Dog Aggression - Dog behavior Problem

Dog aggression is often misunderstood. We often view dogs that bare teeth, growl, chase and bite as dangerous animals with a mentality to inflict harm. In many cases the dog is performing these actions because they are scared, intimated or overly stressed. Dogs will experience aggressive behaviors because of issues they are facing in day to day life. With some careful training and proper socialization, your dog will become happy non-threatening canines.

Causes of Dog Aggression

There are multiple factors that cause dogs to act out aggressively. This aggression can be directed to their owners, other members of the family (social pack), people the dog does not know, or other dogs and animals.

Fear aggression is often formed through the act of self defense. Dogs can interpret actions we perceive as friendly as acts to harm them. For instance, walking up to a strange dog and sticking your hand out to pet them. The dog may perceive you as a threat and lash out. Fear aggression can be in other forms. A crated or caged dog with a feeling of being cornered may be overly aggressive.
Territorial aggression comes from natural instincts the dog would have in the wild. It stems from protecting habitat boundaries, puppies, food, objects, to even their owners. Dogs with this form of aggression are either fearful of losing something or fearful of it being taken over by another dog. You can see this behavior in dogs that growl if you attempt to pat them while they eat.
Dominance aggression can be a real problem in a household. Dogs with in their social nature create a hierarchy with you, your family and themselves. You are essentially part of the pack. If the dog perceives he is higher in the ranking (alpha dog) than you, then serious issues will surface. Their aggressive nature will come out when you do things where the dog associates your actions as a way to challenge their dominance.
Event trigger aggression or redirect aggression is the cause of an event taking place before the dogs aggressive behavior occurs. If something is agitating the dog but the dog is unable to remove themselves from the situation, or stop the aggravation, the stress can build up. As soon as the dog has a suitable outlet to release that stress, it may come out as aggressive behavior. For instance, a kid teasing a dog from a safe distance on one side of a fence. The dog has no chance to go after the kid and the dog can not leave the fenced area. As soon as the owner releases the dog from the fenced area, they may bite or chase after the first person they see.
Predatory aggression is the dog's natural instincts for necessity items. If a dog is starving it may become more aggressive while searching for something to eat. If a dog has been sleep deprived they run the risk of becoming overly aggressive.

Things to Know About Dog Aggression

Dog aggression is serious business. Overly aggressive dogs should be brought to the attention of a specialized behavior trainer or veterinarian. Some aggression can be the result of a sick or injured dog. In all cases, modifying a dog's level of aggression can be difficult. So take your time when training and if you feel the dog's aggression is too much to bare, consult an expert.

Dealing With Fear Aggression

A fearful dog can easily perceive our friendly actions as threatening. Socialization training is the best way to minimize fear aggressive behavior. Traumatizing events later in the dog's life can also be the blame for fear aggression regardless of good socialization training. In these cases it's often best to consult with a dog behavioral expert. If the fear is the result of shyness, positive reinforcement training is needed. By using rewards such as organic treats, you can now introduce a positive association with what frightened them before. Be careful not to reward the dog if they still continue to show signs of fear aggression. Never reward bad behavior.

Dealing With Territorial Aggression

Dogs that show this type of aggression may also have dominance or pack order conflicts with you or other members of the family. An example; if you find the dog growling at you when you try to remove them from their favorite spot on the couch. Mail carriers will often see territorial dogs as the most dangerous. The dog will want to protect what they perceive is theirs by barking or even biting if they have the opportunity. Proper obedience training will help you have the ability to control your dog in these situations. In many cases territorial aggression will be reduced if proper dominance is established and the owner is perceived as the top dog or alpha dog. You may want to buy a PetSafe Bark Control Dog Collar Kit if your dog is barking excessively at people passing by your home.

Dealing With Dominance Aggression

Dominant dogs can be trouble makers, causing stress to the owners and family. You must establish the dog's social order as last in the family. This means every family member will need to interact and show they are higher up in the pack hierarchy then the dog. Below are a few steps to make dominance training easier.

1 - Never feed your dog from the table. You should always crate or pen your dog away from where you and your family eat. It is also important to feed the dog after everyone else is done eating. In the wild, the lowest dog in the hierarchy always eats last.

2 - Do not allow your dog free reign of your house. The alpha dog sleeps in the best locations which usually result in higher elevation and softer bedding. Keep your dog off your bed and out of your bedroom while you sleep.

3 - All toys belong to you. You grant your dog access to the toys and can remove them when play time is over. Take control of all objects the dog interacts with.

4 - When playing with your dog or teaching them tricks, always be standing or appear taller and larger then they are.

5 - Spaying or neutering your dog will also reduce dominance and aggressive behavior.

Dealing With Event Trigger or Redirect Aggression

The best course of action is preventative action. Do not leave your dog in situations where they can be tormented or cornered. Always provide things for your dog to do and stimulate your dog with exercise and activities. Bored dogs have the time to focus more attention to the events that can cause redirect aggression. Having a family member look after your pet when you are away or hiring a pet sitter could be the answer if you can not prevent event trigger from happening.

Dealing With Predatory Aggression

Prevent your dog from becoming stressed out over necessities. This means setting up feeding schedules, allowing them plenty of rest after exercise and not disturbing them while they sleep.

You should always consult a behavior expert or your veterinarian about all excessive aggression issues. Medically there could be a problem that no training will solve and you could be placing you and your dog in danger. With all training, do not be upset, yell or fight with your dog. Remember, this aggressive nature is not them getting back at us but based on a natural instincts.

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