Rick Cook wrote:
Prometheus wrote:

Wrong, most domestic dogs will only attack after pretty severe
provocation.

That statement is technically correct, but you have to look at
things from the dog's perspective. A dog, any dog, may be moved to
attack by things that seem utterly innocuous to humans. The
resulting aggression may seem utterly unprovoked to humans unless
they speak dog pretty fluently. Simply looking at a dog, or walking
close to it may appear to the dog to be an attack under the proper
circumstances. (This is why it is dangerous to approach any dog
that's running loose, btw. The dog is most likely out of its comfort
zone and prone to nervous aggression. This can be true of even the
most docile, well-behaved dogs.)

Here is a good discussion of aggression in dogs, what causes it and
how to prevent it.

http://www.accesskent.com/Health/Hea.../kcas_bite.htm

Excellent site, thanks!

Josie