'A dog is aggressive for many different reasons. Dogs don’t attack for no reason.' - Victoria Stilwell
The vicious and tragic dog attack this week that killed a 6-year-old boy in Atlanta and seriously injured a 5-year-old girl left many dog owners with the haunting question: Is my dog capable of doing that kind of harm?
The answer depends on your dog and on you.
First, the experts say, be observant. Know the common triggers of aggression, including pain, injury or sickness, the approach of strangers or strange dogs, and loud noises such as thunder, construction, fireworks, even some appliances.
"Dogs have teeth for a reason: to eat and defend themselves," says renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. "A dog is aggressive for many different reasons. Dogs don't attack for no reason."
Be prepared to put in time with your dog and teach him to behave acceptably. The more time, effort, patience and encouragement you invest in training, the happier you and your dog will be.
As Stilwell says, the way a dog behaves has a great deal to do with who is on the other end of the leash.
Read more tips, and see a "blacklist" of dog breeds kept by some insurance companies.
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