AGGRESSIVE DOG BEHAVIOR
AGGRESSIVE DOG BEHAVIOR
By Tess Thompson
Undesirable and abnormal behavior in dogs is a result of inept training, lack of nutrition and inadequate exercise. Aggressive dog behavior is perhaps one such abnormal behavior that annoys dog owners the most. Although in certain cases dog aggression may be a direct result of an underlying medical condition, your handling may be playing an important role in encouraging aggressive behavior in your dog. If you ignore or encourage aggression, the dog is most likely to presume that it as acceptable.
Behavior issues like separation anxiety, unnecessary barking and fear of the leash or a car ride are far removed from aggressive dog behavior that may include dog biting and refusal to submit to discipline. Some of these behaviors ultimately lead to further aggression as the dog starts to assume leadership of the pack.
Dogs may have evolved to live peacefully with humans but they are unable to shed their genetic traits. Dogs start to consider family members as part of the pack. It is only natural for the dog to try and assume leadership since survival and access to the best of the available resources depends upon who can dominate the most. Dominating a pack obviously requires aggression. So when you see your dog’s aggression increasing, you can assume that this is a manifestation of dominance related aggression.
It is not only dominance that makes a dog aggressive. Aggression can be caused by other factors as well. Sometimes the dog is actually afraid of a person or situation and trying to escape or hide. Forcing your dog to face the person or situation is akin to pushing him in a corner. It is therefore likely to elicit aggressive behavior.
Inter-male rivalry, maternal aggression to protect the litter and predatory aggression (aggression towards quick moving stimulus like a car or bike that the dog considers a prey) are other types of aggressive behavior that dogs are likely to exhibit.
Dogs like to be masters of the territory that they consider their own.
This could include your house, bed or whichever area he is fond of. Territorial aggression is mostly directed towards other dogs or strangers. In as far as family members are concerned it may be limited to a refusal to vacate the sofa or bed.
Signs of typical territorial aggression are similar to dominance related aggression. Although breeds such as German and Australian Shepherds that are more prone to territorial aggression. Certain dogs that have not been trained as puppies to socialize develop fear of other dogs later. Territorial matters are not easily resolved between dogs if the underlying factor is fear. The fearful aggressive dog may not calm down unless the canine visitor leaves.
Dog aggression normally manifests as:
Growling.
Showing Teeth.
Snapping.
Dog Biting.
Refusal to Accept Commands.
If you perceive any or all the above signs, the first line of treatment is to get your pet checked for an underlying medical or physical condition. Training techniques are simple and you may be able to train your dog allover again at home. Persistent dog aggression however is a matter of concern that may require professional help.
References:
http://petplace.com/dogs/medical-causes-of-aggression-in-dogs/page1.aspx
http://petplace.com/dogs/aggression-in-dogs/page1.aspx
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