By Carl Palazzolo, DVM, MBA, Long Beach Animal Hospital (LBAH) Photo by Valeriy Lebedev
Even the quietest and gentlest of dogs is capable of using what nature has given them if they feel sufficiently threatened. Most dogs will actually announce when they are about to bite. Knowing the warning signs is very important. Some of them are subtle, so observation is important. Typical ones include:
- growling
- baring teeth
- rising hackles
- aggressive posture
- apparent stiffness in body
- raised tail
Recognizing these signs is essential, as is supervising children around dogs. Children don’t know what to watch for and may keep pushing and stressing dogs beyond their limits. Dogs in any strange, unusual or stressful situation should be watched carefully, kept on a leash, and calmed with quiet reassurance.
Resist the urge to ‘baby’ a nervous or aggressive dog, as this does not usually help them calm down. Telling a dog he’s a “good boy” when he’s overly excited and growling does not communicate to him that he should relax and be calm; instead, it serves to tell him the behavior he’s exhibiting is acceptable.
Get him on a leash, give him a firm command to sit, and then praise him for doing it—this redirects his attention back to you, and you are now able to praise him for good behavior.
When left to their own devices (i.e. with no guidance or direction), dogs will be dogs. They may fight to communicate with each other for territory, resources, mates and so on. Training redirects their attention to you, the leader, so you can modify their behavior and let them know what’s expected of them.
Attending classes with your puppy or dog is a great way to establish a strong bond and socialize your dog with other dogs and people. A well-trained, well-socialized dog is less likely to have behavioral problems resulting in aggression and dog bites.
Preventing dogs from biting other dogs comes from understanding pack behavior and territoriality. Dogs have a natural tendency to fight and bite each other, so introducing new dogs into a household slowly and with supervision is essential. New dogs in a household should not be left alone with each other as the tensions involved with establishing territory and position may escalate when you’re not there holding their attention. Fighting among dogs is a natural occurrence.