In 2020, State Farm paid nearly $157 million dollars for over 3,185 dog-related injury claims. The highest month for number of claims and amount paid for those claims was March, at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. Experts fear another disruption—this time cause by the easing of restrictions for activities outside the home—could lead to a spike in dog bite incidents.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week® is April 11-17, 2021. The National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition - State Farm, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Insurance Information Institute (Triple I), American Humane, and dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell are urging people to take steps to prevent a surge in dog bites as the weather warms, lockdowns ease, and life returns to normal.

As pet owners return to the work place or school, pets will be left home alone. Behavioral issues such as separation anxiety could result in aggressive and destructive behavior. This could be a particular problem for dogs adopted during the pandemic. Many shelters and rescues experienced an increase in pet adoptions and fostering. People were home, feeling lonely, and had time for a new dog. Unfortunately, many of these adopted or fostered dogs have gotten the impression that normal life is quarantine life. Now is the time to get your dog ready for the transition to post-pandemic life.

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Tips for successful dog interactions

Just like humans, dogs are individuals, and every dog has a unique personality. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on the breed of dog someone owns. While a dogs’ breed may dictate how they look, how a dog reacts in a situation isn’t guaranteed by breed or type. It’s important to remember that even well-trained dogs can bite if they are put into the wrong situation.

• Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you don’t have a pet medical insurance policy in place to cover illness or injury, talk to your State Farm agent or go online to learn how a Trupanion policy can help with medical expenses.
• If your dog has only been interacting with your family this past year, don’t rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and give plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior.
• Gradually start arranging play dates with other dogs and people as allowed, and carefully increase the amounts of time and freedom together. This will help your dog get used to being with other canine companions again.
• Be responsible about approaching other people’s pets. Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you.

Upcoming dog bite prevention webinars - Click images to view details:

National Dog Bite Prevention Week (NDBPW) is April 12-18, 2020. As a member of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week® Coalition, State Farm joins the the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), American Humane, and the dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell to draw attention to how people can reduce the number of dog bites.

Last year, State Farm alone paid $146 million dollars for 3,340 dog bite and injury claims. Many of these incidents could have been prevented.

According to Stilwell, the coronavirus pandemic has affected pets too.

“Dogs that are used to kids being at school and adults at work are now finding themselves surrounded by their families 24/7,” says Stilwell. “Most welcome the company, but some dogs are having a hard time adjusting to the constant noise, attention and lack of space.”

Stress can affect pets and cause them to feel anxiety. In some cases, dogs will exhibit anxious behaviors like barking, aggressive or destructive behavior.

Here are some tips to help you and your pets cope while sheltering at home.

• Create a "dog only" zone. This den-like space or ‘safe zone’ can be a crate where the door always remains open or a quiet location for your dog when they need some space.
• Supervise small children around any dog. To make it easier, you can use baby gates to keep dogs and kids separated if you can’t actively supervise them.
• Teach your dog some new skills. It's a great time to challenge your dog to learn new cues. If you need the help of a trainer, many now offer virtual consultations.
• Keep dogs on a leash, if you can take your dog out for a walk. Do not allow your pet to socially interact with other dogs or people. While humans are observing social distancing rules, help your dogs do the same.
• Have a plan in place for your pets. If you become too sick or require hospitalization, someone will need to take care of your animals while you heal. Just like any disaster preparedness plan, have a “bug out” bag prepared.

State Farm is one of the few insurance companies that does not have a breed restriction list. The company does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned. State Farm joined forces with the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior to create the free online course Being Good Pet Neighbor. It educates owners about being responsible with pets.

Coloring Pages for At-Home Education

While dogs may be man’s best friend, there are steps you can take to help your dog be a better neighbor.

Being a Good Pet Neighbor is a free online course. It is a collaborative effort between world-renowned animal behavior expert Victoria Stilwell and State Farm.

