My Dog Bit Someone! Now what?

It's one of the most dreaded moments for ANY dog owner: Your dog bites someone.

Maybe it's a warning nip, maybe it drew blood. Maybe it happened so fast you're still in shock. However it happened, you're probably asking yourself:

• "Is my dog going to be taken away?"
• "What if they press charges?"
• "How do I make this right?"
• "Will they ever feel safe around my dog again?"
• "Am I a bad owner?"
• "Can my dog be helped?"

And maybe the hardest of all:

• "What if people are scared of me now?"

You're not alone. These are normal questions and the fact that you're asking them means you care. Let's walk through what you should do next- with honesty, clarity, and a heavy dose of support.

What the Law Considers a Bite

Many dog owners are surprised to learn that a bite doesn't always mean blood. Legally, a dog bite is often defined as any time a dog's teeth make harmful contact with a person. Even if:

• Skin isn't broken
• There's only bruising or torn clothing
• It was a "muzzle punch" or quick grab without follow-through.

In many states, this can still trigger a mandatory 10-day rabies quarantine, a formal report to animal control, and in some cases, liability- especially if your dog is not up to date on vaccinations or this isn't the first incident. 

West Virginia, like many states, uses a mix of "strict liability" and local animal control discretion, so it's important to check your specific county's laws. Not everyone who gets bit will make you report a dog bite, but it is important to understand just how serious a bite can be, legally, so you know how to prevent them in the future.

It is also important to understand that local dog trainers, while they may be able to help with some behavior modification, we will likely refer you to a Veterinarian Behaviorist to help you as most biting is caused by medical and/or emotional issues. You can click here to find a Vet Behaviorist near you. **It is also important to note that any trainer who claims to be a behaviorist without credentials is NOT a behaviorist. You should only see a Vet Behaviorist for bite and aggression issues!

That said, it is important to note that ANY time a dog bite breaks skin, the victim should receive medical care for that wound, as dog bites carry a lot of bacteria that can get infected easily and quickly!

Navigating the Human Side: Emotions, Apologies, and Boundaries

After a bite, emotions run high- not just for the person bitten, but for you, too. You may feel guilt, shame, fear, embarrassment, or anger. You may also feel pressure to fix someone's feelings. 

It's okay to want to make peace, and it's okay if you feel unsure how.

If the bite happens in the home to a family member:

When a dog bites a family member, roommate, guest, or child in your home, the emotional stakes are high. It can leave everyone feeling shaken, confused, or unsafe. That's normal and it means it's time to take serious and immediate action.

The first priority is SAFETY FOR EVERYONE! Whether the bite was triggered by resource guarding, fear, handling sensitivity, or something else- you now have proof that your dog is capable of using their teeth when pushed past their threshold, and that MUST be respected. The ONLY way to earn back the respect and trust of those around you when you have a dangerous dog is to show your resolve for their safety long-term. Be serious about their safety at all times for the life of the dog!

Here's What to Do:

Set Up an In-Home Safety Plan: 

• Muzzle Train your dog humanely using positive reinforcement. You can see Michael Shikashio's Muzzle fitting video by Clicking Here and his Muzzle Training video by Clicking Here. Some of my Favorite muzzles are muzzles by The Muzzle Movement and Baskerville Muzzles.
• Use Indoor Leashes to prevent sudden movement or unwanted contact. Do NOT leave your dog leashed when unsupervised as it can be hazardous to your dog. Crate when unable to monitor.
• Crate or Rotate dogs away from high energy or high-risk situations (like toddlers, food prep, or visitors).
• Supervise all child-dog interactions- 100% of the time, no exceptions, and make sure they are rewarding interactions for both.
• Limit Access to high-trigger zones (sofas, food bowls, doorways, etc)
• Call in A Certified Trainer or Veterinarian Behaviorist (ideally one with aggression experience who doesn't use aversive tools, such as prong, pinch, or e-collars)
• Create a Written Behavior and Management Plan that your whole household understands and follows.

**Safety isn't about fear- it's about respect, structure, and proactive planning.

Check Your Insurance Coverage!

Many homeowners and renters insurance policies offer liability coverage for dog bites, even inside your home.

Do This Now:

• Check your current policy to confirm your dog is covered. 
• Be aware that some breeds may be excluded from coverage.
• Know what happens if someone is bitten during a gathering or holiday visit.

If your policy doesn't cover dog-related incidents, it may be time to shop for one that does. Some companies offer special pet liability policies as an add-on.

If the Bite Happened Outside the Home

When your dog bites someone in public- a walk, the vets office, the groomer, or while someone is visiting the house- the steps are similar, but the risk of legal action or public concern is often higher. 

Here's What to do:

Immediately

• Secure your dog away from the person (use a leash, crate, or your vehicle)
• Check on the injured person, offer help and stay calm
• Exchange contact information and provide rabies vaccination proof
• Document the scene: what triggered it, where you were, and who was present.

Afterward:

• File a bite report if required
• Contact your vet for quarantine protocol
• Let your dog trainer or Vet Behaviorist know what happened ASAP
• Consider muzzle training for all public outings going forward.
• Reassess your dog's thresholds: Do they need more space? Are they reactive to strangers, children, bikes, etc.?

Sometimes, public bites happen because owners underestimate the dog's stress levels. After a bite, it's important to treat your dog as if it could happen again- not out of fear, but out of awareness.

Alternatives That Aren't "Giving Up"

Sometimes owners feel trapped between living in fear and giving up on their dog, but you have more options than that. Here are legitimate and humane alternatives to consider:

• Veterinary Behaviorist: A vet who can diagnose and treat behavior issues using medication and science-based protocols. Many times, aggressive dogs have underlying medical issues that cause aggression. A vet behaviorist can find and treat those along with the environmental side of behavior issues. They CAN be difficult to get into right away but they're well worth the long waits (6mo- a year sometimes). They often will be in a different state, but many can do video calls after the initial appointment. One near West Viginia who accepts telehealth appointments is at this link.
• Home Management Plans: A custom strategy from a qualified to keep people and dogs separated or structured until behavior improves.
• Muzzle Training: A kind and life-saving tool for safety and stress reduction (especially when company visits)
• Behavioral Euthanasia (As a Last Resort):  In extreme, dangerous, or unmanageable cases, this may be the kindest choice for a dog and family alike. Choosing behavioral euthanasia is NOT the same as "giving up"- it's a heartbreaking, responsible decision when all other options have failed or cannot be safely applied.

Step-by-Step: What To Do After Any Dog Bite

1. Secure your dog
2. Check on the injured person and insist on medical care immediately if the skin is broken.
3. Exchange contact and vaccine info
4. Report the bite if required
5. Document everything (Scene, triggers, people present, photos)
6. Contact your Vet and insurance
7. Call a qualified trainer or Vet Behaviorist
8. Begin muzzle and home management training
9. Create a long-term behavior plan.
10. Be honest- with yourself, your trainer, and your dog

You Are Not Alone

Your dog biting someone doesn’t make you a failure. But it does mean you need to act—firmly, compassionately, and responsibly.

With the right tools, structure, and support, many dogs who have bitten can go on to live safe, structured, and even happy lives.

At Ruff Start Dog Training, I help families just like yours rebuild trust, create safety, and prevent future bites with training plans that work in real life.

📩 Need help creating a home safety plan or navigating reactivity? Reach out anytime. You don’t have to do this alone.

Legal Disclaimer: