Dog Biting: Identifying Owner Behaviors That Trigger Ag

Behaviors That Can Easily Annoy a Dog

1. Disturbing a Dog While Sleeping

Dogs are creatures of habit, often requiring up to 15 hours of sleep each day. Sleep is a serious matter for them. If you disrupt your dog during its slumber, it might wake up on the defensive, especially if the dog is particularly alert or has poor sleep quality. Such disturbances can provoke an angry response, especially from dogs that are highly protective or have a low tolerance for being woken. If your relationship with your dog isn't strong, it might even resort to biting as a reaction to your interference.

2. Blowing Air into a Dog's Nose

A dog's nose is a highly sensitive organ, with an olfactory sense 1200 times more acute than that of humans. Breathing into a dog's nose can introduce it to a complex and overwhelming array of scents, and it might also cause discomfort or itching. If you're not aware of this and repeatedly blow into your dog's nose, you risk angering it. In extreme cases, a dog might even bite out of frustration.

3. Slapping a Dog's Head

Slapping a dog's head or mouth is seen as a provocation or an attack. Dogs consider their heads to be vulnerable and sensitive areas. More intelligent dogs, in particular, may not appreciate such physical contact. Even if your dog is welltrained and has a strong bond with you, it might still react negatively to being hit. Strangers, however, might easily provoke an aggressive response, so it's best to avoid hitting a dog's head or mouth to prevent a bite.

4. Interfering with Puppies

Many dog owners are aware of the fierce protectiveness of a mother dog after giving birth. During the puppy's early days, the mother's maternal instincts are strong, and she can be quite irritable and sensitive. Even a male dog that wants to approach the puppies might be chased away. As a result, as the dog's owner, you might not be able to resist the mother's protective nature. There have been cases where owners were bitten while trying to get close to puppies. So, it's best not to be overly brave in such situations to avoid a painful bite.

5. Teasing with Treats

Dogs are naturally greedy, and unless they have been welltrained or have good selfcontrol, they will likely be drawn to food and treats. Many dogs can be seen drooling over delicious treats on the street, sometimes refusing to move even when pulled by their owners. If a dog hasn't been trained properly and its owner frequently teases it with treats without giving them, the dog might become aggressive and bite in a desperate attempt to get the food. It's important to maintain a balance when playing with your dog to prevent bites. Avoid using food as a tool to provoke your dog, and never take away food that has already been given to it. Dogs are very possessive of their food, especially what's in their bowls, which they consider their personal property. To avoid being attacked, never take away food from your dog's bowl.

Dr. OxygenPet summarizes behaviors that can easily provoke a dog into biting. As a pet owner, it's crucial to be aware of these to avoid both physical and emotional pain. Remember, you are responsible for your actions. What should you do if you are accidentally bitten? Click What to Do If a Dog Bites to find out more.