Most dog bites can be avoided by paying attention to what a dog tells us. Dogs, like people, communicate all the time. Understanding their signals is crucial. It’s not just about what the owner says; it’s about the dog’s consent. Before we invade a dog’s personal space, we need their approval.
Understanding Dog Communication
Dogs communicate differently. Some dogs bark and growl when uncomfortable, even if their owner says it’s okay. We must observe the dog’s body language—standing stiff, avoiding eye contact, or growling are clear signs that the dog isn’t up for interaction. Dogs on leashes can’t walk away, so respecting their space is crucial. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually.1
Understanding Dog Bites
A book called Dog Bites: Comprehensive Data and Interdisciplinary Analyses2, shows some interesting data on dog bites:
- Among adults who are bitten, male victims were more numerous across all bite contexts.
- Only the victim’s age predicted bite severity: Adults were bitten more severely than infants, and infants more severely than older children.
- Children and infants were considerably more common victims than adults. Most bites were to the limbs, followed by bites to the face and neck area. Bites to the face and neck were more common among children and infants.
- Nonneutral dog body posture and some displacement and appeasement behaviours increased approximately 20 seconds before the bite, and humans made more tactile contact with dogs 21 seconds before the bite.
- Bites during play and benign interactions were particularly common.
The researchers stressed that they do not offer causal explanations for why dogs bite in specific contexts. However, they note that standing over a dog, petting, and restraining it was seen proportionally more frequently closer to the bite, increasing approximately 20 to 30 seconds before.2 Some of their sage advice includes not leaning over a dog and when in doubt, avoiding a dog.2
Listening When the Dog “Speaks”
Dogs are constantly communicating. Even their posture tells us if they want interaction or space. Paying attention to these signals can significantly reduce the number of bites. Not all of us speak “dog” fluently. Sometimes, caregivers ignore signals, thinking their dog loves them unconditionally. Some signs of fear and anxiety in dogs include3:
- shifting of body weight away from the trigger
- crouching
- increased muscle tension on the face and throughout the body
- gaze avoidance
- changes in activity level (freezing or agitation),
- distance-increasing attempts
- ears directed backwards or flattened.
- a lowered posture,
- a decreased or even tucked tail,
- panting
- increased salivation, trembling
After these behaviours, defensive aggression, such as stiffening, staring, growling, and snapping or biting, may ensue.3
Listening and Getting Consent
Dogs are not always in the mood for interaction. Like humans, they have good and bad days. Even familiar dogs may not want sudden contact. Respecting their personal space is crucial, especially if they show discomfort. Getting their consent before touching them is essential.
One simple way to gauge a dog’s consent is by employing the “3 Second Canine Consent Test”:
- Initiate Contact: Use one hand, keeping it resting on your leg or lap. Open up your hand to the dog and begin petting somewhere you think the dog will enjoy, like the chest.
- Observe Body Language: Watch the dog’s reaction closely as you pet. Use the 3-second rule to count your petting time, preparing to move your hand away at two-and-a-half beats and retracting it completely by the count of three.
- Interpreting Responses: If the dog moves closer or nudges your hand, it’s likely they want more attention. However, if they show signs of discomfort or disinterest, such as avoiding eye contact or physically moving away, it’s best to respect their boundaries and stop petting. Remember, dogs can change their minds, so it’s essential to remain attentive to their cues throughout the interaction.
Understanding and respecting a dog’s communication signals is paramount in preventing dog bites. By paying attention to their body language and obtaining consent before initiating contact, we can foster positive interactions with our furry companions while ensuring their comfort and safety. Through simple practices like the 3 Second Canine Consent Test, we can strengthen the bond between humans and dogs, creating happier and healthier relationships for all.
References:
- https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/animal-emotions/201708/dog-bites-comprehensive-data-and-interdisciplinary-analyses
- Riemer S, Heritier C, Windschnurer I, Pratsch L, Arhant C, Affenzeller N. A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Animals (Basel). 2021 Jan 12;11(1):158. doi: 10.3390/ani11010158. PMID: 33445559; PMCID: PMC7826566.