By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

We all know you bite because you are a dog and also because you do not have hands. Of course you do have paws, but they can’t grab whatever it is you’re after, so you use your teeth. If you clamp down too hard, it’s a bite. As far as your VIPeople are concerned, it is when, what and how you bite that can cause problems. As a puppy, your tiny teeth fell out and as those big new ones were coming in, you needed to chew on just about anything that would fit in your mouth. That, my dear dog, is chewing, not biting. Chewing when you are no longer teething can also get you into a bit of trouble, but we’ll go into that another time. However, biting can get you into some really serious trouble, like even losing your nice warm home.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Any dog with a viciously aggressive temperament is unsafe to have as a pet. While a few such dogs might successfully have this behavior professionally modified, in my opinion most are ticking time bombs and a pet owner could not enjoy them as trusted pets. So, yes, I definitely feel such a dog should kindly and gently be put down. There are plenty of good dogs available that would make wonderful pets – just  waiting for the right homes.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get on with when, where, how – and mainly, why – dogs bite. Obviously, a dog must use its mouth for things we do automatically with our hands, such as picking things up, catching something about to drop, or just carefully holding it. Much of this is the instinctive way for a dog to use its mouth without any intention of actual biting. However, since your dog lives in a people’s world, it’s up to you to teach Rufus what is acceptable and what is not in regard to that mouth – and to prevent all unwarranted biting.

Every dog needs to be taught what it may and may not do with its mouth and teeth, regardless of the size of the teeth or the dog. Much of it can be done by using a variety of verbal commands during playtime. Have Rufus “Sit” and then gently hand him a rope or suitable toy to take in his mouth as you say, “Hold it.” After a couple of seconds, while he’s figuring out what this is all about, but is still sitting, put your hand out and tell him to “Give it.” This should not involve a tug-o-war game, but an obedient return of the item. (Showing him a small treat in your other hand might help inspire the surrender the first few times.) Once Rufus learns the routine, “Give it” or “Drop it” will then also work for you when the item in his mouth was something he stole, or that might be dangerous.

A majority of dog bites involve young children. Bites may occur when the child plays too roughly with the dog or teases it – again, the use of mouth vs hands. Too often the dog never did actually bite, but those strong teeth merely bumped into the child’s arm or leg causing a bruise or puncture. Frightening and painful, yes, but not a purposeful dog bite. Here again, it is up to the dog’s owner to settle the score.  The kids are the ones to be corrected or punished, not the dog.

Shy dogs are often what are called “fear biters.” On meeting a friend or stranger when on lead with their owner, they will attack-and-retreat for seemingly no reason at all. This does not always result in a bite, but certainly can, and depending on the size and strength of the dog, is dangerous behavior requiring professional help to overcome.

Be sure you yourself greet other dogs calmly and somewhat casually, by slowly putting your hand out for the dog to sniff. Squatting down to a small dog is also a good idea; just don’t bend your body over the wee one! While you’re at it, be sure to teach your kids how to approach dogs – strange ones as well as those they’re familiar with.

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.