04/27/2026
Any! Dog! Can! Bite! 🦷
There’s a reason I call Gonzo Dog “The Cute and Complicated Club” and that’s because some of the cutest dogs I work with show the most defensive behavior (including biting).
My theory? The cuter the dog, the more unsolicited attention and hands they endure until eventually… they use defensive behavior to say BACK OFF.
You know the “little dogs are mean” jokes? Well, little dogs get picked up, moved around, handled without consent and have their agency taken away the MOST. Of course some learn to say NO louder!
There’s even a psychological theory that explains our assumption that cute, gorgeous creatures must be friendly: THE HALO EFFECT (specifically the Physical Attractiveness Stereotype). This is a cognitive (socialized) bias that causes our brains to equate “beautiful” = “friendly.” That’s why it’s shocking when an adorable fluffy dog snaps at us! 😱
But biting doesn’t discriminate. I’ve seen stitches and nerve damage from the cutest, tiniest furballs on the planet. I’ve seen “family friendly” breeds attack other dogs. I’ve had the most BEAUTIFUL dogs want to literally take my face off.
Biting doesn’t discern. It’s not the breed, or the size, the head shape or even the personality. It’s about respecting communication and giving dogs agency.
If a dog feels the need to defend themself, and subtle body language doesn’t work… they will escalate to “louder” and “sharper” methods.
Want to avoid dog bites and make friends with more dogs? Or help your dog feel safer around humans? Learn CANINE BODY LANGUAGE!! 🤓 (I can teach you!)
I have a few spots left for new clients in May! Link in bio or email [email protected] to get started!
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Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement Dog Training specializing in fear, anxiety, reactivity and aggression. In-person Hudson Valley NY or virtual worldwide.
