Dr. Larry on the San Diego Living Show Tuesdays 9-10am Fox 6:
DOG BITE SAFETY TIPS AND AGGRESSION:
There are close to five million dog-bite incidents in the United States each year. Most of the victims are children under ten years of age, with the highest subgroup being children from 5 to 9 years of age. More boys than girls are bitten. Most dog bites are committed by dogs known to the victim! Either it is the family dog or a friend's dog.
In the United States, versus other countries such as England and Australia, most dog bites are committed by mixed-breed dogs.
There is no "one type" of aggression or aggressive dog. In fact, there are several different types of aggression. Any breed can be aggressive, although breeds successfully bred for guarding or attack work are more susceptible. Examples of such breeds are: the German shepherd dog, shar-pei, chow chow, pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman and Akita.
Recognizing an Aggressive Dog's Body Language
A dominant-aggressive dog will try to appear bigger than it really is by leaning forward in its stance and having its hair stand on end (piloerection) from its neck to its rear end. Its tail will be up stiff, or stiffly wagging. Its ears will be up or pointed forward. It will establish direct eye contact. Its lips will be pursed forward exposing teeth. It will be coming toward its target and it will be barking or growling.
A fear aggressive dog will try to appear smaller than it is by getting low to the ground or crouching. Its tail will be tucked or tucked and stiffly wagging. Its ears will be down or back. It will be standing still or backing away from its target. Its lips will be retracted back to expose teeth and it, too, will be growling or barking. However, it is important to note that in some cases, the dog may be exhibiting a mixture of aggression types and could be alternating back and forth from these two sets of behavioral indicators. With pain and predatory aggression, there may be no warning or growling until the bite attempt has already been carried out.
CHILD/DOG SAFETY:
Children should be taught how to approach and handle a dog. Children should NOT:
· Pet a dog around the face or head.
· Play tug of war.
· Tease
· Bother the dog while it is eating.
· Bother the dog while it's chewing on a bone.
· Bother the dog while it's sleeping.
· Bother the dog while it's receiving medical treatment (Cleaning of the ears and clipping of the nails). This is unnecessarily provocative and may lead to an aggressive response from the dog.
