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Why Do Dogs Bark and Bite Selectively?

Do you know why a dog likes to bark and bite some people, but it doesn't bite others?

16 March, 2024

Dogs bark because they’re experiencing something new

The most common reason dogs bark when they see you is that they’re experiencing something new. If a dog is naturally unfriendly, it will bark at strangers because there are too many novel stimuli: new smells, sights, and behaviors. Generally, dogs perceive such newness as a threatening signal.

Characteristics that trigger their barking

Certain human characteristics can agitate dogs and make them more prone to bark, such as:

– Accessories like hoods and sunglasses: These can obstruct a dog’s ability to observe your face.

– Beards: Similar reason as above.

– Tall people.

– Deep voices.

– Certain gestures, such as staring directly into a dog’s eyes.

– Strong odors like cigarette smoke. However, dogs don’t seem to mind the smell of shampoo, perfume, or deodorant…

Protecting their owners

Dogs are territorial animals with a strong protective instinct. As a result, they may act aggressively towards unfamiliar visitors.

Dogs can sense human nature

This is an impressive trait of dogs, as research suggests they can judge whether a person is trustworthy or not. This is due to their keen observational skills. They will watch and remember human behavior, especially how people treat their owners.

Past negative experiences

During their lives with humans, dogs can develop negative memories and a defensive instinct. If you happen to resemble someone from their past, they will bark immediately.

How to avoid being bitten by a dog

To prevent this, you must treat them well when they are puppies. Owners should also introduce their dogs to as many new smells, sounds, and people as possible so that, as adults, nothing surprises them. Additionally, owners can train their dogs not to bark when strangers come to the house, rewarding them with their favorite treat when they behave accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Dogs bark when they encounter something new as a way to express their alertness and potential unease. It’s their natural response to novel stimuli, including new smells, sights, and behaviors.

Certain traits can agitate dogs and trigger their barking. These include accessories that obscure your face, such as hoods and sunglasses, as well as beards, tall stature, deep voices, and direct eye contact. Strong odors like cigarette smoke can also be a factor.

Dogs are territorial and protective, so they may perceive strangers as potential threats. They have impressive observational skills and can sense human nature, judging whether someone is trustworthy. This is based on their past experiences and how they see their owners being treated.

Yes, dogs can develop negative memories and a defensive instinct due to past experiences. If someone resembles a person from their past, they may bark as a protective response.

To avoid dog bites, it’s important to socialize puppies early on and expose them to various stimuli, including new smells, sounds, and people. Owners should also train their dogs not to bark at strangers and reward good behavior with treats. Treating dogs with kindness and respect is crucial to building trust.