Bad Dogs or Bad Humans? Get a Handle on Biting

Dog bite statistics show that almost 5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States annually. This results in more than $1 billion paid in compensation, either by the owners themselves or through dog bite insurance. Many dog bites occur in the home, and children are the main casualties.

Some dog attacks result in the death of another person or dog. Dog owners need to pay careful attention to the prevention of dog bites.

So does your dog bite? And, if so, how do you stop dog biting? The first step in the prevention of dog bites is to understand why your dog bites. Dogs usually bite as a form of aggressive behavior. Instances when dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior include:

Dominance aggression. Dogs may be aggressive when a family member has annoyed them in some way (perhaps by taking something from the dog or disturbing it while it is resting).
Defensive aggression. Dogs may be aggressive when they are afraid.
Protective aggression. Dogs may be aggressive to strangers who approach their owners or their homes.
Predatory aggression. Dogs may be aggressive to small animals or children.
Pain-elicited aggression. Dogs may be aggressive when someone touches them when they are in pain.
Punishment-elicited aggression. Dogs may be aggressive after being hit or attacked in some way.

This aggression does not always result in a dog biting. A number of factors have been identified to show when aggressive behavior in dogs is more likely to result in a dog bite or attack. These factors are:

A dog is more likely to bite when they are a type of breed that has aggressive behavior bred into them.
A dog is more likely to bite when the dog is not used to certain types of behavior (eg. from children) and has not received adequate socialization.
A dog is more likely to bite when it has not received the correct training to stop the biting.
A dog is more likely to bite when they are sick or injured.

Tips for Controlling Biting

Controlling biting should start when the dog is a puppy, with the aim of removing the behavior before they are five months old. A puppy will naturally try to bite your hands when you play with him. When the puppy bites too hard, give a firm command or say "Ow" and stop playing with the dog. After some time, repeat the process. Praise the dog when his plays gently. Here are some other tips for inhibiting biting:

Do not tap or smack the dog's nose as this may trigger a defensive bite.
Do not flash your hands around the dog's face.
Get him used to the human touch, including allowing you to touch his face.
Continue to praise your dog when he is gentle during play.

Continue to: Essential Guidelines to Stop Dog Biting

Best Tips for Training Companion or Working Dogs
Four Basic Fundamentals of Dog Training
Dog Commands: Speak the Language
The Basics of Dog Training as a Career
Basic Dog Training Tools

Bookmark this page Email this to your friend Add this page to del.icio.us

Recommended sites

Basic Dog Obedience

White Papers

Training Equipment
Head Halters
Relationships
Pack to Raise a Puppy
Why Not Take Candy?

Suggest an Article

Haven´t found the article you are looking for, please suggest your article. We value all your suggestions and comments.

Home |

| Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |

Bad Dogs or Bad Humans? Get a Handle on Biting

Tips for Controlling Biting

Related Articles