Are Untrained Dogs More Likely to Attack and Bite?

Link Between Lack of Training and Dog Bites

Owning a dog entails a significant amount of responsibility. Not only do you have to take care of that dog and welcome it into your home, but you must also train it so it can be safe around other dogs and people. Untrained dogs are far more likely to exhibit aggression that can lead to attacks and dangerous bites.

When you bring a dog into your home, you must prioritize training and socializing the dog to ensure the public is safe from your pet. Failing to train them could open you up to liability if the dog attacks someone else.

How a Lack of Training Increases the Risk of an Attack

Trained dogs are better behaved and know how to manage themselves when interacting with others. Here are a few reasons why a lack of training could make most dogs and their owners responsible for another person’s injuries.

Poor Impulse Control

Well-trained dogs have better impulse control than their untrained counterparts. Teaching your pet to manage their responses to external stimuli will increase the likelihood that they stay calm when unexpected circumstances arise, such as a stranger approaching them. The dog’s ability to manage themselves could be the difference between remaining calm and attacking.

Lack of Socialization

Socialization allows dogs to become comfortable around other animals and people of all ages. The more you socialize your dog early on, the more you will improve your dog’s ability to interact with others and avoid aggressive behaviors, especially around children.

Unreliable Commands

You should expect your dog to follow your commands. When you order the dog to sit, stay, or lie down, it should be instinctual for them to obey, no matter the breed. Failing to train your dog with these commands consistently could mean that the dog ignores you and succumbs to its nature. Many people assume that small dogs are not a threat in dangerous accidents, but smaller breeds can still cause significant damage with a bite.

Is the Dog’s Training a Factor in an Illinois Dog Bite Case?

While training can potentially prevent an attack from happening, it generally does not affect the outcome of a dog bite claim. Illinois is a strict liability state, which means the owner is responsible for the dog’s actions, even if the animal has never attacked anyone before.

Owner Liability for Untrained Dogs Under the Illinois Animal Control Act

The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS /16) states that an owner is responsible for legal damages suffered by a dog bite victim. In most cases, the owner is held strictly liable, although there can be exceptions if the victim was provoking the dog or trespassing.

Note that stating a dog is not trained is not a defense against liability in Illinois. No matter how aggressive the dog has or hasn’t been in the past, the owner is liable for damages from a bite.

Steps to Take After Being Injured by an Untrained Dog

It is essential to follow these steps if you are the victim of a dog attack, whether the dog is trained or not:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Report the bite to the local animal control chapter
• Alert the owner of the incident if they are not aware
• Document injury severity and psychological trauma
• Consult an expert dog attack lawyer

Contact Our Firm to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case

Our dog bite injury law firm knows what it takes to succeed with a personal injury claim. We are aware of the dangers that untrained dogs pose to children, other dogs, and even adults.

Victims of an aggressive dog can recover money for the following legal damages with our assistance:

• Lost wages
• Medical treatment costs
• Future health bills
• Psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of joy in life

Our attorneys will investigate your circumstances, assess all legal damages, obtain documentation of your injuries or illness, establish liability, respond to insurers, and litigate in civil court if necessary.

We offer a complimentary consultation, allowing you to ask questions about liability and how it will affect your claim. Contact the best dog bite attorney in Chicago today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a high-quality law firm.