Learn the six levels of a dog bite

Aggression is a survival skill required by all canines. Dogs bite for many reasons. In the last two decades it has become fashionable among dog trainers and behaviorists to try to solve and eliminate dog aggression. A typical definition of “bite” is “at sixteen with teeth to enter, grab or hurt.”

To quantify the degree of severity, Dr. Ian Dunbar has created the following table / guide on bite “levels”.

Level 1: This bite does not touch the skin. The dog is biting the air or snapping.

Level 2: This sting comes in contact with the skin, but does not break it. It can result in pain and bruising, but no abrasions will be seen.

Level 3: This bite ranges from one to three punctures in a single bite with a puncture less than half the depth of the eye-tooth (fang) with or without a tear.

Level 4: The dog is exerting great pressure on the bite. 1 to 4 puncture wounds with or without a tear, more than half the depth of the tooth. This is often accompanied by bruising and is likely to require medical attention. These injuries suggest that the dog grabbed and shook what was in its mouth.

Level 5: Multiple Level 4 cocks. This dog is generally beyond the ability to reason and can sense its
life is threatened.

Level 6: The dog has killed.

It can also bite when the dog is very excited / aroused when chasing people along a fence or from a leash / chain. This is called “barrier frustration” and can (and does) occur commonly, although most dogs do not bite. Bites generally occur when the dog’s owner / handler tries to physically control it. The dog is so excited that it indiscriminately bites the person. This is called “displacement assault” and it is quite common.

Most large, powerful breeds can cause more serious injuries than small dogs. Keep in mind that these are mixed breeds and not purebred dogs, which are the type of dog most often involved in biting people.

Some warning signs of aggression and biting may be possible:

o Any health change or long-term health problem

o Anxious or hyperactive behavior (fear of new or certain people or places)

o Bites or history of bites (past behavior is a predictor or future behavior)

or growl

o New behavior changes (sudden obstinence)

o Obsessive fence / kennel running / chasing

o Serious separation problems

o Uncontrollable lunge towards people or dogs on a leash

Most dogs that inflict level 6 and 5 bites are euthanized. Level 3 and 4 biters need serious behavior modification to eliminate any additional risk. Level 1 and 2 biters should also receive relatively easy help and guidance from a behavior counselor.

However, if your dog is obedient-trained, maintains a social life (regularly leaves the house and yard), is neutered or spayed, healthy, and female, your dog is less likely to bite. But that doesn’t mean it won’t. After all, anything with teeth can bite!