frequently attack without warning.

Other breeds that are often labeled as aggressive include:

  • Akitas
  • Cane Corsos
  • Chihuahuas
  • Chow Chows
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • German Shepherds
  • Siberian Huskies

Any type of dog can be unpredictable and attack. On the other hand, there are plenty of dogs considered aggressive breeds that never attack anyone. The key is that owners and visitors should always use particular caution when they have dogs that are breeds generally more prone to aggression. Proper training and precautions are necessary to avoid dog bite injuries and liability.

Understanding the Risks and Consequences of Owning an Aggressive Dog Breed

The ASPCA reports that aggression is one of the most common and the most serious dog behavior concerns that owners face. Aggression refers to a range of behaviors that can be aroused in dogs for a range of reasons. Consider the scenarios that generally incite aggression in all wild animals, including:

  • When guarding their territory
  • When defending their offspring
  • When protecting themselves

Those species, like dogs and people, who live in groups implement aggression to help negotiate social interactions and maintain order.

Knowing the Warning Signs

When it comes to dogs, aggression can take a range of forms that generally start with identifiable warning signs and can end in an attack. A dog’s warning system tends to begin with a still, rigid stance and to proceed through a loose series of steps that can include:

  • Adopting a guttural, threatening bark
  • Lunging at or charging the victim without making contact
  • Mouthing the victim – in an effort to move or control them – without clamping down
  • Muzzle-punching the victim
  • Growling outright
  • Baring their teeth
  • Snarling, which involves both growling and teeth baring
  • Snapping
  • Nipping

Once a dog gives a warning sign, aggression can intensify very rapidly. Dogs can stop the aggressive cycle at any stage, but they can also combine and skip steps – heading directly to attack in highly charged situations. Knowing your pet’s warning signs and responding to them immediately is critical. Pit Bulls are one of the few breeds that may not give any warning before charging, which makes employing hypervigilance with these animals paramount.

Considering the Circumstances

If your dog has shown signs of aggression in the past or you’re afraid it might happen in the future, it’s important to analyze the situations that seem to get under your pet’s skin. Ask yourself all the following questions:

  • Who was your pet’s aggression focused on?
  • When and where did you notice an issue?
  • Was there any variable that intensified the problem?
  • What preceded the incident?
  • What calmed your dog down?

When you have a feel for what triggers your dog’s aggression, you’ll be far better prepared to effectively address the issue.

Characterizing Your Dog’s Aggression

A dog’s aggression can be ignited by any number of factors, but most fall into one of several categories.

Aggression that Is Based on Territorialism

Many dogs are territorial, and they’ll attack a perceived intruder – regardless of who it is. Territorial aggression is common in male and female dogs. This territorialism can extend to the outer boundaries of the property or to the threshold of the owner’s home, and understanding your dog’s territorial instincts can help you better protect your guests.

Aggression that Is Based on Protection

Aggression in dogs is often inspired by their desire to protect their owners and those they’ve bonded with. A dog with a litter of puppies may exhibit aggression that you’ve never witnessed before, but both male and female dogs can engage in protective aggression.

Aggression that Is Based on Possession

Some dogs show aggression in relation to what’s theirs, such as their bed, their chew toys, their bones, or anything else. The target doesn’t have to be an actual threat to the dog’s possessions for the dog to react aggressively.

Aggression that Is Based on Fear

Fear can drive people to act aggressively, and it can do the same for dogs. When a dog is cornered or trapped – or feels cornered or trapped – it can react with aggression. While fearful dogs often retreat or adopt timid postures, they are more inclined to attack if they feel hemmed in – or as if they can’t get away. Sometimes, a fearful dog will run away from someone it fears but will circle back to nip at them from behind once the person retreats. It’s important to note that if your dog takes a fearful posture, it could be a warning sign of aggression.

