NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

What behavior characterizes a Level 1 dog bite on the Bite Scale?

1. Growling and lunging without skin contact

2. Visible wounds and scratches

3. Minor bruises and abrasions

4. Repetitive attacking behavior

The correct answer is: Growling and lunging without skin contact

A Level 1 dog bite on the Bite Scale is characterized by aggressive behavior such as growling and lunging, but without actually making contact with the skin. This behavior indicates that the dog is displaying signs of aggression or fear, but it has not escalated to the point of causing physical harm. Understanding this behavior is critical for animal control officers as it helps in assessing the situation without assuming the dog poses an immediate physical threat. Recognizing such behaviors allows for appropriate intervention strategies to be employed that can potentially prevent escalation to more serious incidents. It also helps in evaluating the dog's state of mind, which can inform decisions regarding the safety of both the dog and people around it. Other behaviors described in the remaining choices indicate a higher level of aggression and physical harm, which fall outside the criteria for a Level 1 classification.