⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about dog bites, including injury, behaviour assessments, and legal outcomes. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Chantal and Angelique talk to behaviourist and expert witness Daniel Shaw about one of the most complex and sensitive topics in the dog training world — dog bites.

We explore the contexts in which bites most commonly occur, the early behavioural signs that are often missed, and how fear, pain, or predatory instincts might all influence a dog’s response. Daniel also shares his experiences working on legal cases involving bite incidents and reflects on the challenges of the Dangerous Dogs Act, as well as what needs to change to ensure fairness and welfare for dogs.

Together, we ask:

• Can some bites be prevented with better education and awareness?
• Why bites happen and which underlying causes need to be addressed.
• What reforms are needed in how dog bite cases are handled?