Additional Causes of Aggression

Some additional causes of aggression in dogs include the following:

  • Aggression that is based on the dog’s perceived hierarchical order
  • Aggression that is based on the dog defending itself
  • Aggression that is elicited by the dog’s frustration
  • Aggression that is redirected at the person who is trying to thwart the dog’s aggression in the first place
  • Aggression that is elicited by pain

The Importance of Proper Training and Socialization for Aggressive Dog Breeds in New Jersey

The bottom line is that you can’t allow your dog to harm other people, and in order to do this, you have to ensure that it is properly trained and socialized for your lifestyle. A big part of this is understanding what makes your dog tick and implementing all necessary caution to ensure you don’t put them in situations that may arouse aggression – in addition to being well prepared to nip signs of aggression in the bud if they do arise. If you sense that there’s a risk of your dog becoming aggressive, it’s a good time to safely leash or otherwise contain them.

Know the Risk Factors

Because you are ultimately responsible for your dog’s actions, it’s important to carefully consider the risk factors you need to assess regarding how best to manage your pet’s aggressive tendencies, including:

  • The larger your dog, the more frightening it is and the more physical damage it can inflict.
  • When an older dog has a problem with aggression, it’s considered more difficult to treat, which is where the adage you can’t teach an old dog new tricks comes from.
  • If your dog has attacked and bitten someone in the past, the risk is far greater that it will do so again in the future.
  • The more serious your dog’s aggression has been in the past, the more carefully you should consider your options.
  • Dogs who attack without warning are far more likely to pose a serious threat. Further, dogs whose aggression is unpredictable are far more difficult to handle.
  • The degree to which you can avoid your dog’s triggers will directly affect the degree to which you can handle its aggression.

Finally, the extent to which your dog is exposed to targets of its aggression will play a primary role in the actions you’ll need to take. For example, if your dog is triggered by strangers, it’s unlikely to be a problem if you live out in the country and keep your pup securely fenced in. If, however, your dog is spooked by children and you run a daycare, you’ve got a much bigger problem.  Some forms of dog aggression can be safely addressed by implementing careful strategies that ensure your pet won’t have the opportunity to attack. Others, unfortunately, cannot.

An Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Liability Lawyer Can Help

If someone else’s aggressive dog leaves you injured, David J. Cowhey at The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer is a formidable dog bite liability lawyer who appreciates how difficult your situation is and is poised to fiercely advocate for your claim’s most favorable resolution – in support of your most complete recovery. For more information, please reach out to us through our online form or call us at (866) 259-4377 today.

  • Common Dog Breeds with a History of Aggression in New Jersey
  • Understanding the Risks and Consequences of Owning an Aggressive Dog Breed
  • Characterizing Your Dog’s Aggression
  • The Importance of Proper Training and Socialization for Aggressive Dog Breeds in New Jersey
  • Know the Risk Factors
  • An Experienced New Jersey Dog Bite Liability Lawyer Can Help

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Dave was awesome helping me through the nightmare world of insurance claims after my daughter was attacked by a neighbors dog. Dave is very friendly, always available and extremally knowledgeable and connected to this process. I highly recommend you call him about your case,

John L.

David Cowhey, Esq. did a great job for my daughter, who had been bit by a dog and left with a scar on her leg. He is an extremely competent and responsive attorney. The whole process was very easy and he negotiated a great settlement! We are very happy. Highly recommend his professional services!!

J S

My experience with David Cowhey was amazing, he is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. I got bit by a dog and it left a very noticeable scar on my leg and David was great to have on my side. He’s very easy to work with, would definitely recommend if you’re going through the same thing!

Michaela S.

Dave is so professional. My daughter was 6 when she was attacked by a friend of the family dog. I contacted Dave’s office and spoke with his secretary. She was so friendly and asked questions that made me feel comfortable. I was amazed by how fast the service was and everything was easy to understand. Dave made sure my daughter was compensated for her injuries and along with pain & suffering. There couldn’t be a more perfect choice but that’s because God helped me choose this great lawyer! He did an excellent job!!! She is 7 now and We are now able to move on better because of the help of Dave. Pick this lawyer!! I PROMISE YOU WONT REGRET ANYTHING AT ALL‼️ Thank you Dave!

Nieja M,

My entire experience with Dave and his team was 5 stars. They specialize in one thing, and this experience taught me why you want an attorney who specializes. Dave's knowledge, experience, and confidence is what made things go smoothly and quickly. Professional and quick responses always. If someone was bitten by a dog I recommend this guy, he will get you what you deserve.

