A vet has shared some subtle warning signs that could indicate your dog is about to become aggressive and may be at risk of attacking others.
Veterinarian Dr. Sara Ochoa, from Louisiana, USA regularly writes for animal blog Dog games.
The veterinarian, who has been practicing veterinary medicine for the past five years, told me The American sun of warning signs a dog may show before a violent attack.
She said: 'Things like how the dog holds itself and the sounds it makes can be clues,' Dr Sara said.
An angry and aggressive labrador dog showing its teeth and looking ready to attack (stock image)
'A dog that looks tense all over, with standing fur or visible teeth, is more likely to snap.'
Dr. Sara also said that if your dog stares hard and intently without blinking, he may become irritated. The same goes for growling.
And signs that the dog itself is feeling threatened or scared include diving low and tucking its tail between its legs.
Another indication of anxiety is hiding or squeezing behind furniture.
To address these feelings, the vet suggests staying calm. If you give them space, the dog will hopefully feel less tense.
She recommended observing your pet's mannerisms so you can spot the signs in advance that he's in distress.
In particular, she advised dog owners to watch how their dog is doing. If they droop or gape their teeth, they may be angry.
When a dog is angry, he may snarl, growl, or suddenly jump toward you while snarling. According to the expert, they are more likely to lash out when they are stressed.
But Dr. Sara emphasized that different dogs react and behave differently, so it's always good to practice learning your own dog's behavior.
The expert also revealed that there is no one breed that is more likely to be aggressive than others – even though pit bulls, XL bullies and rottweilers have been in the spotlight lately for aggressive behavior.
An angry little Chihuahua dog on a leash (stock image)
She explained that the way the puppy was raised is more relevant, with poor training and minimal play time cited as possible reasons.
The vet explained that if the dog is treated with kindness from the start, it is less likely to become aggressive.
Dr. Sara advised new dog owners to expose their puppies to other dogs and people as early as possible to help them relax.
She even suggested rewarding your dog when he or she behaves well – and this could even lead to throwing him or her a party.
Failing that, a dog trainer who gives them daily training can do wonders when they need to manage their anger, as dealing with an angry dog on your own can be difficult.