Dog bites are a significant problem for everyone. Every
year, millions worldwide suffer from minor cuts and bruises to severe and
life-threatening wounds from dog bites. The best way to address this public
health concern is to educate dog owners about responsible pet ownership and
enforce laws requiring proper dog restraint and supervision.
Technology can also significantly prevent dog bites.
Combining the use of different devices with education and enforcement efforts
can help authorities and dog owners alike work toward reducing the occurrence
of dog bites and creating safer communities for humans and animals.
Learn how technology can prevent dog bites and which
devices you can use to monitor dog behavior.
The Role of Technology in Preventing Dog Bites
Many technologies can prevent dog bites. Wearable devices
and virtual and augmented reality simulations are just two examples of
technologies that dog owners can use to reduce the occurrence of dog bites.
Wearable devices use sensors to monitor a dog's actions and
movements, providing owners with real-time information about their pet's
behavior and alerting them to signs of aggression before an incident occurs.
Meanwhile, virtual and augmented reality simulations provide
a safe and controlled environment for individuals to practice appropriate
reactions during a dog attack.
In many instances, technology was able to prevent dog bites.
For example, the University of Liverpool recently created a virtual reality
Labrador, DAVE (Dog Assisted Virtual Environment), to check how humans
recognize and interpret signs of dog aggression.
The researchers behind the technology confirmed that DAVE
could also help with giving educational dog safety lessons and treating dog
phobias.
Types of Technologies Used to Monitor Dog Behavior
Dog owners know responsible pet ownership involves
monitoring their furry friend's behavior. Fortunately, various types of
technology are available to help pet owners keep their dogs in check and
prevent dog bites. Below are some that you can use to monitor your dog's
behavior.
Wearables
Dog collars and tags can track a dog's heart rate, body
temperature, and movements at any time. Some wearable devices can even track a
dog's location, helping owners ensure their pet remains within their property.
Let's take FitBark, a wearable GPS pet tracker and activity
monitor, as an example. It can monitor a dog's activity levels and alert owners
to any changes in behavior. It can also detect changes in a dog's sleep
patterns and help owners identify potential health issues that may cause
aggression or other behavioral problems.
Cameras and other monitoring devices
Cameras allow dog owners to check their pet's behavior while
away from home. Some cameras have treat dispensers and two-way audio, enabling
owners to interact with their pets remotely.
One popular pet camera is Furbo. This device has a bark
alert feature that can notify owners of excessive barking, a sign of stress,
anxiety, or other behavioral issues. It also has a treat dispenser feature that
can distract a dog from a potentially stressful situation, reducing the risk of
aggression.
Another emerging device is PlayDate, which allows pet owners
to play with their pets remotely. The company behind this device is also
working on software services that record pet health and behavior for early
health detection, automated training, and exercise.
Mobile programs
Nowadays, several smartphone apps are available to track a dog's behavior and give its owners advice and resources for training. For individualized guidance, some apps connect dog owners with vets and trainers.
For instance, Whistle, a GPS tracker and activity monitor,
offers real-time data on a dog's behavior. With its GPS tracker feature, owners
can find their dogs and make sure they don't stray into potentially hazardous
regions. Dog owners can also find any health problems that might lead to
aggression or other behavioral difficulties by using the activity monitor
feature of the device.
Limitations and Drawbacks of Using Technology to Monitor Dog Behavior
While the technologies above have many benefits for
monitoring dog behavior and preventing dog bites, they also have some
limitations and drawbacks that dog owners should consider. Below are some key
challenges of using technology to monitor dog behavior.
Accuracy and reliability concerns
Pet monitoring technologies can sometimes provide inaccurate
or unreliable data, which can be a concern when tracking dog behavior. Movement
can affect collars and tags, leading to inaccurate readings. Additionally, many
external factors can obstruct cameras and other monitoring devices, causing
them to provide incomplete or unusable data.
Technical limitations
Many wearable devices and monitoring systems require battery
power, which can limit their usefulness over time. Additionally, connectivity
issues can sometimes interfere with data collection, making it challenging to
monitor a dog's behavior consistently.
Privacy concerns and potential for misuse
Some dog owners may feel uncomfortable tracking their dog's
behavior using technology as it raises concerns about privacy and potential
misuse. Some owners may also use technology to monitor their dogs excessively,
which can lead to unintended consequences such as aggressive behavior.
Cost and accessibility
Certain technologies, such as GPS trackers and sophisticated
monitoring systems, come at hefty prices, making them inaccessible to less
privileged dog owners. Plus, some technologies may require technical
proficiency for effective use, which may hinder less tech-savvy dog owners from
maximizing their benefits.
5 Other Ways to Monitor Dog Behavior and Prevent Dog Bites
If you can't afford the pet monitoring technologies
mentioned above, you can still train and care for your dog in other ways. Check
the tips below to start disciplining your dog.
1. Start socialization and training early
Proper socialization and training from puppyhood can help
prevent fear and aggression in dogs, reducing the risk of bites.
2. Establish monitoring and limits
Always keep an eye on any encounters your pets have with
other people. To avoid potential occurrences that can result in bites, you
should also define boundaries for your dog.
3. Recognize your dog's nonverbal cues
Understanding your dog's body language can help you detect
indications of fear, stress, and potential aggressiveness. With that, you can
take appropriate action before a bite takes place.
4. Educate yourself and others
Many people lack the knowledge to handle dogs or identify
their violent tendencies correctly. Dog bites are avoidable, and safe
relationships between humans and dogs are possible by educating people about
dog behavior and responsible pet management.
5. Do not generalize about breeds
Breed stereotypes are not accurate predictors of dog
behavior, and every dog should be treated as an individual. Avoid making
assumptions based on a dog's breed or appearance to prevent incidents that can
lead to bites.
Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Technology can play a significant role in preventing dog
bites and promoting responsible pet ownership. Wearables, cameras, mobile apps,
and other technologies can help owners monitor their dogs' behavior, identify
potential triggers, and intervene before an incident occurs.
Nevertheless, it's crucial to understand that pet monitoring
devices are not a substitute for ethical pet keeping; they are supplemental
tools. To make neighborhoods safer for everyone, dog owners still need to train
and care for their canines properly.
Future developments in dog behavior tracking technology will
give owners more resources to encourage good pet ownership and avert dog bites.
