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Dogs rarely bite without warning. Most give multiple stress signals, but people — especially children — often miss or misinterpret them. Recognizing these early cues prevents countless bite incidents.
Physical Warning Signs
- Rigid or stiff body posture
- Raised hackles (hair standing along the spine)
- Tail held stiff and high or wagging rapidly with tension
- Excessive panting unrelated to heat
- Sudden stillness after hyperactivity
Facial Warning Signs
- Intense, focused staring
- Whites of the eyes showing (“whale eye”)
- Lip licking, yawning, or tongue flicking
- Wrinkled muzzle, teeth showing, or snarling
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Backing away or attempting to hide
- Growling (a critical early warning)
- Hiding under a table, behind furniture, or behind an owner
- Snapping at the air (“warning snap”)
- Ignoring commands when overstimulated
Common High-Risk Situations
- Children hugging, climbing on, or startling a dog
- Approaching a dog on its bed or while sleeping
- Touching a dog during mealtime
- Interfering with dog-to-dog interactions
- Approaching a dog that is injured or scared
- Crowded, noisy events or confined spaces (like NYC hallways/elevators)
If you have been injured due to a dog bite, you should contact Mack Press, the New York Dog Bite Lawyer. He will fight for you, while also ensuring it is the owner, and not the dog, that gets held accountable. Contact the New York Dog Bite Lawyer at 833-8-DOGBITE (833-836-4248), or visit our contact page.
