By Dr. Sonnya Crawford
Often I hear clients say, “My dog would never bite.” This statement typically follows a low growl or attempted snap toward my hand or face during an examination.
When I was a newly graduated veterinarian, I was surprised by my clients’ blissful ignorance; but I’ve learned to accept and understand this almost universal phenomenon.
The reason this statement is so common is that most of these growly dogs have not bitten anyone — yet. The reason: While we are “training” our dogs, our dogs are busy training us too. They tell us from an early age that they don’t want their nails trimmed, so we don’t do it. If they don’t like their tail touched, we avoid that area. Owners tend to be compliant with their dog’s wishes, and most will never push the limits of what their dog will happily accept.
As a veterinarian, it is my job to push those limits. I have to touch their tails, look at their backsides and examine their feet. I push, poke and prod. If the dog I’m examining has learned that growling gets his people to stop whatever they are doing, he may become more irritated that I’m not listening to his warning and escalate to a snap or a bite, to the surprise of his owners.
Many people believe their dog would never bite, regardless of the growl. But dog behavior, including aggression, is a continuum. Growling is serious business for dogs, and it’s an early warning sign; they are telling you that if you don’t stop what you are doing, they will snap or bite. This may work well with an adult owner of the dog, but it doesn’t work so well if you aren’t willing to heed the growl — such as the veterinarian doing an exam or, worse, a well-meaning child at face level with the dog.
If your dog is growling, it is time to quickly intervene. If a child is involved, immediately move between the child and the dog. If your veterinarian is involved, let your vet — who is experienced at dealing with dog behavior — take control of the situation.
There’s no need to be embarrassed or angry if your dog does snap or bite at the veterinarian. But now that you have witnessed the escalation, there are a few things you should not do:
• Don’t assume that this is an isolated event and that your dog would never bite another person.
• Don’t blame the person involved and assume that he caused the aggression by being mean to your dog. (Your dog was simply pushed beyond his comfort zone.)
• Don’t make excuses for your dog.
It is important to desensitize your dog to things and people in his environment that he finds scary and causes him to growl. If your dog is growling, snapping or biting, you really must hire a professional to help you with some desensitization and training techniques. Your veterinary staff can help you find a reputable trainer or Certified Animal Behaviorist.
Sonnya Crawford, DVM, is a veterinarian at Grays Harbor Veterinary Services in Montesano. Her pets include two cats, numerous parrots, a giant bunny and saltwater fish. Her special interests are in avian medicine, veterinary dermatology and dentistry. Reach her at drsonnya@gmail.com.
