In spite of the close association between man and dogs, these animals’ aggression have resulted to dog attacks that caused minor to fatal injuries. In US over 1000 people require emergency treatments for injuries associated with dog bites every day. Dog breeds that are utilized for protection works are specifically trained to be aggressive. Dogs though were not branded as man’s best friends for nothing. Since the time dogs were domesticated, they have become man’s most loyal and affectionate pets. However, dogs are predators and even a well trained and well mannered home companion will never lose its high prey drive. Even well a mannered dog will attack if the inherent ferocious nature is triggered by a person or by a situation in the environment.
Dogs’ long and strong legs can easily knock people down. No one would want to mess with an aggressive dog as the strong jaws and the needle sharp teeth can easily cause fatal injuries. Dogs are the most popular choice for a pet as these animals form a strong bond with their owners. However, because of the increasing number of dog attack incidents some people can’t help but be wary whenever a dog is seen.
Why do dogs show aggression? Studies on dog attacks showed that in many instances, the dog’s aggression is spurred by human behavior . For all the care people gave the their pet dogs, a lot of dog bite incidents are caused by the victim’s own pet. It is not uncommon for dog to manifest dominance over what is considered as pack members because these animals are pack oriented. A doting pet owner may allow the dog to be pushy. A pet that is allowed to be overly dominant can develop an aggressive behavior.
Dogs are highly territorial. Defending the young, the food and the location considered as its territory is another reason for a dog to attack. Children (and adults) are cautioned not to approach an eating dog as even the simple act of removing the dog bowl to add more food will prompt the dog to attack. In a dog’s eyes, the family as well as other animals in the household are members of the pack. A dog believing that the shouts of the playing young master is a cry for help can attack the playmates.
Not all people are animal lovers. Dogs that are at the receiving end of humans cruel hands will attack either in fear or in self defense. Abused dogs adopted from rescue centers are noted to have the inclination to be snappish when approached even by the members of the family.