Types Of Dog Aggression

Understanding dog aggression will help you solve the behavior

If you’re like the majority of dog owners, you have seen the seen the signs of an aggressive dog, most commonly it presents itself in the form of showing teeth, growling, snapping and biting.

These issues can be a little scary but rest assured after you understand why your beloved pet is acting this way you will be better equipped to resolve the behavior.

A well behaved dog is a happier dog, I’m positive your dog would agree, so understanding the underlying problem and or problems is important.

Dominant Dog aggression

Dominant Dog Aggression One possible reason your dog is displaying aggressive behavior is that they possess a dominant nature and want to lead the “Pack” also in some cases the leadership presently in place is not correctly established so often they feel the need to move up to “leader” position. This behavior can be shown toward humans, but is also pointed in the direction other dogs or animals.

Canines are pack animals, and there is a built in hierarchy within the packs. Dogs relate to the people in their family as their pack, and they will often try to establish themselves as alpha dog if you are not consistent.

Territorial Dog aggression

Territorial Dog Aggression In addition to dominance, territorial aggression is also common. Territorial aggression will be seen when a dog begins claiming their home, family and its possession as it own, and they will often protect them at all cost. This aggressive behavior may occur when a dog feels that someone or something has entered its space or something the dog has claimed as its own may be in danger.

On occasion this behavior can be an advantage toward the protection of family but on the other hand can become an issue when the aggression is projected toward family or friends. This will need to be addressed if you want to be able to sit on the couch or take your items back after the dog decides it’s his, often leading to a fight which can be dangerous

Fearful Dog aggression

Fearful Dog Aggression Fear can be another reason for aggressive behavior in dogs. There are some specific signals that a dog is fearful, these signs need to be taken seriously; fear is often the most misunderstood reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. A dog in a state of fear will generally act out because it feels threatened, in some cases rightly but often unjustified based on the moment.

Don´t misunderstand, there is a reason, you will need to identify it before the aggression can be addressed and changed. The dog will usually show signs like growling, ears pulled back, and the tail drops below the midline and between the legs. When a dog lashes out because it is afraid, the behavior is often mistaken for direct aggression, when in fact it may be a reaction to external stimulus.

Predatory or Herding Dog aggression

Predatory Dog Aggression We have discussed other reasons for dog aggression, sometimes dogs possess a strong instinct to “herd” or “round up” anything that moves quickly or suddenly such as small animals, cat, smaller dogs and even children.

In addition predatory behavior is another reason for aggressive behavior. Certain dog breed enjoy the hunt, and the chase of their food, this is a built in behavior but clearly in the world we have invited them into it is unwanted and potentially dangerous, so must be dealt with properly to ensure safety for the pet and the family members alike.

Redirected or Displaced Dog Aggression

Displased Dog Aggression Another reason for aggressive behavior in dogs is redirected or displaced aggression; this is also a very misjudged or misunderstood aggression. This behavior occurs when a dog cannot relieve its aggression on the actual object causing the fear, anger, or territorial feelings.

For instance, if your dogs are in the backyard and a person they perceive as an intruder, even if they are just passing by, the dogs may turn on one another or if solo take out its frustration by way of constant barking, jumping or pacing.

Medical Reasons for Dog aggression

Injured Dog Aggression Lastly, sometimes there are medical reasons for dog aggression; these conditions often go undiagnosed causing anxiety in your pet. Proper training can correct most dog aggression, medical conditions on the other must be corrected before you and your dog will get relief from this issue.

Also, do not be surprised if you have a pregnant or nursing female showing several of these aggressions combined, maternal instincts are strong and very normal but with proper training even these behaviors can be minimized in adults, the key to success is early training and proper relationship building from the puppy stages.

Understanding the underlying reasons for a particular dog aggression, as well as proper training methods, these are the keys to clearing it quickly. This will allow you the relationship you have always wanted to enjoy with your dog.