Pain or illness can trigger dogs to resort to biting.

Fear can also prompt dogs to bite.

Dogs may bite in order to protect something they value, such as guarding their food, toys, or territory.

Unfamiliar physical contact, especially for dogs lacking proper handling and habituation, can make them uncomfortable and more likely to bite. For example, some dogs may find having their feet touched uncomfortable.

If you suspect your dog is in pain, it’s crucial to promptly seek veterinary care. Dogs have a natural instinct to hide wounds and injuries, as displaying vulnerability can attract aggression from other animals.

If your dog is displaying fear, it’s important to identify the source of their fright. Have they experienced abuse or been subjected to physical punishment? Dogs that have been mistreated may become hand-shy and bite when approached. (It’s important to note that hitting a dog is never an appropriate training method—positive reinforcement should always be used instead of punishment.)

Dogs that exhibit protective or territorial biting tendencies require extensive training from their owners. They need to be taught not to display aggression or bite when someone takes something that belongs to them. Dogs that bite to defend their territory run the risk of being labeled as aggressive, which can lead to euthanasia if they bite a stranger. Such dogs should never be allowed outside without a muzzle. Training a dog to safely suppress territorial aggression can be challenging.

Dogs that bite due to discomfort with handling should be carefully and gradually exposed to handling and trained to accept it. Patience and positive reinforcement are key in this process.

With the exception of an immediate pain response, dogs never bite “out of the blue.” Their body language usually reveals their mood before a bite occurs. It’s essential for humans to learn how to read and understand dog body language.

Dogs displaying signs of distress, anxiety, or aggression that may precede a bite could exhibit some or all of the following behaviors:

Yawning, lip licking, and avoiding eye contact.

Growling, snapping, or baring their teeth.

Holding their body rigid.

Wagging their tail (though it’s not always a friendly gesture). (Note: A tail wagging more toward the left than the right is a sign of unease, not happiness.)

Raised hackles (fur standing on end).

Widened eyes (whites of the eyes visible).