Why do Dogs Bite Humans?
Dogs are intelligent, social, domesticated animals. Dogs do not bite randomly (and not all dog bites are attacks). Here are some of the reasons why dogs might bite you.
Play Bites
Some bites happen when you are playing with a dog and the dog gets a bit over excited. Play bites are seldom serious, and either happen because the dog has momentarily forgotten humans don’t have fur and are a little more fragile, or out of pure accident (the dog was going for the toy and got your hand by mistake).
The best way to avoid play bites is not to play too rough with a dog, especially one you don’t know. Be aware of what the dog is doing. For example, some dogs will get excited and grab the same end of the tug toy as you, which can result in an inadvertent nip if you aren’t quick to get your hand out of the dog’s way.
Protective Bites
By far the largest reason for a dog intentionally biting a human is defense of themselves or others. A dog may bite if they feel threatened, if they feel their owner or a member of their pack (which can include their owner’s family, other dogs, and other pets in the household). A bitch who has unweaned pups can be particularly dangerous. Never approach a whelping bitch you aren’t in a very good, established relationship with. Leave it to the owner.
If a dog growls, they feel threatened and you should back down unless you have a very real reason to escalate things with the animal. If it’s not your dog, back down. Some dogs can be overprotective; for example, a dog may growl and threaten if a stranger approaches the stroller containing their owner’s baby. If you find yourself in a situation where a dog has attacked you, it’s important to know what to do if you are bitten by a dog.
Startlement
A dog may bite or snap if startled or suddenly woken up. This is the reason for the saying “let sleeping dogs lie.” These are generally quick nips and the dog may not even be consciously aware that it took a chunk out of you. Also, don’t sneak up on dogs (or any animal).
A scared dog might also bite. Abused dogs will bite because they are afraid, but biting is not unknown if a dog is scared of a situation. For example, some dogs might get nippy when fireworks are being let off in the area or during a thunderstorm. If you have suffered an attack from a neighbor’s dog, you can learn more about what to do after suffering an attack from your neighbor’s dog.
For more comprehensive information on the legal aspects surrounding dog bites, refer to what to know about Georgia dog bite laws. Understanding these laws can help you navigate the aftermath of a dog bite incident effectively.