A stray dog used to bark at the locals in the street. However each time whenever the person who is barked at, approached the dog, it would run away cowardly.

a.Why does the dog keeps on barking in a threatening manner whereas it is actually afraid of the locals?
b.Is it true in the saying "The dog that barks doesn’t bite" ? If it is true,why is it so?

c.Do stray dogs ever bite people or only trained “security” dogs bite?

The first statement reminds me of the little female Pekingese we had. She would race around the perimeter of the yard, barking at passersby. However, she never went close to them, and in fact, would retreat if they came close. I believe that she was barking to warn them, but as many humans, she didn't follow through on her threats.

What do you think?

u r WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ms.Sue

a. The dog may continue to bark in a threatening manner despite being afraid of the locals due to a few reasons. Firstly, it could be a learned behavior. The dog might have discovered that barking at people is an effective way to keep them at a distance and protect itself. Secondly, the dog might be displaying defensive behavior. Even though it is afraid, it still wants to appear strong and assertive to deter potential threats. Lastly, it is possible that the dog's fear is specific to certain individuals or situations, so it barks as a warning but retreats when it feels threatened or overwhelmed.

To confirm these reasons or to gain a deeper understanding of the dog's behavior, it would be helpful to consult an animal behaviorist or observe the dog's reactions in different situations, noting any patterns or triggers.

b. The saying "The dog that barks doesn’t bite" can be true in some cases, but not always. The saying suggests that a dog that barks aggressively is unlikely to follow-through with physical aggression or biting. However, it is important to remember that each dog's behavior is unique and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including its individual temperament, upbringing, and current state of mind.

The saying may hold true for some dogs because barking is often an attempt to intimidate or communicate distress, rather than to initiate an actual attack. A dog may resort to barking as a way to defend itself or to establish boundaries, rather than resorting to aggression. Additionally, some dogs may use barking as a defensive mechanism to create distance or avoid direct confrontations.

However, it is crucial to approach any dog with caution and not solely rely on this saying. It is important to evaluate the dog's body language, behavior, and any other indicators of aggression before assuming that a barking dog poses no threat.

c. Both stray dogs and trained "security" dogs have the potential to bite people, although the likelihood and circumstances may differ. Stray dogs can bite people if they feel threatened, scared, or if they are protecting their territory or resources. Their behavior can vary depending on their individual experiences and interactions with people.

On the other hand, trained "security" dogs, such as police dogs or guard dogs, are specifically trained to engage in controlled biting as part of their job. These dogs undergo extensive training to differentiate between actual threats and non-threatening situations. Their bites are typically directed towards individuals who pose a threat and are part of their training and protective instinct.

It is important to remember that any dog, regardless of its background, has the potential to bite if triggered or provoked. It is advisable to approach unfamiliar dogs cautiously and respectfully, respecting their personal space and observing their body language, to minimize the risk of bites.