Know The Types Of Aggression In Dogs

Most every has seen excessive aggression in dogs. It can frighten small children and adults alike. Some breeds are more prone to aggression than others but there are often underlying reasons for excessive aggression in dogs and your training efforts will be more efficient if you take these underlying reasons into consideration. A well-behaved dog that you can trust in most circumstances is something that most pet owners prefer.

Aggressive behavior can be caused because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a leader within the pack. Your dog may want to establish himself as the alpha dog. However, you need to be the alpha dog so let your dog know that you are the alpha dog of this pack. He may still act aggressively towards other animals or other dog’s because there is a hierarchy to the pack. This may be one reason why he acts aggressively.

Dogs can also act aggressively because they are protecting their territory. Your dog considers certain things to be “his” including you, your home and your family. While this can often be a good thing in certain situations it can cause problems with visitors or neighbors if it gets out of control. If you dog is excessively aggressive in protecting his territory his behavior may need to be curbed.

Often a dog will strike out from fear. Something scares your dog and rather than back off he strikes out and attacks. The dog will start growling, pull his ears back and tuck his tail between his legs. Many times this type of aggression is mistook for direct aggression. Fear aggression is mostly caused by a situation that has frightened the dog. He is striking out because he is frightened and does not know how to handle that fear.

Aggressive behavior can sometimes happen for no apparent reason. However this aggression is usually misdirected. Something happens that instigages anxiety within the dog but he is not able to react to the actual stimuli so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason for some unexplained dog fights between 2 or more animals. The dog is just not able to act on the real cause.

There can also be biological issues for aggression. Many times a female dog will be aggressive when they are nursing a new litter of pups. This type of aggression is understandable as she is protecting her litter from any perceived hazards. There is also always a cconsideration of a medical problem if your dog is overly aggressive so taking your dog to the vet for a thorough examination is always recommended.

Most all dogs will be calmer and have a better disposition if they are spayed or neutered. This will also make your training efforts easier and more efficient not to mention the fact that there are too many unwanted and unloved dogs out there. If you are not in the dog-breeding profession it is just the responsible thing to do to get your dog spayed or neutered.

If you take into consideration the reasons why your dog may be acting aggressively you can tailor your training efforts and curb the aggression. You can work with your dog’s own specific needs and be more successful.