15. Dogs and their signs of aggression.
About 1,000 Americans go into the emergency room every year due to dog bite injuries (via Benton). There are many misconceptions about breed aggression, but the reality is that any dog who is in a state of panic, fear, or aggression can and probably will bite. It’s important to recognize the behavioral cues that can help you gauge each situation independently. Common aggressive behaviors to watch out for include standing rigid and having an intense focus on a target and showing teeth or lunging at someone or (another animal) in a not-so-playful way.
Barking and growling that sounds threatening are other things to watch out for, as well as mouthing in a controlling way (via Benton). Also, look for raised hackles, which are the fur on a dog’s back (via Ranker). Many of these behaviors are warning signs. Furthermore, there may be less than a second between the warning and the attack. It’s imperative always to be alert when around a dog you are unsure of. If you feel you are in danger of the dog, square off with the animal and make yourself seem as big as possible. In the event of an attack, it’s essential to protect yourself by using your limbs or even other tools to direct the dog’s focus away from your body and face and use force if necessary.