Dogs don’t prowl around seeking to attack other dogs, and a well-socialized dog won’t typically be overtly aggressive toward canine companions. However, if a dog is scared and believes there is no other way to escape the circumstance, they may become aggressive. This might be as a result of them feeling uneasy because of a recent perceived threat or even a negative encounter.
Aggressive canine behavior can be extremely upsetting. However, there are a few crucial things you must do if your dog or someone else is bitten by a dog. Obviously, your primary concern is the welfare of your four-legged companion.
1. What causes canine attacks on other dogs?
Dogs don’t go around looking to attack people, so the word “attack” isn’t quite the correct one. Dogs are social animals and try to avoid situations where there could be aggression. Dogs typically don’t become aggressive until they believe they have no other option. This might be the case because they suddenly became frightened or because other warning indications of discomfort go unnoticed.
Dogs occasionally have a strong “prey drive,” which causes them to pursue and bite small pets or farm animals, particularly if they are fleeing. Breeds of dogs that are notorious for doing this should have their owners take precautions to ensure that their dogs can’t inadvertently harm other animals. This might involve adding security to your house and garden and keeping them on a leash when they’re outside.
When near animals, dogs must always be on a leash. Allowing your canine to harm or kill a farm animal is a serious crime that could result in severe punishments for both you and your dog.
2. What warning indications are there that a dog may attack?
In advance of these, dogs frequently display symptoms of anxiety or discomfort. The best course of action is to calmly and swiftly exit the area if another dog displays aggression toward your dog. Try to place a visual barrier between your dog and the other dog, such as a gate, fence, or vehicle, while still keeping a safe distance between them.
Keep your dog away from the other dog because allowing them to approach will only make them more agitated and may exacerbate the problem. When attempting to stop a dog fight, many humans get bitten.
Prior to interacting with another person’s pet, always consult the owner. Even if the owner of the other dog says it’s okay, you and your dog should still keep a watch on each other’s canine companions’ body language and take gentle action to remove your dog if one of them begins to exhibit these signs of discomfort.
Keep in mind that a dog on a leash has less of a chance to “walk away” from a scenario they find stressful, so they may be more likely to display signs of discomfort or even aggression in an effort to maintain their own space.
3. What to do if a different dog attacks your puppy?
Don’t worry
Panicking only makes your canine and the dog that bit him worse. Maintaining composure and concentration is a good idea.
3.1 A void attempting to disentangle them yourself
Although it might be challenging, attempting to rescue your canine from danger could result in serious injuries to you as well. If the other canine hasn’t released its hold, you might also cause your dog further harm.
3.2 From a distance, try to divert the attention of the other canine
See if you can divert it with a loud noise, like a clap, hopefully the owner of the other canine will be doing the same. Avoid yelling at the canine or making eye contact with them; doing so may make them feel more threatened and make the situation worse.
3.3 Make your canine leave
You might be able to summon your canine to leave. Maybe the owner of the other canine can do the same.
3.4 Indicate what happened
You can notify the police by dialing 101 and the canine warden at your local council if your dog has been hurt.
3.5 Obtain information of the dog that attacked your dog
If you can, get the owner’s contact information, a picture of the other dog, and record or take a picture of any injuries your dog may have. If at all possible, find out if the dog’s other owner has third party or pet insurance for their canine companion as this may cover you for any necessary veterinary treatment. You might also want to get any eyewitness’ contact information.
3.6 Visit the doctor with your dog
Even if your dog’s wounds don’t appear to be serious, transport them to the vet right away to be examined. Due to damage to the muscles and tissue beneath the epidermis and the bacteria present in dog mouths, many bite injuries are much worse than they appear.
4. How to prevent canine hostility
4.1 Create a positive, reward-based training environment for your canine and socialize them
A canine with good socialization skills is less likely to be aggressive toward other dogs. If your dog can recall well, you can assist them in avoiding possibly hazardous situations.
4.2 In strange areas, always keep your dog on a leash
In particular, if their memory isn’t the greatest, you’ll always know where they are if you do this.
4.3 Keep an eye out for other canines
Never allow your canine to run up to a strange dog because you never know how they will respond. It’s best to keep your dog near to you when you see strange dogs.
4.4 Watch for aggressive cues
Get away from the situation right away if you notice your dog or another canine acting aggressively even if it’s not directed at your dog.