Legal eagles, how does it usually go when somebody’s dog attacks you—as far as suing the owner?

[hlthe2b]

5. No excuse for an unleashed dog...

That said, young dogs will occasionally get away from even the most conscientious owner during that early training period.

I empathize greatly with your past experience, but I hope you aren't like some I have recently encountered who have developed such a hypersensitivity and fear of dogs such that even an exuberant puppy's bouncing jump up on you would be construed as an "attack". Or a herding dog excitedly nipping at the heels of another dog would be taken as an aggressive gesture. Or that your defensive posture when any dog is around you is so pronounced that the dog interprets your own behavior as highly aggressive and threatening.

Please don't misunderstand. You are in the absolute right as far as these irresponsible owners that fail to leash and train their dogs. But, I have increasingly encountered those whose fear has kept them from developing any understanding whatsoever about dog behavior. Sadly, that is the flip side of the equation.

i know when I am out with my well trained 10 mo old. pup, I never fail to put her in a sit when young children approach, wanting to pet. I applaud parents who teach young kids how to appropriately and safely approach dogs who they do not know and I will do everything I can--every time--to help. And, likewise, I will gladly excoriate the irresponsible dog owner whose failures put both dog and people at risk.