It's Not The Breed That Bites
By Julie Peterson
Both humans and animals enjoy being outside, especially during the warm weather season. Unfortunately,
they don't always get along. Each year more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, according to
the Center For Disease Control, and there may be many more that go unreported.
A dog's breed is not the deciding factor in whether a dog will bite. Dogs of all breeds can be calm or high energy, friendly or shy, fearful or aggressive. There are breeds of dogs that are bred to do a specific job, to be more aggressive, to be more guard-like. Unfortunately, certain breeds have gotten a bad reputation for being mean, fighters, overly aggressive or biters. In the St. Cloud area, surprising to some, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Lhasa Apsos have joined pit bulls, German shepherds and Rottweilers in the top six biting breeds. In almost all cases though, it is the upbringing of the dog by the human owner that determines the temperament of the dog, not the breed.
Humans are the key to preventing dog aggression and dog bites. Proper restraint, training, socialization of dogs and caution by people who encounter them reduce the risk. It is rare to find a person who has never been charged or scared by a dog. Some people have emotional or physical scars from their encounter; more often it is the dog that suffers and sometimes even loses its life. A dog deemed dangerous is often ordered by the court to be euthanized. Sometimes a dog's owner will decide themselves to euthanize the animal rather than take the chance that it will bite again, though in most cases the dog can be rehabilitated and will no longer pose a threat. This takes time, energy and education on the part of the human, and it is much easier to just blame it on the dog.
It is the responsibility of the pet owner to provide their dog a healthy and happy life. This means that the human must assume the role of the pack leader and provide that stability for their dogs, every day. Socialization and training should start early in a dog's life to promote a healthy, well balanced dog that does not show aggression. Even older dogs can be rehabilitated with consistent leadership, love and a good amount of time and energy. Only in rare cases would a dog have such aggression issues that would necessitate euthanasia, and those aggression issues are usually due to its owner not meeting all of the dog's needs. It is not the breed of the dog that determines its behavior; it is the healthy environment that the human owner provides it that makes it a well balanced, happy dog.
The Humane Society of the United States advises that if you encounter a dog that is without a leash or caregiver, stay away. Do not look it in the eye and slowly walk away. If a dog looks like it might attack, stand still with your arms at your sides. Never try to outrun a dog. Back away slowly and quietly.
They also suggest that you always ask an owner's permission before petting a dog. Let the dog sniff you first, then gently pet the dog's side and back. Never pet a dog that is playing with a toy or bone. Never surprise a dog that is eating or sleeping. And never try to pet a dog that is in a car or fenced area. They will often try to protect that space.
In the case of a sick or injured animal or one who is lost or afraid, it is more likely for them to bite as an instinct to protect themselves. Don't assume that they understand that you only want to help them. It is best to leave the animal be and contact your local Animal Control Officer, Police or Sheriff's Department.
More information on dog behavior, training and rehabilitation can be found at
- ASPCA.org - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- HSUS.org - The Humane Society of the United States
- "Cesar's Way" The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by Cesar Millan, (the Dog Whisperer)
