An important part of dog behavior training involves being able to read your dogs body language. Professional Dog Trainer Adam Katz shares some valuable tips on what to look for. -- Dick Colman
Body Language Before Your Dog Bites...
by Adam G. Katz
Dear Adam:
After catching up on doggy email, Ive noticed your reference to submissive posture. Your book helped more than a professional trainer I hired for my adopted Golden. We went through biting and dominance issues. The problem I am having now is I still do not trust him 100%. When he bit there really wasnt any sign it was coming (that I noticed). Even now, the only sign that he doesnt like something is a lowered head and sometimes a low growl (the groomer told me this). This dog growls sometimes when he is happy. It is almost like someone taught him not to make any other noise in doors. Outside he will bark. I guess the big question is how do you read a dogs face, body, etc.?
Thanks,
Mark
Dear Mark,
Its a tough situation youve got. Youve really got to just pay close attention to the dog at any time you suspect she may display the aggression. The most common indicators that I used when working with clients who had aggressive dogs was to watch:
1. The mouth. A dog will always pull has mouth closed tight just before he bites.
2. Body language. The dogs body language will get stiff and still just before he bites. Especially watch the stillness. Its very subtle, but at the same time very noticeable once you train your eye to look for it.
There are other things that you could look for depending on the dog and the type of aggression. However, you need to recognize that there are ALWAYS cues... its just a matter of whether we are quick enough (or aware enough) to catch them.
To read more of my dog behavior training ramblings, read about my book: Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!
Adam G. Katz
Dog Behavior Training Specialist
