A dog’s loyalty and affection will last a lifetime

Erika Abrams, founder of Animal Aid Charitable Trust in Udaipur, Rajasthan, lists out points that will help prevent trouble with dogs.

Everyone can avoid a dog bite if they learn how to “read” the signals of the dogs around them. And further, they can make dozens of new friends whose loyalty and affection will last a lifetime.

Dogs have a language of their own, that you can interpret. Learning this language ensures your interactions with dogs are fair to them, and they can begin a two-way communication leading to a healthy relationship.

If you are not familiar with the habits and language of dogs, and mistake their ‘Play with me’ calls for aggressive behaviour, you will miss a wonderful opportunity.

If you further frighten a dog that is already scared or defensive, you may cause the dog to try to protect himself by biting you.

Most dogs only want love and affection, and when they look at you with their tail wagging back and forth, it is a sign of welcome and greeting.

If a dog leans down with his tail up and his legs stretched forward, this is called “bowing” and it is an invitation to play. This is a dog’s way of saying he likes you.

If a dog’s ears are back and he appears to be smiling but you think it might be a growling face, look at the tail to see if it is standing straight up (he could be feeling a bit bossy) or if it is relaxed and wagging (he probably wants love and play) or if it is between the legs (he will be afraid).

If a dog is trying to chew on your hand, chances are it is a very young dog. His gums might be itchy or he may be knawing and chewing, just like a human baby develops as the teeth come in. Sometimes people mistake chewing for biting but it’s really very different, with no aggressive intent, except possibly an aggressive will to play. Don’t snatch your hand back fearfully and quickly; the dog may accidentally scratch you with the teeth. Just try relaxing your fingers and slowly removing your hand.

When dogs act aggressive they are generally afraid, or they are trying to protect their territory. They are barking because they want you to go away, and in such cases, it is best to avoid them if possible.

For dogs, an intruder may mean trouble for its loved ones. You must always remember that it’s not a mean or vicious dog, but is probably just guarding something that is precious to him.

The most frightened dogs are generally the ones who have been held captive on a chain much of their lives. Their ability to flee from predators and run around has been completely constricted by the chain and so they have had to learn to use their voices and their growling faces to warn potential intruders that there is a chowkidar here!

If a dog is barking and you need to enter the building; or if it is lying on the pathway, try to walk around it, but continue moving forward, again, without looking at it.

Dogs that are afraid may not like eye contact.

If a dog is following you and barking or growling, and you’re afraid it is thinking of biting you, don’t look at it, but rather, keep your exact pace and keep moving forward. Don’t run, don’t make unexpected movements. Make it think you are not even aware of its presence.
If a dog is chasing your motorcycle, don’t look at the dog, just keep your eyes forward on the road. Don’t try to yell at it or scare it, as it may provoke the dog.

If a dog is acting strange or is crying, it may be injured or ill. If you suspect it is not well, immediately call your local animal welfare organisation to see if they can give you advice or perhaps come and assess the situation.

If you don’t know your local rescue centre or don’t have one, try your government polyclinic - they may have a suggestion.
(To be continued)