Yes, from a dog's perspective, it could be considered "provoking" for a fearful (or any) person to run from it. This may be specifically true for a herding-breed dog with strong chase reflexes, on its own territory, and especially if it is dominant, improperly socialized, or has a history of similar behaviors being reinforced. Running away from a dog can trigger a strong predatory response, especially in individual dogs with a strong prey drive. Herding dogs obviously require this characteristic in order to be bold enough to move stock. Ideally, their bite, once they catch up to their surrogate prey, is inhibited-the result of selective breeding, as well as experience and training. One good kick from a cow or horse usually is sufficient education to take the bite out of the overly enthusiastic stock dog, at least when it comes to livestock.

People running can trigger the same "herding" reflex, resulting in the dog chasing and even nipping or biting. When something runs away from a chasing dog, it increases the dog's drive. If it is a predatory aggression, the fleeing individual represents an escaping meal; although stock dogs don't get to eat their "prey," their modified drive to hunt is hard-wired. The completed task earns other perks-their owners' approval and positive reinforcement, and their own sense of success-which replace the "kill" at the end of a hunt and continue to motivate the dog.

Success is very compelling. The same theory can be applied to any aggressive behavior; if the dog's efforts seem to bring desirable results, the pattern will become ingrained, and the dog will repeat the behavior more and more readily, with decreasing provocation. A territorial dog barks at what it perceives as intruders; when the unwelcome interloper, such as a mail delivery person, leaves, the dog's sense of success is reinforced. The mere presence of a person on your property, regardless of the person's emotional state, could be considered "provocation" to a territorial dog. When the person becomes fearful and retreats, the dog is reinforced in its dominance over that person. If the person flees, the aggressiveness may be increased if the dog has a strong predatory drive. If the fleeing person stops and challenges the agitated dog, it may continue to bite, expressing dominance in addition to territorial and predatory aggression. If challenged, the bite would be considered a dominance-based aggression; if the dog bites the fleeing person, the aggression is more predatory in its basis. In both cases there is an element of dominance and territoriality.

There are other provoking factors; a dog that repeatedly has been teased or taunted may release disproportionate, excessive, "cumulative" aggression if it finally gets a chance to make contact. Dogs that have been encouraged to behave aggressively in specific situations but not properly trained may generalize and show aggression at inappropriate times.

Dogs with unsound temperaments or improper training should not be allowed to make contact with visitors. Dogs that are "just doing their job," but that may bite, create a liability for their owners. Owners of dogs that bite should post appropriate warnings and prevent harm to invited guests by keeping the dog under control. If the dog's reactions are predictably aggressive, it is up to the owner to take the necessary steps-restraint or confinement-to prevent anyone from being harmed.

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