Why Your Dog is Biting and How to Prevent it

Dog bites are an extremely unpleasant experience for all parties involved. For the owner, it can be a very problematic and embarrassing situation. The person or dog getting bitten can get seriously injured, and the dog will feel even more stress and anxiety due to the reactions of the people involved in the incident. Many dogs are euthanized yearly because of a biting incident, which is terribly unfortunate and can be prevented in many cases. Your dog biting is, of course, something that no dog owner wants to experience. In this article, we will cover what may cause a dog to bite, how to prevent your dog from biting, and what to do if your dog has or does bite someone.

What causes a dog to bite?

Unless a dog is trained to bite, all bites are provoked and result from a specific action taken. One exception to this rule is if your dog is sick and is trying to communicate with their owner that they are in severe discomfort. If your dog bites someone, it is important to immediately take them to a vet to ensure they are healthy. 

In general, dogs typically bite when they feel threatened, anxious, or scared. Every dog is different, and it is important for an owner to understand what signals your dog displays when they are not feeling comfortable. Some common signs are growling, showing their teeth, and snapping them. A dog will typically react with a bite if they are protecting something of value, such as food, their favorite toys, or their puppies. It is certainly the responsibility of people as well to not startle a dog in one of these more tense situations. 

How to Prevent your Dog from biting?

The most crucial point when it comes to preventing a dog bite is training them consistently. When a dog is well-trained, they will have a more focused attitude and will be more in the mindset that any action outside of their regular routine must be affirmed by their owner. If your dog experiences social anxiety around other people or pets, it can be wise to have them wear a vest indicating that people should not pet them. While it is understood by most that you always ask before petting a dog that you do not know, some people choose to go right up to any dog and start petting them. To prevent a bite, the vest can prevent undesired scenarios when somebody decides to ignore the petting protocol.

If your dog is more reactive, keeping them on a leash at all times, even in an enclosed area, is recommended. At the same time, the more that you keep them separated from other dogs, the more they will feel like they need to be threatened by them. Gradual socialization, starting with one other dog where both dogs are on leashes, is a good way to make your dog feel more comfortable with other dogs. The DogPack app allows you to find suitable playmates with other dogs in your area and can be a great tool to commence the socialization process. Another addition to these early socialization trials can be to place a muzzle on your dog. Dogs can read the situation very well, and if they feel like you are anxious (from them potentially biting), they will also feel anxious. The muzzle will present a far calmer situation. When you feel like they are becoming more comfortable around other dogs, you will feel more comfortable taking the muzzle off.

What to do if your dog has bitten Someone or Another Dog?

If your dog has bitten a person or another animal, the first step is to separate them from the scene and tend to anyone hurt. After the incident, take them to the vet for a checkup. It is also essential to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date, especially the rabies vaccination, for the safety of others. At this point, it is a good idea to hire a professional trainer to curb this dangerous instinct. Even though a dog bite is usually a reaction to something, a dog trainer can eliminate this unwanted instinct even when feeling stressed or anxious.