State Farm believes responsible pet ownership is key to reducing dog-related injuries. This new course is the company's latest effort to educate people about dog body language and safely interacting with dogs.

The three-lesson, 35-minute course is designed for both new and experienced dog owners. It is available online through the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior. Lessons teach and reinforce what it means to be a good pet neighbor in the home, yard, and community.

“I founded the Victoria Stilwell Academy to teach both dog owners and aspiring dog trainers how to provide their dogs with very best," said Stilwell from her Atlanta headquarters. "Partnering with State Farm to deliver a course specifically aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership through training, awareness and education was obvious win-win."

What's Included in the Free Online Course?

You will learn immediate and long-term solutions in the course. This include how to:

• Manage barking

• Secure pets in the yard properly

• Play safely and enrich your dog's life

• Introduce your dog to other people and animals

• Understand your insurance policy coverage

As a bonus, you can access a second, online course called Building Your Dog's Confidence. This course helps you understand how confidence shapes a dog's behavior and ways to build your dog's confidence.

It’s Not the Breed

Dog ownership does not come without risks. State Farm is one of the few insurance companies that does not have a breed restriction list. It does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned.

In 2018, State Farm paid $123 million dollars for 3,280 dog bite and injury claims. Many dog-related injuries occur in the home and involve family members. Most dogs will never bite but it is important to remember that any dog can.

Just like humans, dogs are individuals. Every dog has a unique personality. While a dog's breed may dictate what the dog looks like, how it reacts to people or situations isn’t guaranteed by breed or type. Many factors may result in a dog biting or injuring a person. These include heredity, health, pain, training, fear and aggression.

Most bites are a perfect storm of situation and circumstance. Often a dog's physical and vocal language is misunderstood or missed. Avoid putting your dog into situations that could result in a fearful, anxious, or aggressive response.

State Farm is a member of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week® (April 7-13, 2019) Coalition. The insurer joins the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), and American Humane to draw attention to dog bites and ways to reduce injuries to people and pets. State Farm is also one of the few insurance companies in the country that does not have a breed restriction list and does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned. Under the right circumstances any dog might bite.

Information from the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition

• American Veterinary Medical Association estimates there are approximately 78 million dogs in U.S. homes and each year 4.5 million people are bitten or injured by dogs. “Even the gentlest dog can bite if they are in pain, feel threatened, or are competing for resources such as food or space,” said Dr. John de Jong, AVMA President. “Not only is it important to understand how dogs behave, it is important to understand how a dog may interpret our behavior.” AVMA’s ‘Jimmy the Dog’ video series lets preschoolers look at how a dog might interpret different scenarios.
• Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) reports that dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for nearly one third of all homeowners liability claim dollars paid out in 2018, costing $675 million. An analysis of homeowners insurance data by the I.I.I. found that the number of dog bite claims nationwide decreased to 17,297 in 2018, compared to 18,522 in 2017– a 6.6 percent decrease. The average cost per claim increased by 5.3 percent. The average cost paid out for dog bite claims was $39,017. in 2018, compared with $37,051 in 2017.
• American Humane says that dog bites are a double tragedy affecting both people and animals. “A dog bite can have a devastating effect not only on the victim, but on the dog, who may be euthanized,” says Robin Ganzert, PhD, president and CEO of American Humane. Because of the high risk involving dogs, babies, and children, American Humane offers a free online booklet called Pet Meets Baby that provides families with valuable information on introducing a new child to a home with a dog.

Professional perspective from Dr. Marty Becker and Victoria Stilwell

State Farm believes that educating dog owners about being responsible will help reduce dog-related injuries. The insurance company focuses on educating people and pet professionals about dog body language and safely interacting with dogs by working with two of the most prominent experts in the field of dog training and veterinary medicine; celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell and America’s Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker.

