Don't Let Your Dog Bite Your Homeowner's Insurance

Dog owners, if asked, will usually say that they couldn't see their dog biting someone. However, a third of liability claims resulting from dog bites have taken a chunk out of companies providing homeowner's insurance. Most of these dogs were owned by someone. Most of the time it was someone who was irresponsible towards their dogs, who failed to provide training, socialization and/or control. Many of these people are now paying with higher insurance premiums and sometimes the inability to find an insurance provider that will cover them, their dog or subsequent dogs they own.
That third of homeowner's insurance liability claims does not endear dogs to insurance companies. In fact, many are trying to cover homeowners in everything but their canine companions. Some people have had to resort to dog-specific coverage, even if their dog hasn't bitten anyone. Breed specific exclusions are common, as many insurance companies view certain breeds as too risky to cover. Owners of rottweilers, American pit bull terriers and other breeds identified as "dangerous" can have a hard time getting coverage, even if the dog owner is responsible and controls, socializes and trains their pet.
Socialize and train your dog. Obedience classes are an excellent way to accustom your dog to other people, other dogs and obeying commands with distractions. It also helps bond your dog to you. Dogs appreciate assertive leadership and, while some don't require more than a waggled forefinger and a disapproving, "Bad dog!" to straighten out, respect owners who clearly draw the line. Do not equate this with abuse; while a dog has to have very clear negative consequences, they should be appropriate to the situation and to the dog's temperament. An obedience trainer can best show you how to correct your dog effectively.
Don't anthropomorphize. This four-mile-long word basically means "imbue an animal with human characteristics and values". Your dog cannot have the right to be protective over food, toys or its body. It can't be allowed to make decisions about aggressive behavior. It must be constantly trained that all decisions are made by the Alpha and the Alpha is you. Dogs don't have feelings like human feelings. They cannot be reasoned with; they must be shown how to behave through consistent training and reinforcement.
Do not mistake territoriality with protectiveness. A dog frothing at the mouth and lunging against its lead when you walk it down the street isn't being protective; it's being a menace. Having a dog like this also means that you are not in control of its behavior and it does not look to you for guidance. The same goes for a dog that mindlessly throws itself against the fence when people go by. This is not protectiveness. A truly protective, well adjusted dog has been socialized and trained so that it fits into nearly every family situation and knows when people are behaving normally and when they are threatening. Even then, dogs are not always aware of when protective aggression is called for, so the owner must always be aware of what the dog is doing.
Never leave your dog alone with a very small child or a strange child. Dogs do not have a sense of universal love and responsibility towards all children. They may behave indulgently towards their children, but this does not mean that they will allow other children the same liberties. Dogs should never be expected to take abuse from very small children without retaliation. Keep small children away from the dog unless both are strictly supervised and under direct control.
Always have control of your dog. A dog that will only come when called when it suits the dog is not trained enough to be allowed off lead except in a secured area. When greeting other people, your dog needs to be under control at all times. There is no excuse for allowing your dog to jump all over people or frighten them.
Make sure that your homeowner's insurance covers your dog. Some people have found out that their dog's breed or mere presence means that they are no longer covered under their insurance. Make sure that you get a carrier that knows about the dog's presence in your home and that offers enough coverage to cover a dog bite liability claim. Insurance is in existence because the unthinkable sometimes happens. If it does, it is much better to be covered than not.
Very few people actually want their dog to bite someone and even fewer want their insurance premiums to rocket. Despite this, many people are flirting with financial disaster by not responsibly controlling their pets. Don't let this be you!