Based on the logical premise that one can only discern abnormal physiological expressions, I’ve devoted the last few Pet Care columns to documenting what are the normal values for physiological conditions such as temperature, pulse, breathing rate, age of puberty and pregnancy duration.
However, aggressive and continuous expositions of biting – with the marked and obvious intention of causing harm to humans and other animals – must be seen as abnormal behaviour associated most likely with a physiological disorder.
Dogs, during the association with human and other domesticated species, have, over the millennia, become not only part of the human family. I dare say that dogs consider themselves as part of the sociological pack. A dog would hardly ever turn viciously on its owner. If the dog exhibits anger, vexation and hostility towards a human, it is very likely that it has been trained to do so.
What do I mean by trained?
Some dog owners may in fact want a guard dog, and would consequently employ bizarre techniques to “train” the dog to have a low threshold relative to feeling threatened and/or an unwillingness to accept perceived provocation. Sometimes the dog, based on past experiences, is easily scared. In these situations, the dog’s reaction is understandable, but nevertheless abnormal. Dogs by nature and nurture have become friendly, loyal, protective, and helpful to humans.
My colleague and friend Dr. Nicholas Waldron, some years ago, researched the issue of uninhibited and perpetually aggressive dogs. I recall him telling me that Pit Bulls especially get a bad rap, and that owners/caregivers are the ones that should be trained, and less so the dogs. I am of the opinion that certain types of dogs were actually bred for viciousness and violence, to entertain humans in the arena or in the pits (ergo Pit Bulls), much like cock fighting.
Dr. Waldron’s research produced the following facts about 20 years ago. I doubt whether much has changed.
– Most dogs will bite if provoked, threatened or scared
– 2% of the American population is bitten every year. That is about 5 million persons. Of these, 25% require medical attention.
– Most victims were children under 12 years of age. Dogs bite were the second most frequent reason for Emergency Room visits in this age group.
– Most victims were the dogs’ owners or the owners’ relatives, neighbours, acquaintances, or passers-by on the pavements and roadways.
– N.B. Most attacks took place on the owners’ premises.
WHY DO SOME DOGS UNCONTROLLABLY AND VICIOUSLY BITE?
Yes, some dogs seem to be perpetually angry and aggressive; and would literally bite the hands that feed them. Let’s examine the more basic reasons for this abnormal behavioural pattern.
GENETICS
A dog whose forebears were themselves continuously aggressive would have a greater tendency to show aggression. So, if a pup’s mother and/or father (regardless of breed) were vicious, violent, and easily stimulated towards exhibitions of aggression, the pup, and later as a young adult, and then mature adult, would have the potential to be aggressive as well.
EARLY PUP-HOOD EXPERIENCES
What may have happened early on in the pup’s life could discernibly affect its temperament later on in life. It has been observed that some pups born in large litters (or in some commercial kennels being bred to be sold as fighters) may find themselves in competition for food, warmth etc., and tend to develop dominant, aggressive personalities; or, on the other hand, very defensive behavioural patterns – defence exhibiting itself as aggression.
IMMEDIATE SITUATION AND VICTIMS’ BEHAVIOUR
An animal that is cornered, injured, or otherwise feels threatened is more likely to react violently and bite its perceived aggressor. Similarly, a dog that feels challenged in its own territory, or one that perceives that its caregiver is under attack/threat, may also bite in defence.
A victim that decides to run, or strike out at the pursuing dog, or is screaming or is showing nervousness and agitation is very likely to be bitten. Dogs are more likely to attack if they are in a pack, especially if the caregiver is not present to rein them in.
Next week, we shall discuss how such abnormal behaviours of dogs, exhibited as aggression and savagery, can be curtailed and even eliminated.
