CANINE BITE ASSESSMENT

LECTURE HOURS: 4

PRACTICAL HOURS: 0

Comprehensive Understanding of Dog Bite Evaluations

Dog bites and dangerous dog investigations can be emotionally intense situations due to the severity of injuries sustained by the victim and the potential long-term consequences for the dog involved. These cases can stir strong emotions and public concern, especially when the safety of the community is at stake. As a result, handling such investigations requires a delicate balance—ensuring the safety of the public while also demonstrating fairness and compassion towards all parties, including the dog. Whether investigating a minor bite or a serious attack, the process must be thorough, objective, and well-considered, always taking into account the broader social and emotional context of the incident.

This course is designed to equip professionals with a systematic approach for evaluating dog bites and dangerous dog cases. Participants will learn how to gather and assess key information—starting with victim interviews and obtaining detailed context about the incident, which can often provide insights into the dog’s triggers or underlying motivations. The course will guide participants on how to evaluate the behavioural sequence that led up to the incident, identifying early warning signs and distinguishing between fear-based reactions and true aggression. Additionally, participants will be trained to assess the rate of behaviour escalation and gauge the bite pressure during the incident to help determine the severity of the dog’s intent and its level of threat.

By the end of the program, participants will have a clear understanding of how to approach dog bite evaluations in a fair, compassionate, and professional manner. The course emphasizes creative problem-solving, public education, and making decisions that are impartial and focused on community safety. This approach ensures that officers can handle these investigations confidently and effectively while maintaining professionalism and promoting a safe environment for all involved.

Topics to be covered include:

• Establishing Rapport & Statement Collecting
• Evaluating Bite Pressure
• Analyzing Behaviour Sequences
• Determining Rate of Escalation
• Interpreting Motivation
• Calculating the Risk Ratio
• Evaluating Community Safety Needs