The information offered on this page is written by Sheila Stanley a writer for the 'Treehouse Canadian Family Owl Magazine"...April 2000 issue.

DOG ATTACKS ARE FRIGHTENING; just the idea that a beloved family pet could suddenly turn vicious is unnerving. The good news is that unprovoked dog attacks seldom occur without warning. "In most cases, there are lots of clues," says Pamela Reid, and animal behaviourist at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

Dogs bite for several reasons. The play bite typically occurs when a dog, often a puppy, gets overexcited during play and bites too hard. Reid says because play biting is not part of an aggressive response, it can be fixed by letting out a loud, theatrical cry when the dog nips, and then acting wounded and refusing to resume play for a few minutes.

Aggressive biting - caused by dominant behaviour or fear - is more dangerous. With dominant behaviour, the dog perceives a challenge and is protecting his turf. Dogs are pack animals; they need a leader. If you don't take the lead, you dog will assume the role by challenging other dogs and smaller humans. Reid recommends that no small child be left alone with any dog.

Aggressive behaviour based on fear occurs when a dog feels threatened. Dogs intimidate by staring each other down, so they can feel threatened when someone looks them directly in the eye. Fast, unpredictable movements, running and screaming children, or startling a dog while he's eating or sleeping can also provoke a bite.

Certain breeds are particularly prone to self-protective behaviour, says dog trainer Gillian Ridgeway, owner of the Who's Walking Who dog obedience school in Toronto. That doesn't mean they can't be socialized; it just may take more time. "Be aware of what your dog was bred to do," she says. "Herding dogs will want to nip at heels and bark, guard dogs will be protective of you, terriers will go after small animals."



GETTING SOCIAL

Socialize your puppy with young children. Get the pup used to the noisiness of the kids and to being touched on the face.
Help your children understand the dog's body language.
Teach your dog to 'shake a paw' so if a child wants to say hello, the dog will be balancing on three legs and the child will look at the paw, not the dog's face.
Don't keep your dog chained outside for long periods of time.
Don't play tug-of-war games with dogs, as it encourages them to bite, grab and pull. Instead, play retrieve and teach your dog tricks.
Defuse food bowl anxiety. If you need to approach a dog while he's eating, offer him a treat.
Says Ridgeway, "Be sensitive to people's fears about dogs. If someone is nervous, put a leash on the dog and show you have it under control."



STAY ALERT

Pay attention to a dog's warnings: growling, baring teeth, stiffening, hair standing up, backing away.
Don't approach a dog off a leash.
Don't stare at a dog or look it straight in the eye.
Don't scream or run from a dog. Slowly back away.
Firmly tell the dog 'go home' or 'sit' in a low, stern voice.
If you're attacked, 'feed' the dog something such as your jacket or knapsack.
If knocked down, curl up into a ball and cover your face and neck. Be as still as possible. If a dog takes hold of your arm or leg, don't pull it away - that encourages a tug-of-war response.
If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Report serious bites and attacks to the police or animal control.



TALK TO YOUR VET...

...if your dog:

Seems nervous often.
Gets spooked by certain types of experiences or people.
Growls or snaps when you stop him from doing something, approach his food bowl or attempt to groom, lift or pet him.
Chases cyclists or in-line skaters.
Attacks other animals.

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