A non-profit organization dedicated to Dog Bite Prevention
		Download a 3.5 minute slide show and learn to Speak Dog

Your dog may be trying to tell you something - are you listening?

Dog behavior is complex and signals that dogs send are often subtle. The following is not intended to be a treatise on dog behavior. It is intended to alert parents to situations that could compromise child safety around dogs. Parents seeing potential danger signs in their dog's behavior are encouraged to err on the side of caution and implement dog bite prevention measures (increase supervision and use physical barriers when supervision is not possible) until it can be determined whether the dog is actually a danger to the children and if so, until the problem is resolved through consultation with the appropriate professional. Many dog bites could be prevented if parents and children were aware of the subtle communication signs that dogs send. A dog may warn that is wants to be left alone by leaving the room, showing a half moon eye (see below), yawning or licking its chops when the kids are bothering it for weeks, months or even years before finally getting the point that is feels it has no choice but to bite.

Watch a video and see if you can see the warning sign.

As children grow, the attitude of the dog may change. Behavior that the dog tolerated from a baby may no longer be tolerated once the baby starts to walk. An older dog may be less tolerant than he was when he was younger. If you have ever heard yourself say..."My dog is good with the [baby, child, kids], she lets them climb all over her, lie on her and pull her fur. She has never even growled", then you are allowing situations to occur that could easily lead to a bite situation. Dogs do not like being treated this way by children. They may tolerate it, but they don't enjoy it. No dog should be expected to tolerate. No dog should be expected to tolerate repeated rough or inconsiderate handling by children. It is possible to condition dogs to the types of things that children may do, but even a dog that is conditioned to children should not be left unsupervised with them and should have a safe place to which he can retreat from the children.

Learn to Speak Dog and teach your kids too. Doggone Safe has a wonderful calendar that shows comparative pictures so that you can see different expressions in the same dog. There are 13 different dogs showing how they tell us they are happy and how they tell us to stay away. You can look at all the pictures and learn a lot about how to speak dog by noting the differences. Click here to see the pictures and buy a calendar to support the work of Doggone Safe.

House-soiling problems - maybe the dog just doesn't understand where to go to the washroom - or maybe the dog is communicating with you. There can be many reasons for a dog to urinate in the house - a visit to the veterinarian will allow you to determine if there is a medical problem. Read an article by Dr. Suzanne Hetts about potential reasons for house soiling and some possible solutions (May 9th Issue of Pet Behavior One Piece at a Time Newsletter).

• In some cases, the dog may be trying to exert control by urinating in your presence. An adult dog (male or female) that intentionally urinates in your house in your presence (or in the presence of guests or children) or on your belongings (in your presence), or on a person or another animal may be sending a message. If the dog also shows signs of pushy or aggressive behavior towards family members or visitors then the dog could be very dangerous and there is a risk that this dog could bite anyone who does anything the dog considers insubordinate. Guests, and children (even your own children) could be at risk. Professional help is needed immediately to determine whether there is a bite risk and if possible solve the problem. This may not be a house soiling problem, this may be an aggression problem. Click here to find help.

Learn to Speak Dog...

Download a 3.5 minute video slide show that shows different types of body language and gives interpretation. The video also has a movie showing why we shouldn't tease a tied dog and what to do if a pack of dogs comes barking at you. (This video is available in high resolution format as a bonus track on the Clicker Puppy DVD)

Signs of anxiety

Signs of arousal

Signs of a happy dog

Signs of aggression

Signs of imminent bite

Signs of anxiety that indicate your dog is uncomfortable with the current situation that indicate the need for intervention to prevent the dog from being pushed to the point of biting and to make sure your canine friend is happy and not being made to feel anxious:

• one paw raised - very cute - but the dog is not happy and does not want to be petted or bothered

• half moon eye - dog just wants to be left alone - watch for this one when kids are mauling the dog

• any out-of-context behaviour (intervene if these happen during interactions with children - the dog has had enough) - such as:

• yawning when not tired
• licking chops without the presence of food -  watch a video that shows why this is important
• sudden scratching when not itchy
• sudden biting at paws or other body part
• sudden sniffing the ground or other object
• wet dog shake when not wet or dirty

• dog gets up and leaves an uncomfortable situation (he may bite rather than leaving one of these days)
• turning head away
• dog rolls over on back in submissive way (please don't hurt me!)
• tail between legs
• tail low and only the end is wagging
• tail between legs and wagging
• ears sideways for erect eared dog
• ears back and very rapid panting
• barking and retreating
• hiding behind person or object
• tail down or straight for curly-tailed dog (husky, malamute, pug, chow chow, spitz-type dogs etc.)
• dog goes into another room away from you and urinates or defecates (see list of organizations below for help in this situation)

All dogs should have a safe place, such as a crate or mat that they can go to when they want to be left alone. All family members and guests should be taught not to bother the dog when he is in his safe place.

Signs of arousal that indicate your dog is interested in something, or trying to decide on a course of action and is not receptive to attention (such as petting from a child) include:

ears forward mouth closed eyes intense body rolled forward body tense tail high (may or may not be wagging) slow deliberate tail wag

Signs of a happy dog that is receptive to attention or wants to play:

panting, relaxed, happy expression body position relaxed lying with one paw tucked under enthusiastic tail wag tail thumping on floor play bow (front end down; rear end up; tail wagging)

Signs of aggression directed toward you or another person that indicate the need for professional help include the following:

• growl
• guarding (dog's own possessions or resting area; favourite human's possessions) against family members or guests - this is a very dangerous situation - children are in immediate danger since they could inadvertently come between dog and a guarded area or object (dog may be continually expanding his guarded area or repertoire of guarded objects unbeknownst to you) - click here to find help
• snap and miss (the miss was intentional and the dog may not miss the next time)
• snarl
• aggressive barking which is not stopped by your command for quiet
• lunging on or off the leash, with barking or growling
• bite (other than playful puppy nipping by a puppy)
• dog raises tail when you or child approach (may not apply to breeds with naturally raised or curled tails - e.g. pug, husky, spitz-type breeds etc.)
• dog urinates intentionally in the house or on your possessions in your presence or in the presence of children or guests and shows other signs of pushy or aggressive behavior

If your dog has ever shown these signs, or you have that feeling in the back of your mind that your dog is likely to bite someone, then you should get help from a professional.

Lists of Professionals that May Be Able to Help

Signs of imminent bite - cease all interaction with dog, do not approach, look away and give dog the opportunity to leave

• dog freezes - becomes suddenly stiff
• dog stands with front legs splayed, head low, looking at you
• dog curls lip to show teeth

See more photos and explanations of dog body language... Doggone Safe Calendar ... Turid Rugaas website

Source: Doggone Safe!^TM A non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention. Contact us at doggonesafeinfo@doggonesafe.com

Copyright 2002 Teresa Lewin and Joan Orr

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