Dog Body Language And Dog Bite Prevention
- Nichole Myers-Youngquist
- Apr 11
- 9 min read
by Nichole Myers-Youngquist, CPDT-KA, Owner of Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training
Ever wonder if your dog could bite? It's something we don't always think about, right? But get this: the American Veterinary Medical Association says there are over 4.7 MILLION reported dog bites every year! And who knows how many more go unreported.
Bites can be anything from a little nip to, well, something really serious. Sadly, it sends a bunch of people to the emergency room.
You probably think your own dog would never hurt a fly, and fingers crossed, they won't! But if they did bite someone, you could actually be on the hook for their pain, bills, everything. Think about the mail carrier or the kids down the street.
The good news is, there are totally ways to lower the chances of that ever happening – keeping everyone, including your furry buddy, safer!
Why do some dogs bite?
It's usually not 'just because.' Things like not being around enough people and other dogs, not having good training, getting super hyped up, or feeling scared can all play a part. Even a little teeth-on-skin moment isn't cool for a family pet.
What's my dog trying to tell me?
Here's the thing: dogs don't usually bite out of nowhere. They give us signals! If we miss those or even punish them for it, sometimes biting feels like their only option.
Speaking dog starts with just watching your pup. Get a mental picture (or even a real one!) of what they look like when they're totally relaxed – chill tail, ears not super forward or back, relaxed mouth, sleepy-ish eyes. Anything else they're doing probably means they're feeling something other than totally zen.
They're basically talking to each other (and us!) with their bodies – how tense their muscles are, their face, their tail wags, even their eyes and ears. Once you start picking up on their little clues, you'll be way better at understanding not just your own dog, but other dogs too, and hopefully avoid any unwanted nips!
Let's talk about how dog body language relates directly to dog bite prevention.
Signs of Happiness and Consent
Enthusiastic Tail Wagging! Vigorous and rapid tail movements, possibly in a circular motion, indicate that your dog is extremely happy and excited. This behavior shows that your dog genuinely cherishes you.
Wiggle Bum! When your dog's entire backside wiggles, it indicates that your dog is joyful, confident, and friendly.
Playful Stance! With their head lowered, tail wagging briskly, and legs poised to leap, your dog is attentive and ready for play.
Head Rest: When your dog places their head on your knee or thigh, they are seeking attention and reminding you of their reliance on your presence. This gesture indicates their consent for petting.
Puppy Pats! A gentle paw on your knee or thigh, occasionally nudging under your hand, signifies your dog's polite request for attention. It's advisable to respond to their request, as they typically persist until acknowledged.
Play Sneezing! When your dog sneezes during play with you or another dog, it doesn't require a tissue. This behavior indicates that your dog is thoroughly enjoying itself and is communicating that the interaction is merely "play fighting."
Embrace the Affection! Prepare for a Kiss: Your dog may be offering you a kiss, particularly if they are aware that you appreciate it. However, it is more commonly an "appeasement gesture," intended to endear themselves to you in hopes of receiving what they desire.
The Look of Love: When a dog maintains calm eye contact with minimal body movement, it is a sign of their affection for you. Interesting Fact: Petting a dog and looking into their eyes releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," for both you and your canine companion. Note: It is advisable to avoid this behavior with dogs you are not familiar with.
Puppy Dog Eyes! When a dog makes eye contact with wide-open eyes, wags its tail, licks its lips, or shuffles its body, it is clearly requesting a treat.
Beware Signals - Do Not Touch!
Dog in Distress! The dog is crouched with bent legs, tail raised, head elevated, and is barking loudly, indicating it feels threatened by something nearby and is intent on driving it away.
Worried Woofer! With legs crouched, tail lowered, and head down, possibly growling or softly barking (chuffing): The dog is experiencing fear or anxiety.
Growler! A deep, resonant sound emanating from the chest: This vocalization can convey one of two messages, depending on the context. During a game of tug-of-war, it signifies playfulness. In other situations, it indicates that your dog is very angry and issuing a warning to keep your distance.
Bad Vibrations! A tail held high and rigid, with only the tip wagging slowly or quickly, indicates that your dog may not be feeling happy or friendly and could be protecting a favored toy.
Wiggler! When attempting to hug your dog, they may wiggle and squirm. This reaction occurs because they cannot move their legs or communicate, and the embrace might feel intimidating as it can make them feel confined.
Relaxation! Yawning: When your dog yawns, it may indicate stress and an attempt to calm down. Additionally, dogs may yawn to signal to you or other dogs that they are not interested in conflict. Interesting Fact: Dogs can mimic yawns from humans, which reflects their emotional connection with us.
Leave Me Alone! With lips curled, teeth exposed, and ears raised, your dog is clearly warning, “Proceed with caution, or I may become aggressive.”
Nervous Nelly! Whether sitting or standing, if your dog holds one paw up, it is likely feeling nervous and uncertain, indicating submission by raising its paw.
Fussy Pup! Puppies, much like young children, can become cranky when they are tired. A grouchy puppy is typically in need of rest and should take a nap to avoid becoming irritable.
Having a Bad Day? When your pet's hackles are raised and they emit a low growl, it indicates they are feeling angry or frightened. The raised hackles serve to make them appear larger, thereby intimidating potential threats. Interesting Fact: Raised hackles are akin to "goose bumps" and can also occur when a dog is extremely excited.
