(Newswire.net — November 25, 2020) — Encountering an unfamiliar dog isn’t always a positive experience, so it’s important to be able to recognize when a dog feels threatened, frightened, or aggressive. This is especially true when the dog is unaccompanied by an owner, but even your own dog may turn on you in a rare occurrence.
This guide will give you a better understanding of dog behavior patterns so you can recognize when you might be in danger.
Recognize the Universal Attack Stance
All dogs, regardless of breed, will take the same position when they feel threatened or cornered. This involves the stiffening of the body and the raising of the haunches. The dog’s tail may also be standing up straight and stiff. If he wags his tail, it will move only slightly as opposed to the broad, sweeping motion of a happy dog’s tail.
The eyes will also glare, and they may seem to shine. In most cases, a dog will give warning growls before launching into an attack. If a dog has taken this position and is growling, you should slowly back away to give him more space.
Watch for Signs of Dominance
While most dogs give the previously mentioned signs of an impending attack, some dogs are more aggressive and won’t give much advance notice. Typically, these dogs haven’t been trained properly and have developed a more dominant nature as a result.
You can identify these types of dogs easily by their behavior. They tend to block doorways, or they will block the path of a person or another animal before they attack.
A dominant dog will also stop eating whenever someone is nearby. This is a sign of mistrust, so be wary of getting too close to his feeding area. A dominant dog will also display signs of jealousy, such as getting between you and a significant other.
Baring of the Teeth
It’s easy to mistake the baring of teeth as playfulness until it’s too late. In general, you should always assume a growl or the baring of teeth is meant in an aggressive way. Dogs will only use these actions in a playful manner with someone they know very well.
If you find yourself in this situation and it results in a bite, get the contact information of people who witnessed the dog attack. You may need to file an injury claim, depending on the severity of the bite.
Stalking is Never Friendly
Dogs can be stalkers just like people, but it’s easier to identify a stalking dog in most situations. The dog will be following you at a somewhat distant pace, either matching your speed or walking more cautiously. They will also be staring at you.
A curious dog will have a more casual glance and will look away if you glance in his direction. A dog that’s likely to attack won’t look away. Looking eye to eye is a means of challenging dominance, so you should avoid making eye contact with strange dogs.
Taking on a Defensive Stance
If a dog is cowering in a corner or trying to flee in some way, don’t approach it. Whether he’s just naturally skittish or he’s not feeling well, the dog wants to be left alone. If you corner him, he may feel pressured to attack.
In this situation, the best action is to leave the dog alone. If it’s your dog, it’s best to call him and let him come to you. Once he does, you can gently pet him. This is the time to attach a leash if you plan on taking him to a vet.
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should ascertain as much information as possible. Talk to anyone who may have witnessed the attack, and discuss the incident with the dog’s owner.
A bite can be severe or transmit disease, so it’s important to find out as much about the dog as possible. In particular, finding out if the dog is up to date on his vaccinations will help you obtain appropriate medical treatment.