“Dogs don’t just bite ‘out of the blue’. Most bites are a perfect storm of situation and circumstance, but because dogs’ physical and vocal language is frequently misinterpreted or signals are missed, people often put themselves or others at risk and dogs are blamed as a result,” says Stilwell. “Education is the only way to reduce dog bite incidents in this country, which is why I am proud to stand alongside State Farm and other members of the coalition, to raise awareness about this issue and to educate people about dog bite prevention.”

“As a society we increasingly consider dogs to be family members and rely on them for unconditional love,” says Dr. Becker. “A clearer understanding of canine behavior and how our own actions can make us safer is essential if we want to continue to benefit from the presence of dogs in our daily lives.”

Tips on being a responsible dog owner

• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, even if it is a family pet. Children are often bitten by dogs in their own household.
• Make sure your pet is socialized so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
• Walk and exercise your dog on a leash to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.
• Regular veterinary visits are essential to regulating the health of your dog. A sick or injured dog is more likely to bite.
• Be alert. If someone approaches you and your dog, caution them to wait before petting the dog. Give your pet time to be comfortable with the stranger.
• Understand and respond to changes in your dogs’ body language. Look at the eyes, ears, tail, and posture to know when your dog may be happy, fearful, or angry.

State Farm, Victoria Stilwell and members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition have joined forces during National Dog Bite Prevention Week to educate adults and children about ways to reduce dog-related injuries. Members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition include State Farm, Victoria Stilwell, Insurance Information Institute, United States Postal Service, American Humane, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“Educating the general public about dog bite prevention is more vital than ever,” says Stilwell. “As a dog behavior expert, I support the need to raise awareness and stop these incidents from occurring.” Stilwell urges people to join the discussion and share tips on being safe and responsible around dogs by using the hashtag #preventdogbites.

State Farm is one of the few insurance companies that does not have a breed restriction list and does not exclude homeowner or renter insurance coverage because of the breed of dog owned.

Instead, the insurance company works with world renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell to focus on educating people about responsible pet ownership and understanding dog body language. Being bitten or attacked by a dog can leave physical and emotional scars. For the dog, it can be a death sentence. Children make up more than 50% of all dog bite victims. The elderly and home service people like mail carriers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims.

While an overwhelming majority of interactions with dogs don’t result in injury, most dog bites could be prevented by practicing responsible pet ownership and educating people, especially children, about how to safely interact with dogs. Stilwell recommends the following tips to keep people safe from dog bites.

1. Learn canine body language. Too often people misunderstand or miss signals that a dog is uncomfortable. For example, a dog that yawns might not necessarily be tired. Yawning can also be a sign of stress.
2. Give dogs space. Dogs can feel threatened when strange people touch them, so take pressure off by giving them the choice to come into your space first to say hello.
3. Be humane. Dogs that are raised and trained humanely are more confident and less likely to bite than dogs that are trained using punitive methods or equipment designed to intimidate and cause pain.

Homeowners should talk to their insurance agent about coverage under a standard homeowner policy. Pet owners should consider a personal liability umbrella policy (PLUP) to provide extra coverage in case their dog does bite someone. Renters should consider getting renters insurance because most landlords do not provide coverage should there be a dog bite incident.

How You Can Help Prevent Injuries

Understanding a dog's body language and how to be a responsible pet owner can help reduce the number of dog bite related injuries. 

Dogs are very expressive animals. They communicate when they’re feeling happy, sad, nervous, fearful and angry through body language. “Whale eye” describes a dog who is showing the whites of their eyes and often indicates stress or anxiety. Whale eye can be a sign that the dog will soon become aggressive because a dog who is anxious is more likely to bite.

A chained dog can become a dangerous dog. Dogs that are kept on a chain or tether outside for long periods of time can become unhappy, frustrated and aggressive. Many cities and states now have tethering laws that state how long a dog can be kept on a chain or tethered outdoors. A responsible dog owner will take their dog outdoors regularly for exercise and fresh air but doesn’t leave a dog on a chain without social interaction. 

Dog Bite Prevention Quiz

Hover over the image below to learn more safety tips.

