According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) more than 800,000 Americans every year receive medical attention for dog bites. Children are the most common victims of dog bites, followed by senior citizens. In order to decrease the likelihood of dog bites, it is important to be educated about how dogs use their body language to communicate their feelings and the best way to approach dogs based on these cues. These tips may help prevent situations that could result in injury or a bite.
Because dogs are unable to speak, they use their whole bodies to communicate, and it is up to us to learn what they are trying to say. Understanding canine body language will help owners and others know when it is alright to approach a dog to safely interact with them and when it is not. In order to interact with our canine friends safely, here are the descriptions of different body languages:
· Friendly body language- a relaxed body with the tail and ears are in their normal positon and the mouth is slightly opened for panting.
· Playful body language- dog is bouncing around and engaged. They may growl and bark while darting and leaping around, but it is all in good fun.
· Nervous or fearful body language- dog is hunched down with their tail tucked between their legs and ears flatted to the head. They do not want to really look at you and may lick and yawn in an exaggerated way. If cornered, they may bite out of fear.
· Alert body language- dog is focused and stands soundly on all fours feet with ears erect; their tail maybe standing straight up and is not wagging with their mouth closed. They may even bark or growl.
· Unfriendly or aggressive body language- dog’s body is very rigid with pinned back ears, wide eyes, tail rigid, and a low growl. Do not try to approach or engage with the dog, because they are ready to attack and bite.
· Playful body language- dog is bouncing around and engaged. They may growl and bark while darting and leaping around, but it is all in good fun.
· Nervous or fearful body language- dog is hunched down with their tail tucked between their legs and ears flatted to the head. They do not want to really look at you and may lick and yawn in an exaggerated way. If cornered, they may bite out of fear.
· Alert body language- dog is focused and stands soundly on all fours feet with ears erect; their tail maybe standing straight up and is not wagging with their mouth closed. They may even bark or growl.
· Unfriendly or aggressive body language- dog’s body is very rigid with pinned back ears, wide eyes, tail rigid, and a low growl. Do not try to approach or engage with the dog, because they are ready to attack and bite.
Even the friendliest of dogs can bite if they are frightened or put in a situation that is unfamiliar to them. Here are some tips to help avoid situations where a dog may bite occur.
· Allow the dog to come to you and allow them to initiate the “conversation” by sniffing your pant leg, feet, and hand. Do not try to immediately pet the dog on the head; this is a sign of dominance.
· Do not get in the face of a dog and avoid eye-to-eye contact. This is also a sign of dominance and is the reason why some dogs do not like small children because they are at eye level.
· Do not try to pet a dog that is in a vehicle or in a fenced-in yard or kennel because they may become aggressive because they are guarding their territory.
· Do not run away from an aggressive dog; instead, back away slowly and speak calmly and firmly. Running will cause the dog to chase you and attack.
· Do not pet a sleeping dog or move its food while eating.
· Never leave your children unattended with any dog, familiar or unfamiliar.
· Do not get in the face of a dog and avoid eye-to-eye contact. This is also a sign of dominance and is the reason why some dogs do not like small children because they are at eye level.
· Do not try to pet a dog that is in a vehicle or in a fenced-in yard or kennel because they may become aggressive because they are guarding their territory.
· Do not run away from an aggressive dog; instead, back away slowly and speak calmly and firmly. Running will cause the dog to chase you and attack.
· Do not pet a sleeping dog or move its food while eating.
· Never leave your children unattended with any dog, familiar or unfamiliar.
Every situation is different, however, educating yourself and training your dog may help avoid someone from getting bit. If you have any questions on dog behavior, ask your veterinarian.
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