Fear

Dogs bite for a variety of reasons but the most common is fear. In general, the obvious signs of fear are relatively easy to spot. For example cowered body posture, tail tucked between the legs, ears lowered. More subtle signals include things like looking away, stillness, lip-licking, and yawning. Learning to spot these signals can save you from being bitten. 

It’s also important to realise that dogs don’t enjoy many of the things we expect them to tolerate. 

1. Dogs don’t like hugs. Humans and other primates use hugs as a sign of social connection. Dogs prefer social contact in the form of long strokes down the side, ear scratches, or play. Some dogs will tolerate hugs but for safety sake, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
2. Rolling on their back does not mean “rub my tummy”. When an animal shows you their midline, it’s exposing the most vulnerable part of their body, expressing to you (or another animal) that they are not a threat. It is not an invitation to rub their belly, rather a communication signal suggesting that they are uncomfortable.
3. Yawns that don’t follow or precede a nap are usually a form of stress release. 
4. Hot days decrease a dog’s threshold for biting. In other words, dogs tend to have a shorter fuse when it’s hot, so they will be less tolerant of roughhousing or being wrestled by a toddler (please NEVER let your toddler wrestle with your dogs!). Make sure they have lots of water and steer clear of situations that may trigger a bite.

​
TOP TIP: Guardians have the responsibility to protect their dogs from fear by learning dog body language, preventing fearful situations, and respecting each dog’s personal space and boundaries.