You’ve been around dogs your whole life and never had a bad experience. However, you are also aware that some dogs can be dangerous.
Because you’ve had little experience with aggressive dogs, you’re not quite sure what to look out for. You can learn a lot through a dog’s body language. Outlined below are a few important factors to consider.
Whale eye
Generally, a relaxed dog’s eyes will remain squinted, almost shaped like an almond. If the canine starts to feel anxious, this can change. If you’re around a dog that has intense-looking eyes, for instance, if they are very large with a lot of white showing, this could be a sign that they are about to attack.
The tail position
A wagging tail is most commonly associated with a happy dog. If the tail becomes stiff and rises up, the dog may be excited. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are going to be aggressive, but it is certainly worth paying attention to this. You are far more likely to be bitten by a dog that is in discomfort or is fearful. Often, the tails of dogs in this state will go between their legs and remain rigid.
Showing teeth
Some dogs appear to have cheeky grins and they show their teeth when feeling happy and playful. For this reason, it’s important to take into consideration the context of the situation and all other body language cues. If you’re near an unfamiliar dog and it appears rigid while showing its teeth, this could be an indication that it may bite.
Dog bites are not only serious in themselves but they can also lead to further complications, such as infections and disfigurement. If you have been attacked, then you may be able to hold the owner to account. Seeking legal guidance on the matter will give you a better idea of your options.
