When I look at a German shepherd, malamute, golden retriever, and then a pug and toy poodle, I am reminded of one not-so-insignificant fact; dogs are descended from wolves.
Yes, that dachshund is basically a wolf. Chihuahua, too. Although with us for ten thousand years or more, our house wolves have teeth and in certain situations, they use them in a non-desirable manner.
The American Veterinary medical Association estimates more than 4.5 million people are bitten each year, with children receiving nearly half of all bites. Most dog bites are preventable.
All dogs can bite, and in the veterinary profession, this is considered when examining each patient. The client may not notice, but each and every time we veterinarians enter a room, we assess the surroundings for clues as to the behavior of our patients. Many of our subtle observations can be used by of the public, too.
Understanding what makes a dog bite is key to prevention. Fear or sensing a threat is a definite prompt for biting. A happy comfortable dog that rolls over is unlikely to bite, but a dog that is suddenly startled may have an instant moment of fear and react with what they have: teeth. Small children are frequently bitten when they startle a sleeping dog; such as when a toddler crawls up to the dog.
Guarding and territorial behaviors may also result in an altercation. Food or a certain toy may be a precious resource to a dog, and some will guard these items. Canines are naturally territorial and may defend their domain. Think of the postal worker who comes to your door, the dog barks—out of defense of the house and possibly fear, too. So caution should be exhibited when someone is uncertain of a particular dog’s temperament.
Underappreciated is the role pain plays in behavior. Dogs with t disease, injuries, or other maladies which cause discomfort which may lead to grumpiness and bites. It’s not unreasonable to presume that a dog in pain may react negatively to certain situations. Alway take care around an injured dog, even one known for its friendliness.
While there may be prejudices in the media regarding certain breeds that are more likely to bite, there is little evidence to such claims. All dogs should be treated with the same respect and training, miniature pinscher up to Rottweiler, though a bite from a powerful dog will be more damaging than a Chihuahua.
As a dog owner, it is imperative to choose a dog that works with your lifestyle – size and energy-wise! This will help the dog be more comfortable overall. Socialization to other people and dogs in a controlled manner will help them build confidence, reducing stressful situations which may escalate into a biting situation. Reinforce simple training, such as “sit,” “stay,” “drop it,” “come.” The more a dog listens to commands, the more relaxed they are and the less likely to escalate a concerning situation.
Children and Dogs
Always supervise young children around dogs and never leave them unattended together. We adults frequently set up stressful situations for our canines: while many dog/child photographs are cute, quite often the dog is stressed and uncomfortable. When a dog’s ears are tucked back, they are stressed and alert, not relaxed!
If you have children, teach them about basic dog safety. They should not approach a strange dog or try petting them through a fence. Asking an owner in advance if they can say hello is essential as not every dog is friendly or wants attention. When greeting don’t reach out a hand to pet them, instead extend a hand palm-up low down and allow the dog to approach. This technique should also be used when giving dogs treats: never hold it in your fingers, place it on your palm, if safe, and allow the dog to lick it off. Many dogs will inadvertently grab fingers when being given a treat.
Learning to read dog body language will help with keeping everyone safe. Not all dogs display the same behaviors, though. In general fearful dogs will have ears tucked back, their tail between their legs, and hairs raised on their backs. Always be alert and communicate with a dog’s owner before approaching. Most dog bites can be prevented through observation of behavior, avoiding stressed dogs, and practicing safe habits.
Dr. Teich is the medical director for District Veterinary Hospitals in Navy Yard, Eastern Market and Brookland. Visit www.districtvet.com for more information.
