Aggression in Dogs

Aggression in Dogs

This page is in consideration of all breeds

Aggression in dogs (biting, snapping, growling) is a dangerous and complex behavioral problem whose treatment involves much time, money and owner commitment.

First off realize you have a major, major problem. Besides being concerned about their own safety, owners must consider the safety of children, other pets, visitors and strangers.

Owners have a legal responsibility to restrain an aggressive dog. While the law varies from state to state, the bottom line is that owners are liable for their dog's actions.

AGGRESSION: is categorized based on its cause. Pain-induced aggression occurs when a painful area on the dog is touched. For example the dog has a broken leg you are grooming the dog. You touch the leg it causes pain. The dog reacts with a snap or growl. The dog is in fact reacting to the pain. But lashes out at what is the closest thing to him. Your hand or face.

FEAR MOTIVATED AGGRESSION: is a defensive reaction and occurs when the dog believes it is in danger of being harmed. The dog strikes out because it is afraid. For example, you may be raising your arm to throw a tennis ball, but a dog may perceive this to be a threatening arm movement, and bites you because he believes he is protecting himself from being hit or struck. A dog may also be fearfully aggressive when approached by other dogs. The dog may assume a submissive posture (tail between legs ears back) while at the same time growling or snap. Don't even try to approach a dog like this. You are asking for trouble. If you see a dog you would like to pet ask the owner first. If the dog hides behind the owner. Do not try to reach in and pet the dog! The dog could lash out at you in fear and bite. Find a different dog to pet, one that is willing to come up to you to be petted.

There are other types of aggression (possessive, protective and predatory)

TERRITORIAL AGGRESSION: is usually associated with defense of property. However, a dog's sense of territory may extend well past the boundaries of his yard. For example, if a dog is walked regularly around the neighborhood, and is allowed to urine-mark, to him, his territory may be the entire block!

PROTECTIVE AGGRESSION, usually refers to aggression directed toward people or animals whom the dog perceives as threats to his family, or pack. Dogs become possessively aggressive when defending their food, toys, or other valued objects

PREVENTION: Because both environmental and genetic factors influence how readily any dog will display aggression, dog owners can take several steps to prevent aggressive behavior problems from developing. Dogs with aggressive behavior problems should NEVER be bred, as they can pass this along to their offspring.

Between the ages of 4 and 16 weeks, puppies experience a crucial developmental period during which time they form their first social bonds. Puppies exposed to many different people, places, animals, noises and environmental events during this time will be better able as adults to accept changes in their environment. This socialization process must be done gradually, and in such a way that a puppy has only positive experiences. Puppies socialized in this way will be less likely to be afraid, defensive, and aggressive. Puppies which are fearful and aggressive may need professional help.

Dog owners should *NEVER* encourage aggressive behavior. Playing tug-of-war or wrestling games encourages the dog to attempt to "beat", or "win out" over the owner, which can result in the beginning of a dominance aggression problem. When dogs are encouraged to "go get 'em" or to bark and dash about in response to outside noises or the approach of a person, territorial and protective aggressive behavior may be the result.

Intact males dogs are more likely to display dominance, territorial, and protective aggressive behavior than are neutered males or females. Neutering a male dog will thus help to reduce the frequency of these types of aggressive behaviors. Neutering will not affect fear motivated, redirected or possessive aggression.

NO THERAPY: in the world will work if it is not carried out properly. The prognosis for aggressive dogs is not very good. Once a dog is aggressive they are always aggressive. Yes, it can be controlled but, by some one that knows what they are doing. You will always have to be on guard when dealing with aggression!

The best solution to the problem is giving the dog to a professional to work.

DON'T give the dog away. You can still be held liable for the dogs actions. Just because you found a home for the dog. Does not make the problem go away.

The dog is still aggressive!