My Dog Bit Someone. What Do I Do Right Now?
Category: Aggression
If your dog has just bitten someone, the most important thing to know is this, directly from the ACVB: a human-directed bite should not lead to a hasty decision to euthanize the dog. While genuine behavioral disease exists, most dogs who have bitten can go on to live full lives once their families understand them better and learn to manage the triggering situations.
What to do in the immediate aftermath
Stay calm. Keep your voice and body calm — no scolding, no hitting. Move the dog to safety as quickly as possible.
Completely avoid the triggering situation while you seek help — separate the dog and child, confine the dog before guests enter, avoid hugging or kissing the dog if that contributed, don't let the dog loose in similar situations.
Seek qualified help immediately. Dog training is an unregulated business — anyone can claim to be qualified. Look for real, verifiable credentials: CAAB, VTS-Behavior, KPA, CTC, CPDT, or IAABC. A veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) will review your dog's full history, assess the bite for a diagnosis and risk assessment, and build an individualized treatment plan. Only a veterinarian can diagnose a health issue or prescribe behavior medication — pain, metabolic, and hormonal problems can all contribute to aggression.
A resource for going deeper
For adopters dealing with aggression beyond a single incident, Michael Shikashio (CDBC) runs AggressiveDog.com, one of the most substantial dedicated resources on canine aggression specifically — including his podcast "The Bitey End of the Dog" and structured courses for both dog owners and professionals.
Sources: DACVB — "My Dog Bit Someone! What Do I Do?" · AggressiveDog.com
