Why Do Some Dog Owners Behave Strangely After a Dog Bite Incident? The Psychology Behind Evasion and Victim Blaming

When someone is injured in a car accident, the process of resolving the claim is typically straightforward. Defendants exchange insurance information, cooperate with investigators, and often express concern or regret. But when a dog bite occurs, dog owners can behave in ways that seem strange—denying responsibility, avoiding accountability, or refusing to cooperate. For victims, this behavior can be both baffling and deeply frustrating.

At its core, all that’s typically needed from the dog owner is simple: acknowledgment of the incident and cooperation in identifying their insurance company. At John J. Malm & Associates, we do not aim to sue the dog owner unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead, we strive for amicable resolutions through negotiated settlements with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company in order fairly compensate the injured party. Unfortunately, dog owners often make this straightforward process unnecessarily protracted and contentious.

The Patterns We’ve Seen Over Decades Representing Dog Attack Victims

For decades, our Illinois injury law firm has witnessed almost every imaginable response to a dog bite incident or litigation. Initially, dog owners often express supportive and contrite sentiments, such as apologizing profusely and offering to cover medical bills. These early conversations can give victims hope that resolution will come quickly and amicably.

However, as the days pass, the tone often shifts. Text messages become defensive, with statements like, “I’m not sure my dog did anything wrong,” replacing earlier apologies. Then, communication starts to dwindle. Phone calls are ignored, and even friends, neighbors, and family members stop returning messages. The dog owner’s behavior changes from supportive to evasive, deflecting blame and avoiding the issue altogether.

For victims, this retreat can be emotionally painful, compounding the insult of abandonment with the physical wounds that are still healing. It is often at this point that we receive the call from a frustrated and hurt client who doesn’t know how to proceed. They share their disappointment and confusion: “They were so apologetic at first, and now I can’t get them to respond to me at all.” This retreat, deflection, and evasion is unfortunately all too common, and it highlights the psychological toll that dog bite incidents take—not just on victims, but on dog owners themselves.

Examples of Dog Owners Acting Strangely After Their Dog Has Attacked

1. Denial and Aggression: In one case, a dog owner whose dog attacked our client in a public park went to extraordinary lengths to avoid responsibility. He initially denied even owning a dog, despite witnesses and evidence to the contrary. He then hired a lawyer who contacted our firm and threatened sanctions if we proceeded with a lawsuit. When animal control scheduled a hearing, the owner changed tactics, hiring a second lawyer who admitted the dog was indeed at the park that day. However, even then, the owner’s lawyer insisted, “My client’s dog is not responsible for the attack,” refusing to cooperate in identifying insurance coverage.
2. Evasion of Service: In another case, we filed a lawsuit on behalf of a client who was seriously injured in a dog attack. The defendant actively avoided service of process, making it nearly impossible for us to move the case forward. The owner even hired an attorney to argue that we had served the wrong person in the household, despite clear evidence of the connection. These evasive maneuvers wasted time and resources, delaying resolution for the victim.
3. Shifting Blame: In yet another case, the owner of a dog that attacked a young child argued that the child must have provoked the dog by “running too fast” or “being too loud.” Despite clear evidence of the dog’s unprovoked aggression, the owner’s focus was on blaming the victim rather than cooperating to resolve the claim amicably.

What do these cases have in common? Rather than simply cooperating to identify insurance coverage, the dog owners’ actions made the process more contentious than it needed to be. This not only prolonged the resolution but also created unnecessary emotional stress for everyone involved.

The Emotional Bond: Why Dogs Are More Than Just Pets

Dogs are more than just animals; for many owners, they are family. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 85% of dog owners consider their pets to be part of their family. This deep attachment reflects how dogs provide not just companionship but emotional support and even a sense of identity for their owners. Interactions with dogs release oxytocin—the “bonding hormone”—strengthening this connection and making dogs indispensable to their owners’ emotional well-being.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, this bond deepened significantly. Pet adoptions surged as millions of people turned to dogs for companionship during isolation. The ASPCA reported that nearly 23 million U.S. households, or 1 in 5, adopted a pet during the pandemic, with many owners citing their pets as critical sources of emotional comfort in an uncertain world. Additionally, a study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that over 70% of pet owners reported feeling closer to their animals during the pandemic. This shift underscored the increasingly important role pets play in mitigating stress and loneliness.

