Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Understanding the reasons for dog attacks

By Jerry Welsh


Dog attacks on humans that range from minor to severe injuries are not uncommon given the amount of time humans spend with dogs. Every year more than four million dog owners and non-dog owners needs medical attention for minor to fatal injuries resulting from dog attacks. Dogs are inherently feral and the aggressive behavior is further honed for dogs utilized for protection work. However, there must be a reason why dogs are acclaimed as man's best friends. Since the time dogs were domesticated, they have become man's most loyal and affectionate pets. Blood of ferocious wolves run in a dog's veins so that in spite of domestication, the instinct to hunt and the ferocious behavior remained. Even well a mannered dog will attack if the inherent ferocious nature is triggered by a person or by a situation in the environment.

Dogs have the strength to knock people down. A dog's jaws and teeth have the power to deliver hundred pounds of pressure on human flesh thus it would not be surprising if people will be wary of these animals. Dogs are the most popular choice for a pet as these animals form a strong bond with their owners. However, because of the increasing number of dog attack incidents some people can't help but be wary whenever a dog is seen.

Why do dogs attack? Bite and attack situations are often attributed to human behaviors. People have grown to love dogs, unfortunately, many pet owners are mauled by their own pets. Being pack oriented, a dog that is allowed to take the alpha male role will dominate other pack members. A doting pet owner may allow the dog to be pushy. Pet owners are advised against allowing a pet to be pushy as this behavior can turn into aggressiveness that will make the dog attack at the slightest provocation.

Dogs are territorial animals. A dog that perceives a threat to its litter, to its food and territory will attack. Children (and adults) are cautioned not to approach an eating dog as even the simple act of removing the dog bowl to add more food will prompt the dog to attack. In a dog's eyes, the family as well as other animals in the household are members of the pack. The children being members of the pack will be protected by the dog thus the screaming and laughter of playing children can make the dog attack.

Not all people love dogs. A dog reacting to a fearful situation can attack. Abused dogs adopted from rescue centers are noted to have the inclination to be snappish when approached even by the members of the family.




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