When encountering a dog displaying territorial aggression, what behavior should officers be cautious of?

When encountering a dog displaying territorial aggression, officers should be particularly cautious of growling and lunging behaviors. These actions are clear indicators of a potential threat and the dog’s intent to protect its territory. Growling signals that the dog is feeling threatened and is prepared to defend itself, while lunging is an aggressive action that may indicate the dog is preparing to attack or chase away an intruder.

Understanding these aggressive signals is critical for ensuring safety during encounters with dogs. Properly recognizing and interpreting these behaviors can help officers avoid escalating the situation and implement appropriate responses to reduce the risk of injury to themselves or the dog. In contrast, behaviors like jumping, chasing, or barking loudly may not always indicate a serious threat, and while they can still require careful handling, they do not convey the same level of impending aggression as growling and lunging do.