Dog Bites in Ontario

Recently we have had a significant increase in dog bite cases coming into our office.  One reason is the spring like weather that has arrived in Ontario. Along with warmer temperatures and decreasing snow banks comes outdoor activity.

It is important for pet owners in Ontario to know that they will be held responsible for the damages that flow from a dog bite, even if they feel the dog was teased, or in some otherway enticed to biting.  The Dog Owners' Liability Act sets out taht the owner of a dog is liable for the damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.  It does not make any difference whether the dog has bitten others before or has never shown agression before. 

As a dog owner the last thing I want is for my pet to bite someone. I don't want to see anyone injured and I don't want to see my dog put down. Training can be extremely important. There are many qualified dog trainers in Ontario. Our experience has been with Tamsu Learning Center - Dog Training Centre just outside of Tottenham, Ontario. The owner is a passionate dog owner and trainer.  Part of all the puppy training classes I have been involved in at Tamsu included "bite inhibition" training for the puppies. To this day it amazes me how gentle our most recent addition is with his mouth. I would strongly recommend that any dog owners take their puppies for the appropriate training. If it includes dog bite inhibition training, so much the better.  Preventing the dog from biting is a far better option that dealing with the law suits, the damages and potentially an order for the destroying of your loved pet after the fact.

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