This week (May 17-23) has been National Dog Bite Prevention Week, a time when we’re presented with sobering statistics such as:

• The CDC estimates that 4.5 million dog bites occur each year.
• The odds that a dog bite victim will be a child are 3 to 1.
• 3/4 of dogs involved in bite incidents belong to the victim’s family or friend.
• 61% of dog attacks (61 percent) happen at home or in a familiar place.

And we get countless articles, blogs (like this one), PSA’s, and multiple soundbites on radio and TV. But then the week ends, and everything goes back to business as usual and we hear very little about dog bites unless, that is, it involves a famous dog. Yes, unfortunately it seems we just don’t take dog bites seriously enough.

Well this week I was bitten twice by one dog, and almost bitten by another. Fortunately the thick jacket and jeans I was wearing protected me from bodily harm by the first dog, who gave absolutely no warning. The second dog was kind enough to growl first, giving me time to get safely out of his reach. Granted, I am a dog trainer and behavior modification specialist and specifically deal with dog behavior problems, so naturally there’s a much higher probability that I would come in contact with an aggressive dog than anyone else. But still, encountering two aggressive dogs, during National Bite Prevention Week no less, warrants some serious attention. Despite all the information readily available in books and on the internet about the benefits of proper training and early socialization, dog aggression seems to be on the rise.

In addition to the two dog bite incidents this week, I was also contacted by several potential clients seeking help for their aggressive dog. This is a good thing. However, by and large, many pet parents tend to ignore the onset of aggressive behavior. We love our dogs so much and consider them our “fur kids,” so naturally it’s hard to accept that they could be aggressive. Often growls are considered “just talking back,” and small bites are “just nips.” However, these displays of aggression are usually warnings, and foreshadowing to much worse things to come. That’s why the very first sign, whether it’s a low growl, a sneer, a lip wrinkle, or even an air snap, should be addressed immediately without hesitation.

Rarely does aggression just pop up out of nowhere. When it does, the dog should be taken to his veterinarian for a complete medical workup. Changes in body chemistry and illness can manifest in aggressive and inappropriate behavior. Once all medical reasons have been ruled out, behavior modification should be explored as soon as possible.

An aggressive dog is not only a risk to others, but a risk to himself as well. Our society has become increasingly less tolerant with dogs that bite, and a dangerous dog’s own life is at risk. Additionally, the liability of managing a dog that could hurt others is extremely high. When a dog injures, maims, or kills, the owner is responsible and can face lawsuits, stiff fines and even jail time. Because dogs are social animals meant to live in “packs” or family groups, I personally believe that no dog really wants to be aggressive. In fact, I consider an aggressive dog to be a dog in constant turmoil and mental anguish, and owners should treat the situation just as they would any other life threatening illness.

Have you ever been bitten by a dog? Do you think people take dog aggression seriously enough? Do you have friends and neighbors with aggressive dogs? How do you handle when you dog growls, nips, or snaps at you or strangers?

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