Dog Safety In Alaska

Dog Safety In Alaska – Dogs are great for companionship and can make a life more fun. It is important however to consider safety first when choosing your canine family member. Dog owners are responsible or their pet’s behavior at home, in the car, and in the community. For example, Alaska’s Administrative Code requires dogs to be be on a leash (generally up to about 9 feet) and under your control at all times – unless you’re in a designated off-leash zone – in many Alaska public spaces, such as state parks and urban areas. (11 AAC 12.130)

Car Safety

Dogs should always be secure when riding in a vehicle, never drive with a dog in your lap. Unsecured pets can become flying debris in an accident, causing harm to themselves and passengers. After an accident, a panicked dog might run into traffic – causing more wrecks – or disappearing entirely. Protective pets may prevent help from reaching injured parties in accidents.

There are different ways to secure dogs in a vehicle. The most common is a crate. It is best to use a plastic or aluminum crate as wire crates can collapse in an accident. When using a crate, anchor it down in the vehicle for additional safety. Crates should be stored in the back-cargo area or in the back seat behind a front seat. Securing a dog in the front seat of a vehicle is dangerous because of potential airbag deployment. If a pet must ride in the front seat, secure them in a crate and turn off the passenger side airbag.

Harnesses are also a popular way of restraining a pet and a good alternative to crates. Particularly when pets are not familiar with being in a crate or get anxious in crates. Ensure the harness fits properly. It must not have too much slack, so pets cannot jump over seats, into the drivers lap, or out windows.

Road Trip Safety

Pets often love road trips, especially when not all road trips lead to the vet. A loose dog in a vehicle can quickly become a distraction and cause accidents. Protect your pet – and your loved ones – by traveling safely and smartly.

Practice being in the vehicle with your dog and train them to be comfortable in the car. Attempt short trips in the car before taking on a long-distance trip. When traveling with a pet, pack accordingly. Include things like cleaning supplies for accidents; food and water; bowls and leashes; and vet records.

Are Some Dog Dangerous?

Media and public perception often deem certain dog breeds “dangerous” because of their strength or history. However, experts emphasize that aggression is driven more by upbringing, socialization, and owner responsibility than breed genetics. Be mindful of the below tips to help owner choose certain dog breeds wisely.

• Alaskan Malamute: Often ranked as one of the most dangerous Alaska Dog breeds due to high fatality risks in bite statistics, they are powerful, territorial, and can be difficult to control if not trained properly.
• Siberian Husky: Known for being energetic and stubborn, they can become aggressive or destructive if they do not receive enough exercise, or if they are bored.
• Wolf-Dog Hybrids: Due to their close relation to wolves, they can be unpredictable and dangerous to humans.
• Caucasian Shepherd: A large, powerful breed used for protection that can be dangerous due to its protective nature and mistrust of strangers.
• German Shepherds: are heavy dogs, often weighing as much as 100 lbs. They are used by police to attack offenders when necessary. These dogs are dangerous to the community in certain situations, particularly if the dog feels its owners is threatened, or if not properly trained.
• Rottweilers: are also knows for being a threat to humans, and these are very powerful animals. When abused, neglected or poorly trained, they can inflict serious injuries, including fatal, upon innocent people.
• Other Alaska Dog Breeds: Other often restricted or considered dangerous breeds include Akitas, Chow Chows, Dobermanns, and Pit Bulls. 

Dog Bite Injuries

In cases where a pet dog attacks and injures another person, the injuries can be extremely dangerous, and potentially lead to a death. Young children are at an extreme risk of death when attacked by one of these dogs. Animals can easily reach the head, neck, and upper torso of small children. Adults can also suffer permanent injuries when attacked by any of these breeds, as well as several others known to have a tendency to become vicious. Any dog, if poorly trained, is a threat to the community.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska dog bite accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Information Sources: Wikipedia and PetScreening

Image created using ChatGPT – Prompt: A dog owner adopting safety measures on Alaska public trail