Why Does My Dog Bite And How Can I Stop It?

Does your dog bites only when startled?

Does your dog bites when it's chasing you?

Does your dog bites only during fearful situations?

Was your dog injured or ill when it tried to bite?

Startling a dog by waking it up or suddenly approaching it from behind can provoke it to bite. Never approach a dog that's eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Dogs in these situations are more likely to be protective and are easily startled.

Running away from a dog, even during play, can provoke a bite. The dog may think it's part of the fun, or running away could trigger herding behavior or predatory pursuit in some breeds. Put your dog through basic training at the very least and continue to keep up your dog's training program throughout its life to reinforce the lessons you've taught it.

A dog that's in a fearful situation may bite anyone who approaches it. Such a situation may be something as severe as being abused or abandoned by the side of the road, or it may be something you perceive as ordinary such as a loud noise.

Injury and illness are common reasons for biting. If a dog isn't feeling well or is in pain, it may not even want to be approached or touched by its favorite people. Don't approach, touch, or attempt to move an injured dog. Instead, contact a veterinary professional or animal control for assistance.

A dog may bite to defend itself, its territory, or a member of its pack. A mother dog fiercely protects her puppies as well. Put your dog through basic training at the very least and continue to keep up your dog's training program throughout its life to reinforce the lessons you've taught it.