The relationship between humans and dogs has been extensively studied, revealing how owners often anthropomorphize their pets, attributing human-like qualities to them. This tendency further intensifies the emotional connection, with many owners viewing their dogs as members of the family rather than just pets. A recent study explained how dogs are integrated into family life, with their needs and behaviors often considered on par with those of human family members. This familial integration can make it profoundly difficult for owners to accept that their beloved pet could harm someone.

When a dog bites someone, owners frequently experience cognitive dissonance—a psychological phenomenon that occurs when their perception of their dog as loving and gentle conflicts with the reality that it caused harm. To resolve this internal conflict, many owners resort to denial, downplaying the incident, or even shifting blame to the victim. While these reactions are understandable on an emotional level, they often complicate efforts to resolve claims fairly and efficiently.

This emotional struggle can also lead to defensive or avoidant behaviors. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights how the psychological distress of such incidents can result in withdrawal, a refusal to engage with victims, or attempts to minimize the seriousness of the event. Owners often fear societal judgment or the potential consequences for their dog, including legal liability or even mandated behavioral interventions. For owners, acknowledging harm caused by their pet feels like a betrayal of the bond they share, leading to reactions that can appear irrational or uncooperative.

Understanding the psychological and emotional dynamics of dog ownership helps shed light on why dog owners may act out of character when faced with the reality of a dog attack. For victims, these responses can create additional challenges, adding emotional frustration to an already difficult situation. This dynamic highlights the need for professional guidance and clear communication to navigate these situations effectively and ensure a fair resolution for all parties involved.

Shame and Social Stigma of An Aggressive Dog

In addition to emotional attachment, dog owners often fear the shame and stigma associated with owning a dog that bites. Society tends to judge aggressive dogs—and by extension, their owners—harshly, assuming negligence or irresponsibility. For someone who views their dog as a cherished family member, this judgment can feel deeply personal.

A study published in Anthrozoös: A Multidisciplinary Journal of the Interactions of People and Animals found that dog owners often experience guilt and shame after a bite incident, even when the circumstances were beyond their control. To avoid this stigma, many owners try to deny responsibility or deflect blame, hoping to protect their reputation and their bond with their pet.

Research from the American Kennel Club (AKC) reveals that nearly 75% of dog owners say they would go to great lengths to protect their pet from legal or public scrutiny, further underscoring the emotional and reputational stakes involved. This fear often drives avoidance behaviors, where owners retreat from communication or outright deny the incident, regardless of the evidence.

Ultimately, these reactions are rooted in a deep emotional conflict. Owners feel a need to shield both their dog and their own reputation, even at the expense of resolution. This makes it crucial for victims to understand the psychological dynamics at play and for legal professionals to navigate these cases with empathy and clear communication to help diffuse the defensiveness that arises from shame and stigma.

Fear of Financial and Legal Consequences After a Dog Bite

Dog bites can result in significant financial and legal consequences, which also drive strange behavior from owners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites in the U.S. annually, with over 800,000 requiring medical attention. Hospital stays for dog bite injuries average $18,200—nearly 50% higher than other injury-related stays.

Additionally, dog bite liability claims accounted for over $800 million in payouts in 2022, with the average claim costing $64,555. Faced with the prospect of higher insurance premiums or personal liability for damages, some owners panic and act evasively, even when a cooperative resolution would likely minimize costs and stress for all parties.

What Dog Owners Should Do When They Receive a Letter from an Attorney?

Receiving a letter from an attorney representing a dog bite victim can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to stay calm and not panic. The letter is not an accusation of being a bad owner but rather a step in resolving the situation fairly and amicably. In most cases, the goal is simply to establish communication, identify your insurance company, and work toward a resolution. By cooperating early and allowing your insurance carrier to handle the process, you can protect your interests while helping to resolve the matter quickly and without unnecessary stress.

