Signs a Dog Is Human Aggressive

Most dogs send clear warning signals before they become aggressive. While most dogs are friendly toward people, even the most domesticated canine can become aggressive if she feels threatened, in pain or trapped. Learning the signs that a dog may be human aggressive could prevent you from being bitten or attacked. A dog gives clear warning signs before most bites. When you see these warning signs from a dog, you should break eye contact with the dog, yawn a few times, turn from the dog and walk slowly away.

  1. Hackles

    • If a dog raises his hackles--the hair along his back--this is an unmistakable sign that the dog is moving toward aggression.

    Staring

    • If a dog locks eye contact with you and continues to stare at you, this is a clear sign the dog could become aggressive. However, a dog that is frightened and may become aggressive out of fear will avoid any type of direct eye contact with you.

    Vocalizing

    • If the dog begins to growl or bark, these are additional signs that the dog may become aggressive.

    Teeth

    • When a dog shows her teeth, she is giving a not so subtle communication of her intentions to harm you if you do not back down.

    Ears

    • There are two different ways in which a dog may hold his ears to signal possible aggression. A dominant dog will carry his ears in a forward manner while a defensive dog will have his ears back, flat against his head.