Read the eyes, look at the ears: what signs does a dog give that it is preparing to attack?

An unfriendly dog ​​always looks intimidating. But it's important to distinguish between situations where the animal is truly about to attack and those where it's merely intimidating a potential adversary. By paying close attention to its appearance and behavior, you can determine how serious its intentions are: whether it's about to attack or simply displaying a harmless, threatening stance.

Eyes

Even if a dog is circling around you, barking loudly, but its gaze is averted, or the animal is looking down with half-closed eyelids, it's insecure and unlikely to attack. If the dog's eyes are fully open and directed toward you, it may be unfriendly, but an attack can still be avoided if you don't provoke the dog into further aggression. An intense gaze, seemingly directed through you or at a specific part of your body, indicates that the dog is truly about to attack.

Ears

Many people think that ears pressed back or flattened against the head indicate a dog is about to attack. This is a misconception. By flattening its ears, a dog is showing insecurity. However, if a person tries to attack first, it could escalate into a serious fight between the dog and the person.

If a dog's ears are pointed up or forward, it's feeling tense but still unsure whether to attack first. Be extremely cautious if the animal's ears are pointed forward and up: this indicates the dog is ready to attack at any moment.

Teeth

When a dog feels insecure, its mouth will be closed or open, but its tongue will always be sticking out. A closed or open mouth with its tongue tucked in indicates tension. Baring teeth with its tongue tucked in indicates the dog is about to pounce.

Nose

When anxious, an animal will frequently lick its nose, a sign of insecurity. This indicates that it's best left alone, but it's also reluctant to attack. A slightly wrinkled nose indicates that, although hostile, the animal isn't yet ready to attack. Deep wrinkles near the nose, as well as a raised, quivering nose lobe, can signal a readiness to attack at any moment.

Wool

When a dog is nervous but also insecure, its fur is pressed flat against its body. A hostile animal's fur stands on end, but usually only at the withers. However, if the fur on the dog's back stands on end along its entire spine, it means it's about to attack.

Tail

Dogs nervous when meeting strangers tuck their tails or wag it hesitantly, as if ingratiating. At the same time, the dog's entire demeanor demonstrates its willingness to avoid conflict unless, of course, they provoke it.

A tail held low and appearing slightly tense indicates that the animal views the person with hostility but is not yet ready to attack. A tail held firmly upright indicates that the dog is preparing to attack first, as it is not currently experiencing any fear or uncertainty about a potential enemy.

Dogs have been humankind's constant companions since ancient times, and therefore it's essential to understand their body language and facial expressions. The appearance of different parts of an animal's body when it's agitated, hostile, or preparing to attack allows one to predict its next actions. It's important to understand that as long as the animal doesn't clearly show intent to attack, a peaceful resolution to the conflict remains possible. When encountering a strange dog, it's best to simply walk away without trying to drive it away or frighten it, as this could cause the animal to become defensively aggressive, even if it wasn't initially intending to attack.