Can a bite victim's nonverbal communication influence a dog's aggression?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only if trained

Answer: (A)

Nonverbal communication is a core way dogs read people, and a bite incident is heavily influenced by how the victim presents themselves physically. If the bite victim shows fear, a stiff or tensed posture, sudden movements, or tries to pull away or scream, the dog may interpret that as threat, flight, or prey-like cues and react with increased aggression or a renewed bite attempt. Conversely, calm, steady posture, slow movements, and avoiding direct eye contact can signal safety and help reduce the dog’s arousal, making it more likely the dog will disengage. Because dogs rely so much on human body language, the bite victim’s cues can tip the behavior one way or the other. In practice, remaining calm, turning slightly away, keeping hands visible and still, and creating space can help de-escalate the situation and prevent further aggression.