As conversations around dog bites intensify across India, a seasoned dog trainer has highlighted a lesser-known reality: most bite incidents involve pet dogs, not strays. According to behaviour expert Adnaan Khan from K9 School, the root cause of rising aggression lies not in specific breeds but in gaps in training, structure and responsible ownership.
Why pet dogs are behind most reported bite cases
Dog bites are often more shocking when the attacker is a pet, an animal people assume to be predictable, trained and safe. Following a recent incident where a pet Pit Bull severely injured a child, the debate resurfaced nationwide.
Khan says public perception is misplaced:
“Seventy to eighty per cent of dog-bite cases come from pet dogs, not strays. Street dogs communicate naturally and attack only when threatened. Pet dogs, however, often live in homes with no structure, poor socialisation and confusing boundaries.”
He explains that what appears to be aggression is often a stressed, anxious and under-exercised dog responding to an overwhelming environment. “Most households raise confused dogs, not dangerous ones,” he adds.
At K9 School, Khan’s team handles more than 500 aggression-related rehabilitation cases every year across Delhi-NCR, though he believes the actual number of unreported incidents is far higher.
Breed bans won’t solve the problem, say experts
Recent discussions around India’s “banned breeds” list have resurfaced, but Khan maintains that banning breeds is not the solution.
“Aggression doesn’t come from the breed. It comes from poor breeding, lack of training and owners choosing powerful dogs without understanding their needs.”
He notes that he has worked with countless gentle, well-adjusted Pit Bulls and Rottweilers — including his own dog Stella, India’s first certified therapy Rottweiler for a decade. Instead of bans, he calls for stricter breeder regulation, mandatory owner training and accountability.
Khan emphasises that dogs often mirror the emotional tone of their homes:
“Chaotic households create tense animals. Calm, structured homes create balanced dogs.”
Myths around rabies and household pets
A frequent concern following a bite incident is rabies. Khan clarifies that in a vaccinated household, the risk is almost nonexistent.
“A vaccinated dog cannot transmit rabies. Panic comes from misinformation, not medical reality,” he says.
He stresses that maintaining updated vaccination records is essential for public safety and for building trust between communities and dog owners.
Legal rights and accountability in dog-bite incidents
Under Indian law, owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets. Victims have the right to:
- seek compensation,
- access the dog’s vaccination records,
- and file a police complaint.
However, enforcement remains weak. Khan himself suffered permanent nerve damage from a client’s dog but received no compensation, a situation he believes underscores the need for mandatory registration and stronger penalties for negligence.
He warns that in the absence of accountability, many dogs end up abandoned or punished, even when the fault lies with human error.
Training as prevention: guidance for responsible dog ownership
Khan’s advice for dog owners is direct and practical:
- choose a breed that suits your lifestyle,
- begin training early,
- establish structure from day one,
- provide mental and physical exercise,
- use appropriate gear in public,
- and take full responsibility for your dog’s behaviour.
“Invest the first two disciplined years, and you’ll enjoy the next ten peacefully,” he often tells owners.
Training, he notes, is not about punishment but about clear communication and consistent reinforcement. Early guidance can prevent most aggression-related issues.
India’s challenge is not dogs, but misconceptions
Ultimately, Khan argues that India does not have a “dog problem” but a misunderstanding problem. Myths, poor awareness and irresponsible ownership continue to fuel incidents, allowing dogs to take the blame for human mistakes.
Without changes in public education, breeder regulation and household practices, he warns that pet-dog bites will continue to rise.