Morgan K.

My wife got bit by a dog last spring; she immediately received medical care and we made a police report- all within 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we decided to choose Attorney David to represent her. He walked us through the process. It is much more comfortable knowing that his practice only involves dog bites. He knows his stuff! We have just received notice that a fair settlement has been reached. If you have been bitten by a dog, my wife and I would highly recommend David Cowhey for an attorney. Thank you to David and his professional staff!

David D.

My 8 year old son was bitten by a neighborhood dog, leaving permanent scars on his abdomen. I immediately contacted David Cowhey. He explained the process very clearly and made it very easy for us to come to a fair settlement for my son. He was a perfect advocate for us, and he is very compassionate for the victim. We are very pleased with the hard work David has done for our son.

Stephanie D.

Lawyer Dave Cowhey (& his office) helped my wife, son and me immensely over the past 15 months. He is tremendously professional, responsive and proactive, as well as being, a great attorney. Thanks to Dave, we are now able to put our 'incident' behind us. I highly recommend his services - he will work hard and long for you to get you the settlement you deserve.

Seth K G

My experience with Dave and his law firm was wonderful. While I was nervous to start the process of something that I knew nothing about, he was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. He answered all of my questions - day or night, weekday or weekend, and made sure I was comfortable at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and his firm!

Ariella L.

I absolutely loved my entire time of working with with Dave. He always kept my best interest in mind and made sure that I was taking care of. He was amazing at communicating all steps in the process with me, and never hesitated to answer any of my questions. Would highly recommend!

Amanda G.

Dave was extremely responsive and guided me thru the process with compassion. His specialization in dog bites really helped facilitate the process. He knows all the insurance issues and, despite the backlog of cases due to Covid, was able to settle my claim for more than we anticipated as well as earlier. I would definitely recommend Dave as I felt comfortable that I was getting the best advice every step of the way!

Kristen J.

Dave did extremely well by me and my family. He was nothing short of professional and assisted us through the entire process. I called him the day of the dog bite, and I followed his instructions to the "T". Him, and his staff, were knowledgeable on every step of the process. From medical advise, to advise on setting up our structured settlement for our child. If you need help right away, don't wait.... call him asap!!!

William W.

Dave was amazing, he handled my case with care , answered every question , email and helped me to understand the steps we needed to take. I had never dealt with a lawsuit before so of course I was nervous and thought I was going to get ripped off but nope. He was very professional and attentive. Hope I never need him again but should I ever need a lawyer for a dog bite i'm calling him first!

Neyia W.

Dave Cowhey was amazing during our case which was very personal in the sense that involved family members. He was candid and professional and always gave us his honest opinion to all our questions and concerns. He's a family man and understands how upsetting the situations are at hand. I wish he was a lawyer for everything honestly, he was fantastic! Highly recommended Dave and his team.

Courtney R.

My one year old dog and I were viciously attacked by a pit bull. I didn’t want to file a law suit initially until I realized the severity of the injuries both mentally and physically. Most lawyers are all about the money not for the justice and compassion of the victim. I am blessed to have found David. He was our hero who understood our situation was efficient knowledgeable and above all sincerely compassionate

Karol M.

Dave was hands on and always available. Steered me through the entire process and helped cover my medical costs and compensation for my scar and injury. Went over and Beyond and made me feel at ease and confident in a positive outcome. Would recommend to all.

COACH B

Honest, fast, responsive and professional. Great experience working with Mr. Cowhey and I highly recommend to handle any dog bite case.

Lilian P.

We contacted Dave when our 5 year old son was attacked by our neighbor's dog, resulting in deep wounds (and now scars) on his face and arm. Dave was extremely knowledgeable/helpful from the start, explaining how everything would work, and he was always available via phone/text if we had questions come up throughout the process. He always gave us all of the options/routes we could take and let us decide what was the best move for our family. He advocated for the best outcome for our son and always kept us in the loop. We were able to settle in a friendly hearing with the homeowner-insurance company, which was simple and straightforward, thanks to all of Dave's hard work behind-the-scenes. We definitely could not have navigated this process ourselves and we are very thankful for the help of Dave and his team!

Elisa H.

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