Pet Care Tips, Advice and Information

Very often children are bitten by their dogs when the animal is startled or irritated or excited during the course of play. Similarly this may happen when the children pull the dog’s tail or annoy a dog. The pet may sometimes retaliate. The owner should learn to recognize the behavior patterns of dogs. In fact, if they learn to differentiate between aggressive and relaxed behavior, submission and fear, they may be able to avoid a dangerous situation. It is also imperative to wash your hands after fondling or even touching your dog.
Aggressive Behavior:
Many recognizable behavior patterns precede any extremely aggressive behavior. By recognizing and dealing with them in the initial stages you may be able to avoid a dangerous situation. The progression from relaxed to aggressive could take only seconds.
Dominant Behavior:
An arched neck, high tail, bold, stiff-legged walk; a hard, cold stare, close mouth, taut ears, erect posture – all these are indicators of a dog taking an offensive, dominating position. His hackles may come up and the tail may wave slowly.
This dog is making a decision:
1. Whether to fight, or play;
2. Whether he needs to protect his territory, or accept the intruder.
His decision will depend on the response of the intruder. A challenge or threat will result in aggression. His decision will also be influenced by past experience.
Submissive Attitude:
When greeted by a dominant dog or person, the submissive dog reacts with lowered body, ears back, lips drawn back, nose up, tail tucked. He may lie down, roll on his back, and urinate.
Such a dog is usually friendly, but do not rush him. Stand still or squat down on his level. Remain sideways to the dog. Be calm, friendly and reassuring. Do not confuse a grin with a snarl. A submissive greeting is accompanied by squinting eyes, groveling, sneezing.
Predatory Behavior:
A lowered head, eyes fixed on a target, ears forward – these are signs of predatory behavior. The target could be a cat, another dog, a running child or jogger, or moving car or bicycle.
This tendency is prevalent in herding breeds such as shelties, collies, shepherds. Stopping the movement of the target and distracting the dog’s attention are most effective.
Inviting Play:
A dominant dog stands over a submissive dog and may place his paw over the latter’s shoulder. The submissive dog may, in turn, peck at the neck and chin of the dominant dog. There may be some growling and play-fighting, but as long as one dog remains submissive, no fighting will occur.
If serious eye-contact occurs, a challenge may be issued. If accepted, a fight for he dominant position, or ‘pecking order’ could ensue.
Fear:
A frightened, insecure dog usually puts on a front of being more ferocious than he really feels. He will bark, and his hackles may be up. His tail will be down. He may slink about behind or under bushes or furniture, or behind his master’s legs. He is the ‘sneaky nipper’ who darts out to bite you when your back is turned, or just as you withdraw your hand after petting him. He may be reacting to a fear based on past experience. A frightened dog or fear-biter rarely acts rationally or predictably.
If confused by such a dog, stand still. Be calm and reassuring. Do not make any fast movement, or make him feel cornered. Stand sideways to the dog and keep him in your sight at all times. If he thinks that you are not looking, he may attack from behind. Back slowly out of his area.
If cornered, the dog will react with rolling eyes, lips tense, ears back and up. He may show avoidance behavior, refusing to make eye contact. He may freeze in a tense bundle of nerves. He may appear catatonic.
If pushed too far, he will panic in a frenzied, frothing, snapping ball of fur and fangs.