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Dogs are rarely "nice" or "nasty." People tend to label some dog breeds as aggressive and some, such as the pit bull terrier, are , yet all dogs have the potential to bite.

In fact, , despite a reputation for being . There is breed-specific laws reduce biting.

Labrador retrievers, one of the in the U.K. often and reports about . This likely because Labradors make up such a high proportion of the dog population.

But it also highlights why we should be aware of our interactions around all dogs, no matter the breed. Biting is not inevitable. Understanding the reasons why dogs bite is the key to prevention.

Humans have selectively bred dogs over thousands of years for and traits.

Some dogs, such as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, have been bred for their appearance and as a docile companion. Others dogs have been bred for an aloof and wary personality as guard dogs. While dogs of the same breed share common characteristics, . It's tricky to predict what a dog's behavior will be like based on breed alone.

However, the purpose a dog was originally bred for is a useful guide. Breeds favored for intelligence, problem solving skills and may be more sensitive.

Why do dogs bite?

When dogs bite, it is usually a last resort. It can arise from , or frustration.

Dog biting is influenced by a combination of . Sometimes dogs are intentionally , for the handler's status or protection. Others may have a .

is closely linked with dog bite incidents. We can aggravate a conflict situation when we fail to recognize what dogs are telling us through their .

In most cases, the dog is known to the victim, and attacks often happen . are at particular risk from dog bites. They may or other such as mistaking a dog showing their teeth for a friendly smile.

Is biting and aggression linked?

Aggression is a normal behavior in all animals. It is a natural response to and is part of the way an animal communicates their emotional state. and usually leads to resolution of the threat or conflict.

Think about a dog growling if you approach their dinner bowl when they are eating. While this might not be an ideal behavior for a family dog, it is a clear indication the dog is uncomfortable. The growl should be warning enough for you to move away.

Dogs show a range of , such as lip licking, averting their gaze and growling. If we ignore, misinterpret or punish warning behavior, we risk escalation.

If your dog displays unusual behavior such as snapping or excessive barking, seek professional , especially if pain or fear is involved

How can we reduce dog bite incidents?

We have a obligation to manage the behavior of dogs in our care. We expect dogs and puppies to fit seamlessly into our lives but the human world can be confusing and frightening.

It is our responsibility to help them adjust and . This includes behavioral self-management so our dogs can cope with the challenges they will encounter.

Negative experiences including punishment can . Instead, and is highly effective. This is especially important during .

If we want to make our interactions with dogs safer, we need greater awareness of how dogs communicate stress and fear. between children and dogs is critical.

We can equip children with the skills they need to interact with new dogs and build a close relationship with pets by . It's particularly important to show them how they should , for example by .

Choose a dog that is suited for your lifestyle and provide activities and enrichment that complement their natural instincts. For example, if you take a dog originally bred to herd sheep into a city and fail to provide them with a suitable outlet, don't be surprised if they try to chase and herd runners, cyclists, or cars.

Dogs and humans have a close relationship that has evolved over thousands of years. But it's a one-sided friendship if we don't meet their needs.

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