Aggression In Dogs

 

“I am his Highness’ dog at KEW;

Pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you?

–On the collar of a dog of the Prince of Wales

 

GENERAL RULE:        Dogs have had tens of thousands of years to create very valid reasons for their expressions of aggression.  Learn before you act or react.

 

TYPES OF AGGRESSION:

 

There are seven (7) generalized types of aggressive behavior:

                       

                        1.     Dominance Aggression – Aggression is usually between males and is related to “pack dominance” on the dog social hierarchy.  The more social the dogs the more likely that ranking will work itself out.  If a dog perceives that it ranks higher than a human (usually the human’s fault), then professional training may become necessary to fix the problem.

 

                        2.     Defensive Aggression – Often occurs if the dog perceives it is in danger, either from another animal or a human.  Training and socialization can help tremendously, as can reducing threat sources.

 

                        3.     Territorial Aggression – “Mine!” is in the foremost of a dog’s mind.  It will readily defend what it sees as its property, even if it is not in the confines of your property line.  Sometimes, territorial issues triggers marking … bushes, fire hydrants, trees, tires, etc.

                       

                        4.     Redirected Aggression – If a dog is ill, depressed, or agitated at seeing a strange dog outside the window, it may take it out on the first animal or person that comes within nipping, barking or growling range.

 

        5.     Possessive Aggression – When a dog is defending his possessions and guards the chew toy or his bowl of food or his favorite pillow, he is exhibiting possessive aggression.  Dogs will guard almost anything they perceive as important.  Sometimes, you can trade them one thing for another …  sometimes.  By the way, at the park when you are playing “toss” or “keep away,” these are games.  The dog will let you know the difference between these and possession.

 

                        6.     Protective Aggression – This often is one of the reasons why dogs are made part of the family.  A loyal dog will try to protect its human family or its owner from harm even if it must lose its life in the process.

 

                        7.     Prey Aggression – This is a natural inbred reaction, but totally unnecessary if proper care and training of the dog is given.  If your dog wants to chase cats, squirrels and rabbits, you must

                                assume responsibility for their behavior.

 

                 RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

• Have your dog spay/neutered (“fixed”) just as soon as the vet says it can be done.  Dogs that undergo such surgery may have a reduced aggressive tendency.

 

• Socialize your dog from the earliest puppy days.  The more you take it out with you the better it will learn to accept and understand strangers and being petted and handled.

 

• If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, even over a short period of time, have the vet check for medical problems and then contact a behavior specialist.  (Often, vets can recommend good ones.)