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BITING DOG

BITING DOG - PREVENTION IS AS NECESSARY AS TRAINING

By Tess Thompson

You may train your dog to perfection but it is difficult to remove all basic traits of canine nature. Domestication and evolutionary changes have converted a basically aggressive species into lovable and sweet animals. A well trained dog will give you his unconditional love and affection. But an action like this is no guarantee that he will not have an aggressive encounter with you at least once in his lifetime. Dog biting statistics are a standing testimony to that.

Consider the options that a dog has when he is upset, annoyed or approached when in fear of a noise, stranger or situation. He can only growl, bark and ultimately bite. Howsoever you may train your dog unexpected situations are liable to arise, which may induce the dog to bite. If there is a need to re-train your dog that is showing signs of aggression, there is an equally compelling need for learning how to protect your family and you from dog biting.

A friendly and a sweet-natured dog can potentially turn into a raving maniac if he sees a change in demeanor of a person approaching him. If you crouch or move in an unpredictable manner or try to touch his head without first establishing familiarity, you are actually inviting the dog to show aggressive dog behavior, which comes to him naturally.

If you observe closely, children normally behave like that only. The first preventive measure is to teach children how to approach dogs. Ideally, children should never approach a dog. Even if it is a friend’s dog who says it is safe, there is a risk due to unpredictable behaviors as children are prone to mischief.

Secondly, let the dog approach and sniff at you before you even think of approaching or touching him. Do not make tentative movements. You may not be able to assess whether the dog is afraid of you or not. And if the dog fears you as a stranger, he may lunge forward at the slightest hint of a sudden movement. If you are a dog lover and feel compelled to make friends, remember the sideways stance appears the least threatening to a dog.

Never tap an unknown dog on the head as most dogs actually hate it. Instead scratch the dog under his chin. Always avoid direct eye contact and look away as if you are ignoring the dog. This sends out positive signals to the dog. Friendly dogs usually approach each other by walking in an arc.

If you can do that it will send another calming and friendly signal to the dog. Other such measures include sitting, squatting, yawning and sniffing. We humans do not sniff but you can always try to pick up something and inspect it. Once he is assured that you will not chase or grab him or hurt him, he will himself approach you even if he is an aggressive dog.

Postal workers, meter readers, dog catchers, delivery personnel and of course, children are generally the prime victims of dog aggression . It is not possible to remove the inherent trait of an animal. If you know how to approach a dog there shouldn’t be any reason to fear an animal that might actually be in fear himself.

References:

http://dogscouts.com/biteprevention.shtml