Dog Dominance Toward Children

Dogs bite children more often than adults, and many of these bites land children in the hospital. Children are more vulnerable to serious and deadly injuries than adults, and bites can cause long-term disabilities in kids. Additionally, the dog bite can affect the emotional well-being of the child. Dogs also suffer when they have dominance issues with children as well, because they are sometimes euthanized or impounded for biting.

  1. Competition

    • Dogs may bite children when they feel they're in competition with the child over resources. The dog may thus try to dominate the child. For example, the child may try to take the dog's food or favorite spot on the rug.

    Breeds

    • Some breeds have more of a tendency to bite children. The German shepherd has a higher potential to bite kids, according to "Canine Aggression: Dog Bites to People."

    Medical Factors

    • Certain medical factors can determine whether a dog asserts more dominant behavior over children. For example, the dog may feel pain or have sensory problems that interfere with the dog's ability to perceive the child as not being a threat, according to "Canine Aggression: Dog Bites to People."

    Gender

    • The gender of the dog influences its tendency to behave in a dominant manner. Male dogs

      more often bite compared to female dogs, and males also bite more often when they have intact reproductive organs. This suggests that male dogs seek to establish territorial dominance for reproductive purposes.

    Early Behavior

    • Dogs that show dominant behavior early in their lives are more likely to continue to exert dominant behavior when they get older. Obedience training can socialize dogs to not engaging in dominant behavior whether done consistently.

    Territorial Behavior

    • Dogs usually do not engage in territorial behavior unless their owners leave them alone for long periods, or if they are from breeds commonly used as guard or herding dogs. Dogs that show these behaviors can be gradually conditioned to not engage in territorial behavior when children give them treats, according to the article "Canine Behavior Problems." However, adults should be careful, because dogs can be overzealous when jumping for treats and can hurt or accidentally bite the child.

    Alpha Dogs

    • Dogs see humans as part of their pack. Some dogs seek to be the alpha member of the pack, a member that makes decisions in the family. This dog may be aggressive to children when hugged or when disturbed in its favorite resting spot. In severe cases, euthanasia may be necessary for very aggressive dogs. Dogs should not be left alone with small children.