Defensive and offensive language. When a dog has to defend herself from an actual or perceived threat, she will demonstrate defensive or offensive language in order to keep herself safe. This language manifests itself in behaviors that encourage a threat to keep their distance. If the threat does not back away and the dog has nowhere to go, defensive behavior will turn offensive and the dog will bite. These behaviors are usually easy to recognize and understand. The signs to look out for include their body leaning forward, a tense mouth, lips are pushed forward and vibrating as a dog growls.

Air snapping, the dog snaps in the air to warn something to back away, snapping with skin contact. Also a warning to back away fast nip in immediate bite and release with bruising where a slight wound. This is telling a threat to back off A deeper bite. A dog that bites with more intensity is intending to harm if they bite and hold. Also an intent to harm a bite, hold and shake, intent to harm and potentially kill a wagging tail. Again, a wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog, and hard staring eyes are all signs of defensive and offensive language.