Postal Carrier Protection

There were 6,244 postal carriers bitten in 2017. If a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. This practice is helpful to consider for food and other package deliveries as well.

Top 15 cities for dog attacks to U.S. postal carrier in 2017

1. Houston, TX 71 attacks

2. Los Angeles, CA 67 attacks

3. St. Louis, MO 52 attacks

4. Cleveland, OH 49 attacks

5. San Diego, CA 46 attacks

6. Baltimore, MD 44 attacks

7. San Antonio, TX 44 attacks

8. Columbus, OH 43 attacks

9. Dallas, TX 40 attacks

10. Louisville, KY 39 attacks

11. Chicago, IL 38 attacks

12. Denver, CO 35 attacks

13. Long Beach, CA 32 attacks

14. Detroit, MI 32 attacks

15. Kansas City, MO 32 attacks

Renowned dog trainer, Victoria Stilwell, spent the past several years embedded with the Gwinnett County (GA) Sheriff Department K-9 Unit. Her work resulted in the Guardians of the Night series. It brings viewers into the real lives of police K-9 teams. A new episode airs every Tuesday (Feb. 21-April 11) on Victoria’s Facebook page and her YouTube Channel.

Working dogs help law enforcement search for and apprehend criminals. They also detect guns and explosives; locate drugs, and find evidence used in criminal investigations. Guardians of the Night follows the team of sheriff’s deputies and their two German Shepherds. They track wanted criminals and try to balance family life. The series breaks the emotional wall law enforcement often shows. It shares the officers' sense of humor and the raw emotion following the loss of a canine partner.

“I was fortunate Sergeant Paul Corso and Deputy Sheriff Jason Cotton allowed me to film with them,” says Stilwell. “You can’t understand what these amazing dogs and their handlers go through without living in their world. I spent four years filming the ultimate ride-along!”

For Stilwell, filming the series was a passion project. It shows humane training techniques to be effective with high-drive working dogs, like police canines.

“I have always been an advocate for positive training – teaching without the use of any techniques or equipment the dog finds intimidating or causes pain or fear,” says Stilwell. “While the companion dog world is embracing more humane training techniques, the working dog world is far behind.”

"People often tell me working dogs can’t be trained positively. That they need a heavier hand because of their energy and drive," Stilwell says. "I successfully train many high-drive dogs in the companion dog world. So why is the working dog world so averse to using methods that are more humane? To answer this question, I set out to explore whether working dogs could be trained in a kinder way. There was no better dog to prove it with than the ‘Ferraris’ of the dog world – police dogs.”

State Farm has a long history of supporting first responders and working dogs. For a quarter of a century, State Farm has funded training of arson dog teams across North America through the State Farm Arson Dog Program. In 2014, State Farm worked with Stilwell to create a web series called Arson Dogs. It depicts the training of accelerant detection canine teams.

“My journey into the police dog world has opened up so many doors. Among them, working with the exceptional State Farm Arson Dog Training Program and seeing what it’s like to be in the world of law enforcement. During filming, we had unique perspective into the lives of these handlers and their dogs. Along with my colleague Alex Andes, we set out to tell their stories."

"Guardians of the Night shows one side of law enforcement. However, the series also shines a light on the courage and dedication of all first responders. To be able to tell their stories, with the support of State Farm, has been a true honor," Stilwell continues. "Through Guardians of the Night we are giving back. It is a thank you to all first responders for their dedication and service.”

Dog bites are one of the most preventable injuries to children. But without a basic understanding of dog body language and how to be a responsible pet owner, children are repeatedly put into harm’s way. In fact, the most common age for dog bite attacks is children between 5-12 years old.

Kindness is Powerful is a new joint effort to educate children on dog safety. State Farm is teaming up with celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, kindness ambassador Megan Blake with Super Smiley, and Leah Brewer with 2013 Hero Dog of the Year, Elle the pit bull.

