Bogotá, Colombia – In a rapidly viral TikTok video, María Fernanda Prieto, a young medical professional from Vélez, Santander, opened up about a recent incident involving her American Bully dog. Prieto, who has been raising the dog for over a year, shared her story with followers after suffering a facial injury caused by her pet. Her goal? To spark a broader conversation about pet behavior, ownership responsibility, and the stigmatization of specific dog breeds.
As the video gained momentum across social platforms, the topic raised critical questions around pet safety, dog training, and the proper response to unpredictable animal behavior. But, more importantly, Prieto’s account highlighted a growing trend in public discourse: Are certain dog breeds inherently dangerous, or does the responsibility fall on owners to manage their pets’ environments and triggers?
What Happened? A Breakdown of the Incident
In her video, Prieto recounted that she was on a trip with her dog when she decided to turn on a fan, triggering a visibly stressed reaction in the animal. The spinning blades, lights, and noise agitated her American Bully to the point of distress, and while attempting to calm the dog, she was bitten on the face.
Prieto, however, emphasized that the bite was not an act of aggression but rather a defensive response from her pet, who was overwhelmed by the situation. “He was in a state of shock and bit me… but it wasn’t an attack,” she explained, noting that the damage was limited to just two marks from the dog’s upper canines.
This incident raises a vital question for dog owners and experts alike: How should pet owners react when their animals display defensive or fearful behaviors? And more importantly, what triggers can lead to such extreme reactions?
Pet Behavior Experts Weigh In: Why Dogs React Defensively
Animal behavior experts are not surprised by Prieto’s experience. Carlos Rodríguez, a prominent veterinarian, noted in an interview that dogs, especially large breeds like American Bullies, can react unpredictably when exposed to sudden stressors.
Rodríguez emphasized, “A dog’s primary instinct is to protect itself when it feels threatened, regardless of breed or size. In situations where a dog is overwhelmed—by noise, lights, or unexpected movement—they may lash out defensively.” He went on to clarify that such reactions are not uncommon, even in well-trained dogs.
In cases like Prieto’s, the dog’s environment (being in an unfamiliar setting) and physical discomfort (missing a week of regular training due to illness) could have amplified its stress.
This is where the critical difference between aggression and defensive behavior comes into play. Defensive behavior often stems from fear, while aggression is more likely to be linked to dominance or territorial instincts.
Debunking the Myth: Are American Bullies Dangerous?
Prieto’s post also reignited the ongoing debate about whether certain dog breeds, particularly American Bullies, should be considered more dangerous than others. Historically linked to Pitbulls and other bulldog breeds, American Bullies often face stigmatization due to their muscular build and perceived aggression.
However, as animal behaviorist María Eugenia Ribelles explains, labeling a breed as “dangerous” is problematic. “The behavior of any dog is heavily influenced by its upbringing, socialization, and training environment. Yes, large breeds can cause more physical damage in a bite, but that does not make them inherently more aggressive than smaller breeds.”
Studies back this up. In a 2023 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), data revealed that the likelihood of a dog biting is more closely related to its environmental factors, stress levels, and owner interaction rather than its breed alone.
How to Prevent Dog Bites: Practical Tips for Owners
For dog owners, particularly those with large breeds, it’s essential to understand how to minimize the risks of defensive reactions. Here are a few data-backed strategies to help:
- Identify and Avoid Triggers: Dogs often have specific triggers, such as loud noises, fast movements, or bright lights. Observing your dog’s behavior in various environments can help identify these stressors early.
- Consistent Training and Socialization: Consistent routines, including regular training and exposure to different people, animals, and environments, reduce the likelihood of defensive reactions. Studies show that dogs that are regularly socialized are 30% less likely to exhibit fear-based behaviors.
- Use of Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement—rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior—has been shown to be one of the most effective methods for reducing aggression and anxiety in dogs.
- Create a Safe Space for Your Pet: Particularly in stressful environments, dogs need a space where they feel secure. This can reduce the likelihood of defensive reactions and allow them to calm down in overwhelming situations.
- Stay Calm During an Incident: In Prieto’s case, her reaction to the dog’s distress was to intervene immediately. However, experts suggest that owners should first remove themselves from harm’s way and allow the dog to calm down before attempting to physically interact. Panic can escalate the animal’s fear and make the situation worse.
What Can We Learn from This?
Ultimately, Prieto’s experience, while unfortunate, provides an important lesson for all dog owners—particularly those with large or traditionally “strong” breeds. Her decision to keep her dog and work through the behavioral issues rather than simply giving up the animal is notable. Many owners might have been quick to abandon their pet after such an incident, but Prieto’s choice illustrates the importance of understanding dog psychology and taking proactive measures to manage their well-being.
For potential dog owners or those looking to adopt an American Bully or other large breed, this story highlights the need for commitment. It’s essential to prioritize consistent training, understanding behavioral triggers, and maintaining environments that minimize stress for the animal. Proper ownership, rather than breed alone, plays the most significant role in preventing accidents like this.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Pet Ownership with Responsibility
As the conversation around dog breed stigmatization continues, stories like Prieto’s remind us that responsibility lies heavily on the owner. With proper care, training, and understanding of a pet’s needs, incidents like these can be minimized. However, as Prieto herself asks, “What would you have done in my situation?” The answer may vary, but one thing is certain—transparent and informed decision-making is key when it comes to pet ownership.
