Understanding The Six Levels Of A Dog Bite
A popular veterinarian, behaviorist, and dog trainer, Dr. lan Dunbar has developed a six-level system of classifying bites. Below are the levels and a brief description of each:
1. Level 1 bite - Harassment with no skin contact. This level is also referred to as a snap. A snap is a bite from a dog with high bite-inhibition. It is a warning signal, telling us that we need to identify what causes the dog to become stressed and manage his behavior to avoid exposing him to the things that cause him excessive stress.
2. Level 2 bite - Tooth contact on skin but no puncture. Once again, this is a bite from a dog with high bite-inhibition and a warning that the dog is serious. You have to remove the dog's stressor at this point, before he takes it to the next level.
3. Level 3 bite - Skin punctures, one to four holes from a single bite. These punctures are less shallow than the length of the dog's teeth.
4. Level 4 bite - One to four holes, deep black bruising with punctures that are deeper than the length of the dog's teeth. In level 4 bite, the dog bit and clamped down, or slashes in both directions from the puncture (the dog bit and shook his head).
5. Level 5 bite - Multiple-bite attack with deep punctures.
6. Level 6 bite - The dog kills the victim and/or consumes the flesh.
Most dogs who inflict Level 6 bites are euthanized. Level 5 biters are also a huge risk to human safety and should probably be euthanized unless there are reasonable circumstances (for instance, the dog was being tortured or the victim was attacking the dog's family). Level 3 and 4 biters need serious behavior modification along with immediate and significant changes in management and environment to remove any present risk. Level 1 and 2 biters can and should also be modified with relative ease and the guidance of a behavior consultant.
All dogs have the potential to bite. When he does, it's usually due to the failure of his owner to be observant and recognize his sign of stress, to properly manage behavior to shorten a dog's stressor list, and to control the environment to protect a dog from his stressors. Putting the dog to sleep is not the most effective solution to a biting dog challenge. Compassion for the victims (both human and nonhuman), knowledge and understanding of human and animal behavior, and having an open mind to explore and pursue realistic and safe alternatives can map the path to a positive and appropriate resolution.