Why a Dog is Nervous & Bites

While there are many stable, well tempered dogs, some tend to be more nervous and are prone to bite. These dogs may be difficult to handle and often require the help of a dog behaviorist. This article will pinpoint some of the causes of such potentially dangerous behaviors.

Genetics

Some dogs are born nervous and show signs of mental instability as puppies. Often, these nervous dogs may be challenging to rehabilitate, however, in some cases, a dog behaviorist may help the dog become more manageable. While there are some higher strung dog breeds, individual personalities and behaviors vary from dog to dog.

Abuse

Abused dogs often develop into fearful dogs that get easily overwhelmed and nervous. Because of their need for self-preservation, these dogs develop fear-based biting as a consequence.

Lack of Socialization

Dogs that have a history of being left alone all day or chained up in a yard can become asocial. They tend to feel nervous when they see strangers, and they learn that they can keep people away by barking, growling, lunging and even biting.

Guarding Behaviors

Some dogs may become nervous when somebody approaches them while they are chewing a bone or playing with toy. These are mostly dogs with dominant traits that have serious resource-guarding issues.

Considerations

Dogs that are nervous and fearful generally will give quick warning bites, whereas dogs that are confident and with dominant traits will bite and not let go. This is the main difference between a dominant biter and a fearful biter.

Prevention/Solution

A dog displaying nervousness and a tendency to bite should be evaluated by a dog behaviorist as soon as possible. The quicker these experts are called the faster the problem may be ''nipped'' in the bud.

References

• How Dogs Display Nervous Behaviors by Alan Papszycki
• Nervous dog bite or dominant dog bite? by Alan Papszycki