What is a common misconception about dog bites?

A common misconception regarding dog bites is that they only occur due to aggressive dogs. This belief overlooks the fact that many dog bites may happen as a result of fear, anxiety, or stress in dogs that are not typically aggressive. Dogs can bite when they feel threatened or cornered, regardless of their usual temperament. Additionally, many bites occur in familiar settings, where the dog feels a need to protect its territory or owner, rather than because of inherent aggression. Understanding that a dog's behavior can change based on context helps to recognize that any dog, regardless of its perceived temperament, can bite under the right set of circumstances.