Understanding Why Your Dog Bites Other Dogs

Maybe you went to your local humane shelter and brought home a new dog. Your neighbor may have done extensive research and found his pet from a reputable breeder. Either way, both you and your neighbor are excited and proud to bring home your new family members. After you get settled in at home, you will most likely take your dog out for a walk to show him off. You and your neighbor run into one another and stop to chat. Then it happens. Your dog takes a bite out of your neighbor's dog. This is every pet owner's nightmare scenario.

Before you rush to return your dog where you got it, you should evaluate the situation. There are many reasons why one dog might bite another. You need to adapt an understanding mindset to try and figure out why your dog decided to do what it did. Often, dogs bite not from aggression but simply as a form of play. If the dogs' tails are wagging during the incident, that is a good sign that they are in fact getting to know one another through their senses of taste and smell.

Some dogs, such as Labrador retrievers, are known to use their mouths in unusual ways. This particular breed of dog is used in hunting because of its ability to carry birds unharmed to their owners. So what might, at first glance, seem like a bite may actually be a gentle hold. Most puppies also like to have things in their mouths as it helps with teething, just like a human baby. Don't be alarmed should your puppy nip another dog.

Unfortunately, some dogs are more aggressive. Instead of giving up, though, try to understand the root of your dog's aggression. Maybe your dog is the nervous type and bites out of fear. In that case, you will need to take care to introduce your dog to others slowly so that he can become more comfortable. In the case of a shelter rescued dog, get as much information as you can about the dog's history. Shelter workers are a great resource in finding out what might trigger your dog's aggression. Remember that all dogs deserve a loving home, and with patience even an initially aggressive dog can become the family teddy bear.