Warning Signs for Attack Dogs

Most dogs are capable of aggression if hurt or afraid, according to the Shire of Capel Ranger Services in Washington State. The likelihood of a dog attacking increases when the dog owner trains the dog to be aggressive. An owner might train his dog as an attack dog if he lives alone in a bad neighborhood or in a large, expensive house. Every dog gives off warning signs before an attack.

  1. Pre-aggression

    • Unless you have specifically taught your dog to act aggressively, some pre-aggression signs can warn you of your dog's potential aggression before it occurs. A dog has the potential for aggression if it lunges toward passersby or other dogs on walks. Unsocialized dogs often develop fear-based aggression because of their "fight or flight" survival instinct. If the dog is tethered and comes across someone or something unfamiliar, "flight" is not an option, but "fight" is. Socializing your dog as early as possible can prevent this scenario.

    Sounds

    • A dog makes certain warning sounds before an attack. These include growling and snarling. This is the dog's way of saying "back off" or "stay away." Do not ignore these warning signs and assume that the dog is overreacting to something. Back away slowly rather than running, since running can cause the dog to chase and attack you.

    Posture

    • A dog's posture changes prior to an attack, dog trainer Stacy Braslau-Schneck says on her training website, Wag n Train. The dog's legs and body appear stiff, and its ears are pinned back close to its head. The dog might lower its head and curl its lips back to reveal its teeth. Its eyes are either narrow and fixed intently on the object of aggression or wide and rounded with the eye whites showing. An aggressive dog often raises the hair, or hackles, along its back and over its shoulders. Its tail is straight up rather than relaxed.