What Causes Dogs To Bite And Tips To Safeguard Yourself From Bites

An abused or neglected dog, coupled with the lack of training often lead to most of these dog bites. No matter how bad it may be there is still hope to contain and treat the aggression if you are able to diagnose the causes behind these vicious bites.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

1. Fear aggression - dogs will bite they feel they are cornered, crowded, scared, angry, or threatened. Even a seemingly happy and "friendly" dog will bite.

2. Possessive aggression - dogs will protect what they think belongs to them such as their food, toys and territory.

3. Protective or territorial aggression - dogs will protect their space such as their sleeping area, yard, porch, cars and certain areas of your home.

4. Dog-to-dog aggression - dogs are predatory by nature and like to chase and attack other dogs or animals.

5. A stray dog may feel upset being lost or hurt and tends to bite with a lot less provocation.

6. A dog being startled may lash out and bite.

7. Dominance aggression - dogs have a pack instinct, with a dominant leader in a strict hierarchy, if a dog has never been given proper training to establish who the leader of the pack is (eg the alpha male) then it will assert its dominance and aggression over others - eg young children and family members which can be a very dangerous situation. Never leave any dog alone with young children or infants.

How to Protect Yourself From Dog Bites?

1. Avoid using aggressive punishment to treat aggression, this only exacerbates an already hostile and unstable situation.

2. Use positive reinforcement methods to teach your dog obedience commands.

3. If your dog exhibits dog-to-dog aggression then try to avoid situations that may provoke aggressive behaviour - eg a park with other unleashed dogs or animals.

4. Teach young children to be careful around pets. Don't allow children to play rough or allow puppies to bite. Not even play biting.

5. Teach your children never get close to strange dogs.

6. You should never pet stray dogs or those which are running loose.

7. Fit your dog with a head halter (on a temporary basis) while training as this is a humane way to treat and control your dog.

8. Refrain from running past a dog. They love to chase. Avoid getting a dog excited or aggressive, by yelling and screaming or having sudden movements that may startle them into attacking.

9. You should always ask permission from a pet owner to pat his dog. Even if he's present and the dog is on a leash.

10. If restraint is necessary for extended periods of time then fit your dog with a basket muzzle.

11. Leave a dog's possessions alone like food, toys, bones, etc.

12. Most injuries are caused by getting too close to a dog's face with your own.

13. You never want to touch or pat a dog that's eating, sleeping or caring for its puppies.

14. Stay away from dogs that are tied up or in cars.

15. Refrain from swinging your arms or things you have at a dog. It may think it's an invitation to bite.

Dogs can be a man's best friend but we must learn to treat dogs with respect. Understanding why they behave the way they do in certain situations will help us establish and maintain a trusting and fulfilling bond between us and the dog.