When listening to the messages on our dog training school voice mail system, I have learned that most of those that begin with something along the lines of "My dog is wonderful and really sweet," usually end with a request for help in dealing with an aggression problem. In most cases, the word aggression is not actually mentioned, but referred to in a sort of pet parent code which includes: "He doesn't really like it when..." or "I'm a little concerned because..." The specifics of the situation are only brought to light once a thorough conversation has taken place. But, it is clear that nobody wants to label or have their dog labeled as aggressive. And one of the hardest things for pet parents to face is the fact that no matter how much we love our dogs, no matter how responsibly we care for them, nor how many nicknames we use as terms of endearment, underneath it all a dog is an animal, and like all animals, they have the propensity for aggression. With that said, as a person who loves dogs and greatly appreciates the many benefits of the canine/human bond it can be hard to face the fact that each year over 4 million dog bites occur in the Unites States. Of these, one in five requires medical attention. It is most often someone in a dog's immediate family who is the victim of a dog bite and likely a child. The possibility that a beloved canine family member might inflict harm to a person (especially someone in their own family) is a hard thing for people to face. However, dog bites are largely a preventable problem. May 16th-22nd is National Dog Bite Prevention Week which is a time to draw attention to this issue and raise awareness of ways to better observe and understand dog behavior, to implement careful management and supervision, and to work together as a dog community to decrease these incidents.
Dog bites occur for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that aggression is a normal part of animal behavior, and while aggression is a complex subject, there are some fairly simple steps people can take to prevent a dog bite.
1. Plan on early intervention with young animals to best prepare them for life with people. This includes early and ongoing socialization, gentling and handling exercises and habituation to a variety of experiences that might otherwise be overwhelming for a dog. Gradual exposure to the world of people, management to provide the most positive encounters possible, joining a puppy training class, attending puppy play groups, and maintaining good socialization skills and a dog with a cooperative attitude by attending refresher training classes throughout the years should all be part of a pet parenting plan.
2. Make an honest assessment of your dog's temperament and threshold for tolerance of particular people, places and things. Be careful not to inadvertently place your dog in a situation where they may not be able to handle experiences. A dogs tendency to respond aggressively will vary due to genetics, experiences and training. Many bites are the result of a dog who is in a state of fear as a result of being put in a situation where they feel stressed or threatened. When the ability to flee is blocked, an aggressive display (which might include biting) may be what the dog considers the only alternative. A dog may perceive any number of human behaviors as potentially challenging and react with a hard stare, stiffening of the body, growl or bark. These are all ways of the dog saying 'back off.' If these warnings are not heeded or are met with a perceived aggressive response (a physical or verbal reprimand) a bite may occur. Something as simple as reaching for a dog's collar or over his head to pet him might put a person at risk, especially if either behavior is confused with a previous reprimand (i.e. the dog's collar was grabbed and then the dog was punished for something). Many dogs are surprisingly tolerant, even when faced with rough handling and training techniques. But, each dog has a threshold at which they may respond aggressively. Some dogs have a very low threshold, which can be gradually raised to allow for greater tolerance and acceptance of stimuli using behavior modification. But, even the dog with the most rock solid temperament, and the most carefully planned and implemented early and ongoing socialization and habituation, may some day bite a person. Odds are for a dog like this, the bite would be extremely inhibited. However, it is vital that all pet parents consider it of prime importance to always observe their dog's behavior and consider their possible responses to particular stimuli in order to prevent an incident. Any aggression concerns should be addressed as soon as possible with the assistance of a qualified professional trainer.
3. Be aware of the possibility for redirected aggression. A dog may react to a specific stimulus (such as another dog approaching), and in a state of arousal redirect to the closest person (i.e. the one at the end of the leash). If a dog is in a state of arousal and possible aggression is suspected, great care should be given to staying calm and using a gentle approach in order to remove the dog from the situation so as to best ensure everyone's safety. Some dogs are best suited to on-leash management when around other dogs or people so as to provide an effective means for safe control.
4. Consider that as a scenario changes so does a dogs behavior. Even the most mannerly and friendly dog may react aggressively in response to specific triggers. This is especially true when multiple stimuli essentially mix together and result in a recipe for a higher state of arousal. For example, presenting a dog with a highly regarded or valued resource (such as a chew toy) in the presence of another dog may result in an aggressive response. In this case, even if the dog had not previously shown resource guarding issues with people, the presence of the other dog could be enough to trigger aggression which might be directed in any number of ways. In addition to working with a trainer to best manage any issues, pet parents should consider environmental variables from the dog's perspective and use caution so as to keep experiences at a level that the dog can handle. Most dogs are willing to offer loads of valuable information in regards to how they are feeling, it is our job to learn to most accurately interpret their language so as to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences are had by all.
5. Special care should be given when dogs are in the presence of children. Children are amongst those most likely to be bitten by a dog. Teach children to interact with dogs only when supervised by an adult, and in a gentle and mannerly fashion. Running and screaming in the presence of dogs should be discouraged as this may overstimulate a dog and trigger a chase and prey response. If a child wants to say hello to a dog, they should first ask their parent's permission, then the owner of the dog and then the dog's by calmly inviting the dog to walk to them to say hello. If the dog chooses not to interact then his or her decision should be respected. Forcing a dog into social interactions is highly unadvisable. Furthermore, children should never be permitted to approach a dog that is tethered or otherwise confined as they may feel cornered and/or territorial. In case a child every feels threatened by a dog, they should try to remain as still as possible and avoid eye contact. Turning to run may incite the dog to chase. Instead, slowly back away.
6. Provide your dog with appropriate and adequate mental and physical exercise as a way of reducing boredom and stress which may play a part in aggression.
7. Avoid punishments which tend to increase the possibility of an aggressive response. Fighting fire with fire will only serve to fuel the flames.
8. Teach your dog basic manners such as sit, down, hand targeting and come when called. These behaviors can be used as a way to show the dog what is expected and to build a foundation of cooperation and communication.
9. Spaying and neutering are strongly advised as intact animals display a higher incidence of aggressive behaviors.
Doing our part to manage and supervise our dogs, and to teach them to be mannerly members of the community is an essential part of keeping people and dogs safe, is at the core of being a great pet parent, and is the least we can do to thank them for all the wonderful ways they can add to the quality of our lives.
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