Why Dogs Bite

By Charlene Little, Contributing Writer

There are approximate 4 1/2 million people bitten each year by dogs. Many of these bites could be prevented by a simple understanding of dogs. Unfortunately, many of the victims of these dog bites are children and many of them need medical attention. However, there are ways to avoid the scene to the left, by simply understanding why dogs bite. Here are the top five reasons that dogs bite.

The Five Main Reasons Dogs Bite

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Possessiveness

One of the main reasons that dogs bite is for protection of something. Whether it is protection of property or protection of their personal property.

This is a large issue when it comes to dogs, especially when children are bitten. Dogs, just like children, are territorial over their things. This such as toys, food, territory, or their human being. Who are then umber one offenders in this situation? Guard dogs and herding breeds.

Another reasons dogs tend to bite out of nowhere, is fear. This fear is typically toward strangers. This is why we should never approach a dog that we do not know.

Dogs bite when they are startled or un-socialized, and this is impossible to tell any of this just by looking at them from a distance.

Fear

Pain

One of the most un-readable reasons for dogs to bite is pain. Pain is something that we cannot read in dogs. If you are not sure if your dog is feeling pain, you should schedule a vet appointment.

Maternal Instincts

Even the most well trained dog could turn into a spasmatic biter after they have had puppies. This is something that a child should not test under any circumstances, and is very difficult to train away before the mother loses interest in the puppies at the time of weening. The female dog may be willing to bite at anyone in the entire house, no matter how comfortable they may have been previously.

Prey Drive

Prey drive can be a huge instinct to compete with. Unfortunately, this can be triggered by anything, such as someone running by or a bicycle going past.

If you dog has been known to have a prey drive of any sort, it is necessary to train them to the full extent. The issue with a strong prey drive is that even a someone passing by that makes eye contact with your dog can trigger it.

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About the Author

Charlene Little is the mother of three wonderful boys and a volunteer foster mom for her local animal shelter. She enjoys working with various breeds of dogs and cats in learning social behavior, training, and how to be the successful member of a fur-ever family. She enjoys studying animals' behavior and finding solutions to behavior problems that the everyday person can handle. She covers topics from various forms of aggression and small problem behaviors. Every problem behavior has a solution, and the solution is never to give up on your pet! Love, kindness, and small adjustments could be just what you need.