A Bit Frustrated! When your dog barks or lunges at a person, another dog, or an object, it indicates frustration with the specific individual, animal, or item.
Highly Frustrated! With wide, unblinking eyes, alert ears, and either barking or a tense mouth, the dog exhibits significant frustration and tension.
Mixed Feelings! The dog exhibits a low body posture, a tucked tail, ears folded back, raised hackles, and a wrinkled nose. It may make direct eye contact and emit a sharp, loud bark, indicating that it feels threatened and anxious, yet prepared to defend itself.
Say, "Cheese!" When dogs display their teeth in a "submissive grin" with their ears lowered, it is a sign that they wish to be friendly. Some dogs adopt this behavior either out of habit or when they feel uneasy.
Respect! When a dog sits calmly with its head turned away from you, it is a sign of respect.
Cold Eyes! Prolonged, intense staring: This behavior indicates that the dog may be feeling aggressive or is protecting something, thereby signaling a potential threat.
I Can't Even Look at You! Diverting eye contact indicates that your dog is attempting to soothe the situation due to discomfort.
The Whites of Their Eyes! When a dog shows the whites of its eyes, often accompanied by rapid eye movements, it indicates that the dog is feeling anxious, stressed, or uncomfortable.
Shake It Off! Shaking their entire body: After getting wet, they shake to dry off. Following social interactions or receiving affection, they may become overly excited and use shaking as a means to reset. This is a positive behavior.
What Can You Do To Prevent Dog Bites?
Observe your dog and learn dog body language! Books to read:
Exercise responsible dog ownership! Ensure that your dog does not wander the neighborhood unsupervised. Incorporate them into your family environment. Dogs that are left tethered to a dog house or isolated in the backyard frequently exhibit aggressive behavior.
Socialization! Gradually expose your dog to new individuals, environments, animals, objects, and situations. Enhance these experiences with treats to create positive associations. If you are uncertain about how your dog might respond to a new scenario, prioritize safety by keeping them at home or ensuring they are separated from visitors or delivery personnel.
Spay It Forward! Although dogs may exhibit biting behavior for different reasons, spaying or neutering can substantially decrease aggression. Data indicates that dogs which have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident.
Children and Dog Bites
Let us discuss children and our furry companions. Unfortunately, children are the most susceptible to being nipped or bitten by dogs.
It is essential to closely supervise children when they are around any dog, particularly puppies who are still learning. Importantly, infants and dogs should never be left alone together in a room. If you need to leave the room, either take the baby with you or ensure the dog is securely in another room with the door closed.
Even the sweetest dog in the world can accidentally hurt a baby – either by playing too rough or just because of their natural instincts. Better safe than sorry.
Reward the Child
Celebrate your child's great behavior around the dog! Let them know, “You're an amazing friend to Rover by walking past him nicely without touching!” This positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue doing the right thing.
Think about how you want your child to interact with the dog, and set some goals that actually make sense for their age.
Even if they don't get it perfectly right, they're giving it their best effort. Recognize that effort! A simple “Hey, I saw you tried to be gentle, good job!” can make a significant impact.
Children and Puppies
With a new puppy and children in the house, make it a priority to schedule at least two “Pup & Tot” sessions each day for focused interaction. This ensures they build strong, positive connections with each other.
When you can't be there to watch, confidently use baby gates or keep the puppy on a leash. Avoid unsupervised hangouts for now to ensure everyone stays safe and happy as they get to know each other!
Fun things your kids can do with the new puppy.
Bring the puppy a toy or a yummy treat!
Help with feeding time by putting the food down in his bowl or on the floor, and then just letting him eat in peace.
Read a story to the puppy! Even if he doesn't understand the words, it's good bonding time.
Help with brushing (with you watching, of course!). Give the puppy a little treat when he's being a good sport about it.
Join in on puppy training! If you're doing classes, let the kids be part of the fun.
Just chill nearby while you reward the puppy for being a good boy and ignoring them when he's on his leash.
Dog Body Language And Dog Bite Prevention: Be A Tree
If your child encounters a dog that's energetic, jumpy, appears frightened, or seems upset, here's a great strategy: become a tree! 🌳
That means:
Stay totally quiet. No talking or yelling!
Stand super still. Don't run or move around.
Look down at your feet. Don't look the dog right in the eyes.
Cross your arms over your chest. Like you're giving yourself a hug!
Being a tree tells the dog you're not a threat, and usually, they'll just sniff around and then go on their way. It's a safe way to handle things!
Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training and Preventing Dog Bites
At Zoomies Dog Social Club & Training, we are dedicated to helping you develop a happy, confident dog while ensuring everyone's safety. Our training programs and activities for dogs of all ages utilize positive methods to teach your pup good manners and strong social skills.
Our upcoming group classes offer an excellent opportunity for your dog to experience safe, positive, and high-quality socialization. This is crucial for bite prevention, as well-socialized dogs tend to feel at ease with new people and other animals, greatly minimizing the likelihood of fear-based reactions. We are dedicated to enhancing their confidence and teaching them proper interaction skills.
Come join us and let's work together to create a community where dogs and people can happily coexist!
Visit our website at zoomiesdogsocialclubtraining.com to learn more about our services.
And always practice patience.
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