Sometimes Pet Dogs Bite When Touched – Why?

Got bit by your dog? Here’s what to do and what not to do. Dogs are man’s most loyal friends. They too have feelings and are affectionate towards their loved ones. Most of the dogs love being petted or brushed, but, there are many that don’t.

There have been a lot of instances where dogs have bitten their owners on being petted or touched at a particular place. On such occasions, the pet owners generally experience a feeling of horror, anger, surprise or guilt. The first thought that crosses a pet owner’s mind is the fear of losing his/her pet owing to the rising aggressive symptoms. Many may even shoe counter aggression and resort to punitive measures.

Both of these actions can prove to be counterproductive. Canines move away from you when being handled either because they are afraid or are in pain. A pet owner needs to astutely determine the course of action whilst encountering such a situation.

Consult a Vet for Injury Check-Up:

If your pet resists being handled, get him checked with the veterinary for any injuries leading to pain. There may be occasions when problems like ingrown toenails, abscessed teeth, etc might be causing pain or discomfort to your pooch.

Assess the Issue Thoroughly:

If a pet owner isn’t aware of the real cause, then it’s important to keep details of the event leading to the aggressive action of the pet. Keeping a record of the issues for at least a week with a log of what was happening in the surroundings will help one reach the cause sooner. Details like what were you doing during the incident? Who else was around? When did the pet get upset on being handled? Keeping a log will help identify a pattern and eventually the cause of the issue.

Train Your Dog to Give Consent:

One of the better ways to deal with such problems is to train your pet to give consent. Train your dog to come to you on performing an action. If he does so, you gently pet him. If he doesn’t, it means your pooch wants some time alone and as a pet parent one should respect the decision. When your furry pal does come closer, gently pet for a couple of seconds and see if he wants more of it or if he is moving away from you. This will give a clear idea if your canine is resisting being handled or not.

Desensitization:

Ensure that your pooch is in a relaxed state of mind. Call your pet over. If he doesn’t, respect his decision. Initiate with gentle petting. Offer your canine some treats and work your way towards the problem area. Every time you reach for the affected area, offer your pooch a treat. Increase the number of repetitions per minute after every break. Take lots of breaks. Ensure that you take time and go slow.

Your dog will take time to understand you, trust you and believe in you. But it takes a lot of patience. Regular check-ups, proper care and patience can make sure that you and your little ball of fur enjoy a life full of love and joy.