Play bites: Curiosity, games
Puppies are full of curiosity about the world, and their way of exploring is by nipping and biting. "Play biting" is also one of the behaviors dogs exhibit while playing, and it is more common in puppies. They generally nibble gently on their playmates.
However, puppies don't know how to control their bite force, so owners need to teach them the appropriate strength for "play biting." If the bite is too hard, owners should use a firm tone to tell the puppy that it's too strong. I'm sure everyone has seen videos of mother dogs interacting with their puppies. When a puppy bites too hard, the mother dog will respond with a bark - verbal correction.
Real Bite: Status
Because the owner has spoiled the dog or does not know how to control it, they often engage in behaviors that make the dog think it is in a higher position. For example, when the dog shows its teeth and bites others, thinking the dog is just playing, they do not stop it but instead laugh and encourage the dog's behavior.
Dogs themselves are intelligent and self-aware. Over time, dogs may come to believe they are not "pets" but "leaders."If the owner does not address the issue, dogs with strong self-awareness may even come to believe that humans are of lower status than them.
Dogs are social animals, and the "leader" has the right to "choose" better resting spots, better food, etc. More importantly, they have the right to "punish."When a person does something the dog doesn't like, it doesn't like it, so it shows its teeth at you. If it doesn't like you, it bites you, or even bites others. This is the dog "punishing" you.
Owners should pay attention if the following situations occur:
When it's mealtime, the dog demands that you give it the food you are currently eating;
When walking the dog, it's not you leading the dog, but the dog dragging you along, deciding the pace and even running wildly;
When you take away the dog's belongings or food, it will bare its teeth and even pretend to bite you.
When a dog bites someone, the consequences can be far beyond imagination.
The reasons for "play biting" and "real biting" are very different, but owners should not take it lightly. Playing "play biting" with people can be misunderstood, causing the dog to become nervous and bite harder, resulting in injury to the other party. "Real biting" is extremely serious; even a small dog can cause serious injury. If a child gets bitten and is left with a scar on their face...
According to Section 24(2) of the Rabies Ordinance, a fine of 10,000 HKD may be imposed. Section 25(1) stipulates that if a dog owner fails to take all reasonable measures to prevent the dog from biting someone, it is equivalent to committing a criminal offense and may be fined 10,000 yuan.
Besides the dog owner committing a crime, it could also end up killing the dog.Because according to Section 5 of Chapter 167 of the Dogs and Cats Ordinance, the magistrate will consider whether it is necessary to issue an order for the humane destruction of the dog or to place it under more effective control.
Face the problem squarely and seek professional help
Dogs bite people, and the reason lies with the owner! Raising a dog and raising a well-behaved dog are two completely different things. If the owner truly wants the dog to be well, they need to invest time and energy into teaching the dog proper behavior. If the owner encounters difficulties while training, they should seek professional help. But don't think that only the dog needs training; the owner needs training too. If the owner still doesn't understand how to interact with the dog, the hierarchy will be like this:
Dog trainer > Bystander A > Dog > Owner (even Bystander A's status is higher than yours...)
Dog owners, don't take your dog's biting behavior lightly anymore!
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