Why Do Dogs Bite?

Recently good friend of mine call me while she was in a state of utter confusion and panic. Her dog, actually a pup, had almost bitten one of her family members. Almost because the dog could not sink his teeth into the flesh. And as this act of his did leave the victims skin scratched and bruised, I was left wondering as to why do every year thousands of people are attacked or bitten by dogs. Let's figure out.

Why do dogs bite?

The theory of “Survival of the fittest” that was given by Charles Darwin some 150 years ago is apt enough to this case. Dogs being pack animals have lived in groups while they have been in the wild wherein one of them assumed leadership of the pack and more so by using his teeth to determine him being the strongest member of the pack. Though domesticated now, but even after centuries of such familiarization dogs have not forgotten this primal instinct. Pet dogs will therefore bite demonstrating their dominance over other dogs, animals, and humans.

Over centuries that we have kept dogs as pets, we have become their "leader of the pack" and are hence being served accordingly by them. Though dog shall be at his happiest best while serving his master, his keenness to serve and the contentment derived out of it can decline for various reasons viz. inappropriate or lack of training methods, lack of exercise and social contact, spoilt or overindulgent lifestyle, and neglect etc. This is the stage that initiates the restoration of the dog's primitive impulses. It's however true that some dog breeds are naturally more aggressive than others of their species.

Aggressive dogs will normally stoop and hug the ground, will have taut facial expressions with flattened ears with a general stillness in the body and its movements. A few tips might help in curbing the aggressive instincts in your dog:

• Select the breed that best suits your purpose for adoption
• Ensure that your puppy is socialized right from the beginning. Contact with other dogs, animals and humans on a regular basis along with introduction to varying environments make it less aggressive as a dog. Inheritance of fear from their mothers is also seen in puppies.
• Most aggressive dogs are males. Hence females will invariably be a better choice.
• Castration of male dogs helps as there is a marked reduction in the animal's aggression and dominance and it's more likely to receive and obey commands

Now for some advice since prevention is always better than cure!

• Do not approach an unknown dog especially when it is leashed or confined
• In case you still wish to befriend him, seek the owner's permission. Next, familiarize with the dog by letting him see and sniff the back of your hand.
• No matter how trustworthy, never leave children unsupervised with any dog
• Consider muzzling the dog should it be very aggressive. It's comfortable and non-irritating.

If threatened by a dog…

• Don't scream, stand still and try remaining like that
• Avoid eye contact but keep the dog in your sight
• Moving hands immediately attract the bite. Keep them reasonably high.
• If you are holding something like a bag or briefcase, use it to block the dog's approach. If cycling, stop immediately as the dogs can outrun cyclists and position your bike between you and the dog. If you have food on you, use it as distraction.
• On being knocked down, lie still, curl into a ball and play dead
• Never ever turn your back on the dog and run. You will excite the dog's instinct to chase and catch its prey.
• Should nothing work, try your luck and shout SIT.