Ever asked, “Will that dog bite?”
Can you recognize the signs?
The first thing we need to do to avoid a bite is to recognize the signs we’re being given. Dogs rarely strike without warning. Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t speak their language but more frequently, we’re simply not paying attention.
Most people don’t hesitate to approach or pet a dog based solely on the fact that it’s wagging its tail. But tail-wagging isn’t always what it seems. You must pay attention to the whole dog to understand what it’s really telling you.
Don’t make the mistake of judging a dog by its breed. I have been kissed and loved by a Pit Bull during extremely painful procedures and held at bay by a Labrador Retriever. No matter what breed it is, focus on their body language and you will be much more successful at sparing yourself a few stitches. Below we will look at the types of dog that have been voted Most Likely to Send You to the ER and how to recognize them.
An aggressive dog will assume a posture that makes themselves appear larger. They will generally stand tall, stiff and straight legged. Their ears will be up and forward. The hair on their back will usually stand up or puff out and their eyes will be fixed and hard, staring right at you. They may move toward you or wag their tail as a sign of fear or insecurity. Continue closer and it may bark, growl or lunge. Get too close and you will get bit.
Fearful or anxious dogs tend to try and appear very small. They will tuck their chin to their chest, flatten their ears and pull their tail under. They will avoid eye contact and may repeatedly lick their lips or yawn. They may lie down, expose their stomach, stay very still or try to hide or distance themselves from the perceived threat. Further engagement of these dogs may leave them feeling as though they have no choice but to defend themselves. Left with no alternative this dog may growl, snarl or bite.
Be advised: some dogs may display a mixture of signs, indicating they are feeling conflicted. It’s best to avoid dogs who display any sign of fear, aggression or anxiety. Do not be fooled by a wagging tail or crouching posture. These behaviors are not always friendly.
As you can see, not all signs are obvious or easy to read. Always exercise caution when approaching an animal. Not all dogs that display the signs outlined here will resort to biting but the odds do increase exponentially. Learning to recognize an animal’s body language and paying attention when they’re speaking can mean the difference between a care-free day with your family or a painful trip to the emergency room
