TYPES OF AGGRESSION

• Displacement
  
  
  
• Dominance
  
  
  
• Fear-Elicited
  
  
  
• Intra-Male
  
  
  
• Intra-Species
  
  
  
• Maternal
  
  
  
• Object Possessive
  
  
  
• Pain-Elicited
  
  
  
• Predatory
  
  
  
• Territorial
  
  
  
  

DOG BITE STATISTICS

Dogs don't become aggressive overnight. In many cases, there is "handwriting on the wall", weeks, months, or even years prior to a dog's first serious bite. Unfortunately, many dog owners do not realize that warning signs such as growling, snapping or "nipping", often escalate into biting behaviour over time.

Which dogs bite the most?

Male dogs (8 out of 10)

Un-neutered male dogs (6 out of 10)

Neutered male dogs (2 out of 10)

Usually the family pet

Who gets bitten the most?

Children under 10 yrs. old. (This is especially true of severe and fatal dog bites).

More boys get bitten than girls.

Elderly people account for the next most frequent percentage of severe and fatal dog bites after children.

What to do if your dog is aggressive towards other people:

1. Remove rose-coloured glasses.
   
   
   
2. Enlist the help of an experienced dog trainer or behaviourist. Fast.

3. Take all necessary steps to prevent your dog from biting someone.

4. Get Liability insurance.

Preventive Steps For Dog Owners

1. Research breeds thoroughly. (Both purebred and mixed breed  dogs can make wonderful pets.)
   
   
   
2. Adopt or purchase your puppy or dog carefully. If you purchase  a pure-bred dog, find a reputable or accredited breeder. (Avoid pet stores and  puppy outlets of any kind when looking for a puppy.)
   
   
   
3. Read several good dog training books, email us for information sheets.
   
   
   
4. Keep your dog leashed at all times when on public property
   (except when supervised in a dog run or dog park).
   
   
   
5. Never let your dog roam throughout the neighbourhood.
   
   
   
6. Hire a reputable dog trainer, or enlist your puppy in a good group obedience class.
   
   
   
7. Socialize your puppy early on with LOTS of new people.
   
   
   
8. Start training your puppy early on, using a humane training method.
   
   
   
9. Neuter/spay your dog when s/he is between 6 and 7 months of age.
   
   
   
10. Never tie your dog outdoors or in front of a store unsupervised, if aggressive.
    
    
    
11. Never allow anyone to tease, mishandle or abuse your puppy or dog.
    
    
    
12. Learn to recognise pre-aggression warning signs.
    
    
    
13. Learn about canine body language.
    
    
    
14. Don't make excuses for your dog's aggressive behaviour.
    (Only pain or fear related aggression is a valid excuse.)
    
    
    
15. Nip any problem behaviour in the bud.
    
    
    
16. A tired dog is a good dog, so give your puppy or dog lots of exercise and constructive outlets for his natural energies. (Yard exercise is NOT enough.)

Safety Tips for Parents

1. Teach your child(ren) to always ask first before petting a dog.
   
   
   
2. Teach your child(ren) how to properly approach and interact with  a friendly and/or familiar dog... and when not to approach or pet a dog at all.
   
   
   
3. Never leave your child (under 12 years old) alone unsupervised with a dog.