Main image via Natural Dog Company
Dogs are indeed a man’s – and a woman’s – best friend. But as you know, even best friends have off days. Days when they’re just in a bad mood. Unfortunately these off days can sometimes lead to injuries if you – as an owner – are not taking steps to understand the animal you are caring for.
An article published by the BBC lists numerous reasons for your dog’s aggressive behaviour, which you should definitely take note of if you own or are planning to own one.
According to Sean Wensley, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), dogs can be aggressive when they feel threatened.
"The motivation for lots of dog bites is fear," he says. "Others are territorial – if they're guarding something that they highly value, or defending their favourite resting place, their bed... Or if they've learned to defend, say, a dog bowl - that can result in aggression."
Image via Attachment Disorder Healing
Dr Wensley also encourages dog owners with more than one dog to check the way their dogs behave with each other.
"If there's competitive behaviour between them, that can lead to aggression between the dogs that can potentially be directed at an owner."
Liver disease – which affects the brain – and brain tumours can also cause animals to behave unpredictably.
He continued to say that children are potentially alarming for inexperience dogs. "A small human who behaves slightly unusually, who maybe squeals and tries to cuddle them, pick them up, wave their hands... can make them quite fearful," he says.
On the other hand, dog behaviourist and trainer Carolyn Menteith notes that many dog bites occur during the holiday season, but often it’s not their owner they snap at. According to Menteith, as guests descend, walks may be neglected, leaving the dog bored and confused.
Image via PawCulture
Also, as dogs only have body language cues to convey their feelings, it’s easy to miss what they’re trying to tell us especially with a long list of undone holiday season chores.
When it comes to preventing aggressive behaviour, Dr Wensley says it’s wise to consider the dog’s past experiences before leaving it with children or adult stranger.
A dog who has no experience with people or its environment can cause them to be extremely anxious and fearful which will manifest as aggression. This however, can be avoided with early training.
It’s also a good idea to recognise a dog’s signs of anxiety. Before biting, a dog may lick their lips, adopt a low posture, put their ears back, and potentially have their tail under their legs.