The Importance of Knowing Dog Postures

Over the decade there have been over 300 dog attack fatalities in the United States.  Although one can only take certain measures to prevent the dog bite-related injuries, knowing the most common dog postures can help you assess the situation when alone with a familiar or unfamiliar dog.  The Maricopa County Animal Care and Control educates the community on reading dog body postures in their goal: “safe children and safe dogs.” According to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, by being aware of several types of dog postures, the community can prevent some of the millions of dog bite-related injuries and fatalities.  However, neither you nor dog owners can prevent dog bites and you may need to contact an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney.

Overview on Dog Postures

Dog postures are simply the unspoken body language of a dog.  A dog does not need to be barking or hyperactive to suggest that you may be in an aggressive or dangerous situation.  A dog can show no movement and still be a danger to you or someone you love, causing a dog bite-related injury.  A body posture of a dog, like humans can display several emotions:  anger, defiance, playfulness, submission, fear, aggression, and sadness.  Knowing these emotions can aid in prevention.  But we cannot always prevent random dangerous situations involving dogs.

Liability

The dog population is growing in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and elsewhere in Maricopa County.  If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite or related injury, the owner is liable for damages that include and are not limited to medical bills, and psychological damages that may occur.  Even if the ability to read several dog postures is not always a solution, knowing major positions are important.

Key Dog Postures

Active Submission is when a dog knows that they are not the ones in charge.  This can be to wards a human or dog.  They dog may have their eyes blinking with their mouth closed, tail lowered and their paw lifted.

Passive Submission posture has the dog belly up in a playful position with the ears back and the head turned, not making direct eye contact with the person near by.

Aggressive attack posture is a very threatening position.  Knowing this position could be key in prevention from a dog bite.  The body of the dog is stiff; the eyes are glaring with direct contact with the person.  Their tail and ears are up while their mouth may or may not be open exposing teeth.

Defensive Aggression posture is similar to the aggressive attack posture, except the dog is less stiff, with dilated eyes and a lowered tail and ears.  The dog may appear anxious and cautious of their environment.

Play Solicitation posture does not always mean the dog wants to play.  The mouth is open with the front legs spread apart.  The dog appears to be relaxed and may appear hyperactive wagging its tail fast.

Contact an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney

Dog owners are legally responsible for the actions of their dogs, even if you know key dog postures.  If someone else’s dog has injured you or someone you love, the owner is liable for your damages like pain and suffering. Even with prevention, dog bite related injuries or even fatalities can occur, an Arizona dog-bite injury lawyer can help get the compensation you deserve.  For more information see www.azdogbitefirm.com.