Kindness is Powerful focuses on teaching the value of kindness, positivity, and how to be responsible around dogs. The campaign also focuses on children and providing messaging around the need for education on dog bite prevention. Dogs trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program participate by conducting demonstrations and sharing information about working dogs.

What will event attendees learn about?

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, from the Animal Planet show “It’s Me or the Dog,” provides important information about how dogs see people and interact with us.

Ambassadors of Kindness Super Smiley and Megan Blake demonstrate how being kind and respectful to dogs can result in a life-long friendship with your pet.

The importance of a dog’s body language and proper etiquette to employ when approaching dogs is demonstrated by Leah Brewer and Elle the pit bull.

Kindness is Powerful works with local organizations (YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, community organization, schools, etc.) to host Kindness is Powerful events for elementary and junior high age school children.

For more information:

• All Dog Breeds Deserve a Chance

• Victoria Stilwell: Information and Resources to Help Reduce Dog Related Injuries

• Elle the Pit Bull webpage

• State Farm Canine Assist Team Starting 5

Earlier this year, Cliff Paul made the State Farm® National Bureau of Assists starting five. We are now pleased to announce the State Farm Canine Assist Team starting five. These five amazing canines, and their human coach Victoria Stilwell, each bring very special and powerful assisting skills to this elite team.

Coach Victoria Stilwell

Every team needs a great coach. As a world-renowned dog trainer, TV personality and author, Victoria Stilwell fits that bill. This is not the first time State Farm has turned to her for leadership, most recently she served as the company’s spokesperson during National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

Best known as the star of the Animal Planet TV series, “It’s Me or the Dog,” Victoria is a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement dog training methods. She is also committed to increasing awareness of puppy mills, dogfighting, animal abuse, pet overpopulation, and other animal-related causes.

She documented the training of eight new, accelerant detection canine handlers and their canine partners. Her experiences at the State Farm Arson Dog Program training school resulted in a new web series called “Arson Dogs” and is available to watch on the Positively.com website or on Victoria’s YouTube Channel.

Super Smiley® the Ambassador of Kindness

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Super Smiley! Every team needs a cheerleader and the Canine Assist Team is no exception. In fact, the team has a SUPER cheerleader…Super Smiley, the Ambassador of Kindness! A two-time shelter dog, Super Smiley has now found his ”fur-ever” home with actress Megan Blake, The Pet Lifestyle Coach®.

Megan and Super Smiley are on a mission to help all shelter pets get adopted and spread the super message about being kind to animals and people. A certified therapy dog with Pet Partners and a HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response dog, Super Smiley provides comfort and support to people affected by disasters. He also teaches inner city and at-risk children the value of kindness through the Kindness with Super Smiley® Humane Education Program.

All great players have their highlight reels; watch him in “Inner Mutt Super Hero” and “Super Smiley Flash Mob – A Dogumentary”

In addition to being on the Canine Assist Team, Super Smiley has been the Official Spokes-Dog for the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. He even co-hosts his own award-winning animal advocacy/adventure radio show, “A Super Smiley Adventure,” on the Pet Life Radio Network.

According to Super Smiley, “Hero Dogs save lives and change lives! Look down at the dog looking up at you now and hug your personal Hero Dog. Then remember that at shelters right now, your Hero Dog may be waiting.”

Alik H218: Defender of Freedom IN MEMORIAM

Though he is retired from his official duties as a Military Working Dog (MWD), Alik H218 continues to serve. He is now a Goodwill Ambassador raising awareness of the contributions of our nation’s Military and Contract Working Dogs by attending special events and visiting schools, organizations and businesses.

After serving eight years with the United States Air Force Security Forces as a Patrol/Explosive Detector Dog (PEDD), Alik was medically retired in 2012, and adopted by Ruby and Wade Ridpath.

Ruby and Alik are now partnering with sculptor Austin Weishel to raise funds for the creation of the Colorado War Dog Memorial. The memorial celebrates all working dogs. Learn more at www.wardogmemorialcolorado.com.

