It would be wonderful to think that every dog owner in Indiana properly trained and monitored his or her beloved pet. Sadly, that is not the case. Far too many innocent people in Indiana are unnecessarily attacked by dogs and many suffer serious injuries as a result. When dog owners fail to keep watch over pets, it can be important for others to know some of the signs to watch for that may signal an impending attack or other show of aggression on the part of a dog.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals explains that some pre-agression signscould be subtle while others are more obvious. There may or may not be a build-up type of sequence to a full-blown attack. The reasons that dogs may attack can vary and may include the dog's feeling of a need to protect. This protection may be focused on the dog's owner, territory, food, toy or other object. Fear and feelings of confinement may also exacerbate the tendency to be aggressive in dogs.

Signs that people should heed range from a low growl or gutteral bark to a quick and unexpected lunge or even a mouthing type of bite. Actual bites may be accompanied by a shaking motion at times.

This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give Indiana residents an overview of some things they can watch for when encountering a dog so as to hopefully prevent or at least be able to respond to an attack.