It’s time we normalize saying, "My dog will bite." and become comfortable saying it.
I get it, our dogs are angels. In our eyes, they can do no wrong. They’re sweet, affectionate, and wouldn’t harm a fly (except that one fly that dared to exist near their face).
But here’s the reality check:
EVERY dog has the capability to bite.
Yes, even your mega friendly, tail-wagging snuggler. Even my dog. Even the neighbour’s golden retriever that "just loves everyone."
Biting is a natural canine behaviour, and whether or not it happens depends on a whole bunch of factors; many of which we, as their guardians, are in control of. Our job isn’t just to train our dogs to be good citizens of the world, but also to advocate for them. That means recognizing when they might be in a vulnerable position and stepping in before they feel the need to use their teeth.
Why Dogs Bite: It’s Not Because They’re “Bad”
Dogs don’t bite out of malice. They don’t bite because they’re “bad dogs.” There are so many scenarios and situations in which a bite can occur, so let’s just touch on a few:
They feel scared or threatened.
They’re in pain or unwell.
They’re overstimulated.
They’re guarding something important to them.
They’ve learned that biting is the only way to make a situation stop.
And sometimes, they bite because humans aren’t paying attention to their signals.
The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Before a dog bites, they almost always give warning signs. Unfortunately, people tend to dismiss or misread these signals, often chalking them up to "just being grumpy" or "playing." Here’s what to look out for:
Freezing: If your dog suddenly goes stiff and still, that’s a red flag. A dog who stops moving is a dog who is processing whether they need to escalate.
Hard Staring or Whale Eye: If you can see the whites of your dog's eyes (whale eye) or they give a hard, direct stare, they’re uncomfortable.
Growling or Snapping: This isn’t “bad behavior.” This is communication. A growl is a dog saying, “I need space.” If we ignore that and push them further, they may feel they have no choice but to bite.
Licking Lips or Yawning (When Not Tired or Eating): Dogs do this when they’re stressed or unsure. If your dog is repeatedly licking their lips or yawning in a situation that doesn’t call for it, they’re uncomfortable.
Moving Away or Avoiding Contact: If your dog is trying to get away from a situation, let them. Forcing them to interact when they’re clearly uncomfortable is a recipe for disaster.
Tense Body Language: A loose, wiggly dog is a happy dog. A stiff, tense dog is on edge. Pay attention to how their posture changes in different situations.
How to Prevent a Bite
Prevention isn’t about scolding or punishing our dogs for showing discomfort, it’s about listening to them. Here’s how we can set them up for success:
Respect Their Space: Not all dogs want to be touched or interacted with all the time. Let them come to you (or others) on their terms.
Advocate for Them: If someone wants to pet your dog and they’re uncomfortable, say no. If a situation feels like too much for them, remove them from it. You are their voice.
Teach Kids (and Adults) Proper Interaction: No pulling ears, hugging, or sticking faces in a dog’s space. If a dog walks away, let them go.
Socialization Doesn't Mean Forced Exposure: Socialization means positive experiences, not just throwing them into every busy environment and hoping they "get used to it."
Recognize When Your Dog Needs a Break: Even the friendliest dogs have limits. If they’re getting overstimulated or showing signs of discomfort, let them decompress.
Reward Calm, Confident Behaviour: Encourage and reinforce behaviours that show your dog is relaxed and comfortable in different situations.
Muzzles Aren’t Scary – They’re Responsible
Let’s get one thing straight: A muzzle doesn’t mean a dog is “dangerous.”
A muzzle means a dog has an owner who is responsible enough to prioritize safety for their dog, other dogs, and the people around them. The mindset around muzzles needs to shift from fear and stigma to understanding and respect.
A dog in a muzzle isn’t a “bad” dog. They’re a dog who:
Is being set up for safe success.
May be in training or learning to cope with certain triggers.
Has a human who cares enough to prevent accidents instead of reacting to them after they happen.
Wearing a muzzle shouldn't make a dog stressed; what will make a dog stressed is being put into situations they can’t handle. A properly and positively introduced muzzle allows them to exist safely in environments that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
If your dog needs a muzzle, wearing one protects them. It means they won’t be put in a position where they’re forced to bite. It keeps them out of trouble. And it ensures that their world remains open to experiences that might otherwise be off-limits.
How Mantrailing Can Help a Dog with a Bite History
If your dog has a history of biting, it can feel overwhelming to know what activities are safe for them. This is where mantrailing can be a game-changer.
Gives Them an Outlet: Many dogs who have bitten in the past struggle with stress, anxiety, or frustration. Mantrailing provides a controlled way for them to release that energy in a low-pressure environment.
Builds Confidence: A dog that has been reactive or fearful often lacks confidence. Mantrailing taps into their natural instincts, allowing them to work independently and feel successful without the stress of direct human interaction.
No Forced Socialization: Unlike some other dog sports, mantrailing doesn’t require a dog to interact closely with people or other dogs if they don’t want to. They work at their own pace, on their own terms.
Strengthens the Bond Between Dog and Owner: Instead of focusing on what they “shouldn’t” be doing, mantrailing reinforces a positive partnership between you and your dog. They learn to trust you, and in turn, you gain a deeper understanding of their needs and emotions.
Many dogs with bite histories thrive in mantrailing because it allows them to use their nose and natural problem-solving skills in a way that is enriching, rewarding, and safe. Instead of being seen as a “problem dog,” they get the chance to shine at something they truly enjoy.
If You’re Concerned About Your Dog’s Behaviour, Seek Professional Help
If your dog has shown signs of aggression, resource guarding, or unpredictable reactions, don’t wait for it to escalate; seek help from a professional and accredited behaviourist. A good behaviorist will assess your dog’s triggers, work with you on management strategies, and help your dog feel safer and more confident in their world.
There’s no shame in getting help. In fact, it’s the most responsible thing you can do for both your dog and those around them.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
Saying "My dog will bite" isn’t a confession of failure. It’s responsible ownership.
Instead of pretending our dogs are incapable of biting, we should focus on understanding why they might and taking steps to prevent it.
Normalize "My dog will bite"—not as an admission of guilt, but as a commitment to understanding and protecting our dogs.
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