Humans spend a lot of their time with dogs and while these animals make wonderful companions, the association can also have fatal consequences when dogs attack humans. Every year more than four million dog owners and non-dog owners needs medical attention for minor to fatal injuries resulting from dog attacks. Dogs have different personalities and while some would be crowned as most congenial pets others noted to have aggressive personalities are trained for protection work. The significant difference dogs made to humans way of life is probably the reason why dogs are branded as man’s best friends. Since the time dogs were domesticated, they have become man’s most loyal and affectionate pets. However, dogs are predators and even a well trained and well mannered home companion will never lose its high prey drive. Even well a mannered dog will attack if the inherent ferocious nature is triggered by a person or by a situation in the environment.

Dogs have the strength to knock people down. The jaws and the needle sharp teeth that can deliver hundreds of pounds of pressure can cause fatal injuries. Dogs are wonderful creatures and most people would choose a dog for a pet. It is really quite unfortunate that some dogs with aggressive behaviors would mar the outstanding reputation of man’s best friends.

Why do dogs attack? Studies on dog attacks showed that in many instances, the dog’s aggression is spurred by human behavior . A lot of dog attack situations involve the dog owner and the pet. Dogs are pack animals and as such an owner should be aware of the dog’s tendency to dominate. Dogs are well loved pets that are considered as members of the family thus it is not surprising for an owner to give in to the wiles of the pet. A pet that is allowed to be overly dominant can develop an aggressive behavior.

Dogs are very protective of their territory. Defending the young, the food and the location considered as its territory is another reason for a dog to attack. An eating dog must never be approached as an attack is possible because the dog will try to protect its food. Dogs consider the human family as its pack. A dog believing that the shouts of the playing young master is a cry for help can attack the playmates.

Some people can be very cruel to dogs. Dogs that are at the receiving end of humans cruel hands will attack either in fear or in self defense. Abused dogs adopted from rescue centers are noted to have the inclination to be snappish when approached even by the members of the family.