If an animal feels threatened or is confronted, their reaction will most likely be to bite. How dog's perceive threats is different then how humans view them. Dog owners must be aware of the body language used around puppies and adult dogs by studying dog whispering techniques. Using confrontational body language will result in the dog feeling threatened. When animals are threatened they instinctively will protect themselves by biting or aggressively attacking the perceived provocateur. Although you mean no harm to the dogs, your body language could be telling the dog something different.
Learning the basics of dog whispering and how to present proper dog body language as a means of communicating is easy. It just takes an adjustment in the way we are conditioned to respond when a dog's behavior is inappropriate.
Approaching a dog from the front can be an intimidating position for a dog. Try to approach dogs from one side or the other, particularly if discipline is involved. Don't reach down to try to pet a dog by leaning down in front of the head. By moving around to the side is a passive sign and is perceived as friendly. If a dog is afraid and simply won't relax enough to be comfortably approached or petted – then don't.
One method used by dog whisperers as a way of helping ease tension of a nervous or agitated dog is to squat down with your back to the dog. This is a way of communicating non threatening position or posture. If you have treats use them to relax the dog and earn their trust.
Remember that all dogs are not family or children friendly. Some dogs simply don't have the personality to be around highly active, unsupervised children. They are often time loud, clumsy and make sudden movements that could make the dog feel threatened or unusually anxious. If dogs haven't been properly socialized to be around children they may snap or bite out of fear or frustration. Keep your dog out of those circumstances and don't allow children in your house or around your dog if this is the case.
If you don't know the dog and/or the dog is not familiar with you, don't grab the collar. Often times dog bites occur when the dog's collar is grabbed so be careful grabbing the collars of dogs you don't know or dogs who don't know you. Most people are aware dogs will instinctively protect their resources. Bites can happen when someone (or the neighbor's child) is reaching for something near the dog's bone. The dog can view this as taking their belongings and can react by snapping or biting. Picking up a dog's toy, such as a ball or Frisbee, or grabbing the food dish could cause the dog to be aggressive if they feel their 'things' are at risk. They will instinctively protect their den (crate, dog house, or bedding area) so be cautious around those areas and with the dog's resources.
This all seems like common sense information, and it is. But it can be harder to put into regular practice without consciously thinking about your actions around your dog. Remember that dogs are eager to please. They need an observant owner and pack leadership.
As pet owners and dog lovers we owe it to them to be able to communicate with them so they are a good fit in the family and can be loyal companions for years to come.