Here are three practical steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Don’t Panic or Evade: In most jurisdictions, dog bite cases fall under strict liability laws, meaning the owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before. Evading the issue or becoming combative won’t change this fact. Remember, the victim is not trying to take your dog or have it put down; this is purely a civil damages case.
2. Call Your Insurance Company and Report the Incident: If you haven’t already done so, contact your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance company and report the incident. Provide them with all the details, including any communication you’ve received from the victim’s attorney. The insurance carrier is there to handle claims like this and will take over the process on your behalf. Cooperation at this stage can make the resolution smoother and faster for everyone involved.
3. Let Your Insurance Company Handle the Claim: Once the insurance carrier is involved, they will work to resolve the claim through a negotiated settlement. If they cannot reach a settlement, your insurance policy will typically cover the cost of legal representation to defend you. That’s what insurance is for—providing financial protection and peace of mind in situations like this. Rely on your carrier to guide you through the process and handle the legal aspects, so you don’t have to face them alone.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured in a Dog Attack

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack and are encountering resistance from the dog owner, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to talk directly with the dog owner, especially if communication has become confrontational or they are avoiding your calls or messages. Attempting to resolve the matter on your own can often make the situation more stressful and may even harm your case.

Here are the key steps to take:

1. Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, gather witness statements, and record all interactions with the dog owner. This documentation will be critical if the case progresses.
2. Contact the Police: Call the police and local animal control to report the attack. Their investigation will help build evidence against the dog owner to use when making a claim for your injuries.
3. Stay Calm: While it’s natural to feel angry or frustrated, maintaining professionalism can help de-escalate tensions and encourage cooperation.
4. Consult an Attorney: An experienced Illinois dog bite attorney can help navigate the complexities of a dog bite claim and work to identify insurance coverage if the owner refuses to cooperate.
5. Be Persistent: If the owner continues to evade responsibility, your attorney can take legal steps to ensure accountability while still pursuing a fair and amicable resolution.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a fair and timely resolution to your claim.

For Victims, Avoid Speaking Directly with the Insurance Company

Avoid giving a statement to the dog owner’s insurance company without legal representation. Speaking with an insurance adjuster is much like sitting for a deposition—it involves detailed questioning, and anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Just as you wouldn’t attend a deposition without your attorney to guide you, make objections, and ensure irrelevant information isn’t volunteered, you shouldn’t handle these conversations alone.

Insurance adjusters are skilled at framing questions to secure statements that weaken your case or reduce potential compensation. Instead, let a qualified personal injury attorney handle all communications with the insurance company. This ensures that your rights are protected, and your claim is presented accurately and professionally. By allowing your attorney to guide the process, you can avoid common pitfalls.

The Importance of Cooperation After a Dog Bite Incident

Dog bite cases don’t have to be contentious or stressful. When dog owners act responsibly by acknowledging the incident and cooperating with the claims process, the matter can be resolved quickly and fairly. However, the emotional bond owners have with their pets, combined with fears of financial or reputational damage, often leads to unnecessary evasion and defensiveness.

If you are contacted by our firm regarding a dog bite incident, know that your cooperation is key to avoiding unnecessary escalation. Your willingness to work through the proper channels—primarily your insurance company—are essential for resolving these claims fairly and efficiently. When dog owners and their insurance providers cooperate, cases are often settled without litigation, saving time, stress, and resources for everyone involved.

“Our goal is not to create panic or escalate the situation,” explains Naperville dog bite attorney John J. Malm. “We are here to ensure that the victim receives fair compensation for their injuries while working to minimize unnecessary stress for the dog owner. Cooperation through proper insurance channels allows the process to remain amicable, straightforward, and far less costly than prolonged litigation.”

It’s crucial to understand that a dog bite claim is strictly a civil matter. The victim is not seeking to take your dog away or have it put down. Instead, the goal is accountability—to ensure that the injured party is compensated for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other damages caused by the incident. By working with your insurance company and engaging in good faith, you can help resolve the claim fairly and avoid unnecessary conflict.

However, if cooperation is not provided, we are fully prepared to take legal action to protect our client’s rights. Filing a lawsuit is not our preferred approach, but it becomes necessary when dog owners or their insurers fail to respond or refuse to cooperate. Cooperation is not just appreciated—it is essential for resolving these cases quickly, efficiently, and with as little acrimony as possible.

Why Should You Consult John J. Malm & Associates After a Serious Dog Bite?

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of six award-winning attorneys—based in Naperville and St. Charles—has over 90 years of combined experience handling complex personal injury litigation, including dog bite claims. Our dedicated Illinois dog attack lawyers understand the emotional and psychological dynamics at play and strive to resolve these cases with professionalism and care. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, contact us today for a free consultation. Our goal is always to achieve a fair and amicable resolution for everyone involved.