Though the vast majority of dogs are safe, yet sometimes even a friendly dog may bite if he is
threatened, angry, afraid or hurt. Most dog bites, however, are from those dogs that know the victim— it’s either the family or the neighbor’s dog. Sometimes, when you play rough games with the dog, he gets so excited that he bites you.
• Your dog’s territorial instincts: Just as we guard our things and families, so also do dogs protect their possessions—whether food, puppies or toys. They also protect their favorite spaces—theirs and their master’s. This can include the dog’s eating and sleeping areas,
yards, porches and parked cars. A dog can be so fiercely protective of his and his master’s house that even if a child comes running through a fence and reaches the front door of the house, a usually warm and loving dog can turn nasty and growl and bark at the dog purely to protect his master and his family.
• Cornering or crowding over your dog: These are two more reasons for your usually placid dog to rise in self-defense and bite you. This is why innocent children who are unfamiliar with dogs should be wary of them to the extent of standing back and never putting their faces
close to that of a dog. This is because cheek bites are very common with dogs.
It is good to be wary of all kinds of dogs you encounter.
Here are a few:
Stray dogs: If a dog is lost, frightened or injured, he is likely to bite because he has lost his bearings and feels very vulnerable. So, keep away from him, as he is dangerous to you and your children.
Sick or injured dogs: If a dog is in pain or is sick or injured, obviously he will be unable to cope with his situation and feel helpless. This will make him feel afraid or irritable and in this condition, it is best that children steer clear of him.
Elderly dogs: Senior dogs may be either deaf or blind and may also be sensitive to touch. So, if you touch them without warning, they will most likely bite back in self-defense.
Improperly socialized dogs: If a dog is not socialized, he will not be able to tolerate children
around him. But if has been so, he will be able to handle all the rough treatment kids usually mete out to dogs—and take it sportingly and without biting them.
While choosing a pup, be careful to note that it does not play-bite or this will cause later problems for you.