“The dogs didn’t sign on the dotted line, yet, they work in the harshest of environments alongside our troops and some have given their lives for our country and freedoms. They didn’t ask for the job, but they do it willingly and selflessly,” says Ridpath.

“Our Police K-9s, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol dogs, Search and Rescue dogs, Arson dogs, TSA dogs - to me they’re all war dogs. They’re just fighting a different type of war.”

MWD Alik H218 passed away Saturday, May 23, 2015. We are saddened by his passing. He was a true warrior. His accomplishments represent the sacrifices military working dogs make when protecting and assisting our troops.

Elle the Pit Bull: High Fives for Friendship

After meeting Elle, the 2013 American Humane Association Hero Dog, State Farm knew it had found a wonderful ambassador. Elle and her owner, Leah Brewer, educate people about responsible dog ownership and teach children about dog bite prevention, while also helping dispel myths and fear of pit bull dogs.

Since 2010, they have been working as a team with Therapy Dogs Incorporated. They visit nursing homes and schools. Their reading program called “Tail Wagging Tales” helps students practice reading in a non-judgmental environment. Students read to Elle and when ready, they read and make presentations in front of their class.

“Elle doesn’t care if the student is a beginning reader or doesn’t like to read in front of people,” says Brewer. “She calmly sits by their side with a non-judgmental ear and offers a reassuring paw when needed.”

Educating children about the proper way to interact with dogs and the importance of being a loving and responsible owner are critical to reducing dog bites. Leah and Elle are perfect examples of this message.

“I remind children that even though they know Elle, she is a dog and because of that, they should always ask first before petting her. Instead of a hug, Elle gives her trademark HIGH FIVE FOR FRIENDSHIP.”

Xena the Warrior Puppy

For Xena the Warrior Puppy being a most improved puppy meant physically improving. She was near death. Rescuers found her living in solitude, weighing just 4 pounds, covered in scabs and near starvation. After five months of rehabilitation with an animal rescue employee in Decatur, Georgia, she made a miraculous recovery and was ready to be adopted.

In nearby Johns Creek, autism was keeping eight-year old Jonny Hickey closed off from much of the world. While Jonny could speak, social interaction was awkward and unfamiliar situations triggered outbursts. It was difficult for his mom, Linda, and other members of the family to get Jonny to say more than a few words, let alone show any affection.

That changed on February 11, 2013, when Jonny Hickey met his forever friend, Xena the Warrior Puppy. On their first day together, Xena climbed into Jonny’s lap and kissed him all over his face. Their bond was immediate. Jonny began talking. He learned confidence, and has become more outgoing with his social interactions.

Together, Jonny and Xena the Warrior Puppy now raise awareness about autism and cruelty to animals through videos and their Facebook page. Their efforts have also been recognized by multiple organizations including winning the 2013 ASPCA Dog of the Year and the 2014 American Humane Association Emerging Hero Dog of the Year.

Jasper: Dysautonomia Defender

When a dog comes into a family, parents often have to remind their child that it is a responsibility. However, in Lukah’s case, it was a chance for her to become more independent. She suffers from dysautonomia - a rare and debilitating disease that causes frequent and severe seizures and loss of consciousness.

In July 2014, Lukah and her family got the call: Canine Partners for Life matched her with Jasper, a black lab trained to alert Lukah of her dysautonomia symptoms. In October, they made the 12-hour drive from Illinois to Pennsylvania to get Jasper. In the 6 months that they have been together, the two formed a bond that Lukah’s mother, Andi, calls incredible.

“She’s learned to listen to him, yet he doesn’t speak. She understands him, yet he doesn’t say words. She hears him clearly, yet he doesn’t have a voice,”

Andi wrote in her blog, Looking for Lukah. Andi and Lukah are now starting Doggone Disabilities, a non-profit organization, to help other families raise money for their own service dog through approved service dog organizations.