Dogs are among the most loyal and friendly creatures known to man, hence the term “man’s best friend.”
This is why it can such a shock when your dog begins biting – whether it be other dogs, you and your family, or others. Dog bites are not to be taken lightly, as nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, resulting in the hospitalization of thousands of people. Dog bites can cause injury, infection and even death, with 40 fatalities reported in the United States in 2018. If your dog bites someone, you also run the risk of being named in a lawsuit, even if the injury was minor.
Although some breeds seem to have more of a propensity to be involved in such an incident, every dog is capable of biting. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to know the common triggers and to keep an eye out for aggression in your pet.
Common Triggers for Dog Bites
Aggression and biting in dogs is generally the result of some measure of stress. Some dogs can handle more stress than others, and may never resort to biting no matter what the situation. However, some dogs may only experience minor anxiety before they feel the need to bite in order to protect themselves. You must learn to recognize when your dog is anxious and take steps to calm her before things get out of hand.
One of the most common triggers for dog bites is that they are fearful. Dogs typically react the most forcefully against strangers, especially if they do not come into contact with many people on a regular basis. The best way to prevent this type of behavior is to begin training when your pet is a puppy, exposing him to many people and allowing him to understand that for the most part, strangers do not pose a threat. As with anything, teaching them appropriate behavior when young is a lot easier than trying to re-train them as adults.
Dogs also often bite if they are startled, so sneaking up on your dog or playing “pranks” is not a good idea. It is especially important to teach children how to approach any animal – even one they are familiar with. Kids should be taught not to bother a sleeping dog, not to approach strange dogs without asking the owner if it is ok, and not trying to scare their own dog.
Another catalyst for dog bites is feelings of possessiveness. This usually occurs with food or favorite toys. If a human or other dog seems to be moving in on their territory in an unwelcome way, they may bite. Dogs are also known to feel possessive about their owners, including the children in the home; and may bite someone they perceive to be a threat to their safety. This is where proper training comes into play. Teach your puppy the “stay” and “leave it” commands in order to teach appropriate non-aggressive reactions to objects and people they feel possessive about.
They May Be Suffering
Even the most calm and friendly dogs may bite if they are experiencing illness or pain. Even if your intentions are to ease their pain, the dog may interpret your action as a threat to his already vulnerable situation. You may not even realize your dog is hurt until he bites you when you pick him up or try to move him. In any case, it is recommended that you approach your dog with care and caution so that he understands that you are there to help him, not cause more pain.
It is important to know your dog well in order to avoid putting him in situations which may cause trouble. Given that dog bites are often considered grounds for euthanizing a dog, the situation can be tragic for all involved. If your dog is aggressive and you are worried about the possibility of dog bites, call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We are happy to help you to retrain your dog, and modify his behavior to be more social and trusting.
