What should you avoid doing when a dog is showing signs of aggression?

When a dog is exhibiting aggression, making direct eye contact can escalate the situation. Dogs often perceive direct eye contact as a challenge or a threat, which can lead them to become more aggressive. By maintaining a direct gaze, a person may inadvertently provoke the dog, increasing the risk of an aggressive response.

In contrast, backing away slowly is a calming movement that helps to de-escalate the situation by showing the dog that you are not a threat. Raising your arms to appear larger can trigger fear or an aggressive reaction, while speaking softly can serve to soothe the animal.

Therefore, avoiding direct eye contact is crucial in managing aggressive canine behavior appropriately.