This week I’ll be going over some dog information regarding offensive and defensive threat postures that applies to dogs of all sizes, breeds and ages. This can be great to keep in mind not only for our own dog(s), but those we encounter when we are out and about (on walks/runs, at the dog park, in social situations, at other peoples’ houses, etc.).
Regardless of how big or small a dog is, they all speak the same language when it comes to informing others, both canine and human, about how they are feeling and what may be about to happen based on that feeling.
As you interpret a dog’s body language, you should first take in a dog’s entire body. Not just the tail, or ears, or face. Is it also important to consider what is considered a normal display for a dog’s breed or type, such as having a tail that tucks under their body, floppy ears versus ears that stand up, and so forth.
This month we will be talking about Offensive and Defensive Threat postures. These can look similar, but telltale signs will help you differentiate and respond accordingly.
Offensive Threat Posture
An offensive threat posture indicates that a dog is aggressively responding/reacting and is ready for an attack. A dog will exhibit this posture if someone or something is ignoring its stress signals or they are frightened. In this situation, dogs will flee or fight, and if they can’t do the former, they will often do the latter. This posture can also be learned, as some dogs learn that threatening frightening others can make them go away.
Signs of this posture are:
- Tail up and stiff, may still be stiffly wagging
- Raised hackles
- Ears forward and stiff
- Nose and/or muzzle wrinkled
- Pupils dilated
- Corners of mouth FORWARD and held tightly
- Furrowed brows and forehead
- Body TALL and FORWARD on toes
- May lean FORWARD
- Eyes focused and/or staring
- Body standing still or moving very slowly
Offensively aggressive dogs are often still, frozen or moving FORWARD with purpose. Their outline resembles a straight line.
Defensive Threat Posture
A defensive threat posture of a dog is indicative of being self-protective. This type of behavior is seen in dogs that are fearful and would prefer to get away from the situation. When cornered or provoked they may bite. In the beginning stress signals were shown, but when ignored the dog begins to show extreme fear.
Signs of this posture are:
- The whites of the eyes showing, otherwise known as “Whale eye”
- The tail is down or tucked
- Hackles are raised
- Pupils are dilated
- The mouth corners are pulled BACK
- Body LOWERED
- Body LEANING BACKWARD
How to respond if it’s your dog
In either of these situations with your dog you want to immediately leave the area and move away from the frightening/threatening stimulus (so it is no longer seen) and toss your dog treats. I say to toss treats toward your dog, as you could be bitten if they are still feeling threatened and you try to reach toward them to feed the treats. Food treats or a favorite toy help a dog change its emotional state and it allows us to redirect their attention where we want it, in a more positive direction.
If your dog is too aroused emotionally they may not eat the treats, so having them do a known, solid command that has no negative associations with it can be helpful as well. “Focus” or “Look” can be useful when you want to draw your dog’s attention to YOU.
AVOID
It can be automatic to correct with a “NO” or other physical or verbal correction in both of these situations. However, it is important you do not do this. It can make your dog more fearful or even cause the dog to become more aggressive. The best thing is to move away from the object, person, other animal, or situation, so he or she can no longer see it and allow the dog to relax and return to a more balanced emotional state (see above).
It is also a good idea to not try to pick up or put your hands near your dog when they are displaying either threat posture, as you may be bitten.
As mentioned before, these postures are also good to know when reading others’ dogs. Being able to foretell possible issues by reading another dog’s body language can help you stay clear and prevent any incidents for you and/or your dog….for runners and cyclists this can also be useful information when out and you encounter dogs.
Dani Norlund, LAMP, SAAP 