Every year, there are numerous dog bites in both private and public areas, such as parks. Dog bites lead to complaints, frustration, fear, tension between dog owners and non-dog owners, and even between dog owners themselves.
Some owners may be offended by requests to keep their dog on a leash in public. Even if your dog is very gentle and affectionate, and has never bitten, we can never guarantee beyond all doubt that he won't bite, even once. Because every dog, even the calmest and gentlest, has the potential to bite, depending on the situation.
Anxiety is one of the main causes of biting. Many dogs behave anxiously, making them more likely to bite if they feel threatened. They'll want to defend themselves by biting; this is called defensive aggression. Some dogs, on the other hand, are so anxious that they'll attack even before a threatening situation presents itself: this is offensive defensive aggression. In cases of anxiety, anticipation is the best form of prevention. That's why it's so important to keep dogs on a leash.
Accidents can happen. In a situation of danger or threat, we may have the reflex to flee, push or kick to protect ourselves. In dogs, they may flee or bite. Another cause of biting is pain. An animal in pain may bite if it fears its pain will be exacerbated by being touched.
But is every bite a reason for euthanasia?
In many cities, there's a One Bite-One Bite rule: if the dog has bitten, even just once, it will be euthanized. It may be that a dog has a real biological behavioural problem, and all attempts to help with behavioural therapy, environmental optimization, administration of anxiolytics are unsuccessful, and we unfortunately resort to euthanasia.
In most cases, euthanasia is not necessary, as serious injuries from bites could have been avoided. Every dog is different, and a veterinarian’s help is crucial in assessing your dog’s behavior. They can teach you how to read your dog's body language and identify potentially dangerous situations. While all dogs can be unpredictable, understanding triggers can reduce the risk of biting. For more guidance, consult your veterinarian.
It's important to think ahead. When going out in public, keep your dog on a leash. If you want to approach a dog to pet it or for your dog to meet it, always ask the owner's permission. The reverse also applies: people should ask your permission before approaching your dog. If your dog is very anxious, you have the right to refuse to let people approach him; this makes you a responsible owner.
If your pet has a painful condition, your veterinarian can help by establishing a pain management plan.
The key: INDICATE, ANTICIPATE, PREVENT.