Dog Aggression Behavior
Three common types of dog aggression behavior are fear aggression, status or dominance aggression, and territorial aggression.
In this article, we'll talk about a number of things that can cause dog aggression.
Since an aggressive dog can cause a serious - or even fatal - bite, you should exercise extreme care when aggression is apparent.
As well, a stray or unknown dog should be carefully watched particularly if it shows any of the following signs of aggression.
Signs of an aggressive dog include snapping, snarling, growling, showing its teeth, hackles standing up, raising its tail, tail between its legs in a crouched position, and lunging.
Causes of dog aggression
Dog aggression can be caused by many factors including abuse, allergic reaction, upbringing, genetics, illness, neglect, and poor nutrition.
Some dogs, like the German Shepherd and Rottweiler, have guarding instincts that can lead to misplaced aggression.
Here are a number of causes of dog aggression:
Competitive aggression - Dogs that live together in the same household may display aggressive behavior towards each other in an attempt to be the "pack leader."
Fear aggression - When a dog thinks its life is in danger it will growl, snap, or even attack.
Feeding aggression - Feeding time is an important event to a dog and interrupting its meal can provoke a dog into defending its food.
In food aggression, a dog - particularly the pack leader - will respond aggressively by either growling or biting if a human or another dog or pet goes near its food or interrupts its feeding time.
Food aggression can also be displayed when an owner is feeding their dog - the dog jumps up for its food as it is being prepared or will bite the owner's hand as the food is being placed on the floor.
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Frustration aggression - Dog aggression can also be a sign of a frustrated dog.
For example, a high energy dog that is cooped up in a small yard and not allowed to burn off its excess energy can show aggressive tendencies over time.
Exercise - including long power walks - can help high energy dogs release built up energy and return them to a calmer state.
Maternal aggression - This aggression is particularly evident after a female dog has given birth and protects her puppies or nest when nursing.
Medical aggression - Hormonal changes, drugs, or a medical condition such as cancer, a brain tumor, or thyroid malfunction can cause aggression in dogs.
Nervous aggression - A dog that lacks proper socialization with other dogs, people, and the world at large can find certain situations terrifying and become aggressive.
Owner protection - Owner protection aggression occurs when the dog's owner is attacked by a stranger or an intruder and the dog tries to help or rescue its owner.
Aggressive behavior can also be displayed when someone physically comes between the dog and its owner.
While owner protection aggression is desirable when an owner's safety is threatened, there are times when it can also be inappropriate behavior.
A dog that growls at a husband who leans towards his wife to kiss her, for example, is acting inappropriately in this instance.
Pain aggression - Aggressive behavior can result from a painful injury or ailment or where a dog is threatened with pain. Periodontal disease, for example, can lead to aggressiveness, so it's important to know how to brush your dog's teeth.
Playful aggression - Rough play that gets out of control can result in biting.
Possession aggression - This aggression is evident when a dog refuses to give up toys, beds, resting areas, or other objects.
It's a highly unpredictable and dangerous situation that is usually characterized by growling and sometimes biting if an attempt is made to retrieve the items in the dog's possession.
This aggression behavior may even apply when someone gets too close to another person who is near the dog.
Status aggression - This type of aggressive behavior is also known as dominance aggression. In status aggression, the dog considers itself to be the "pack leader" and may feel it's necessary to assert its dominant position - particularly if another dog is challenging its leadership.
Territorial aggression - Dogs can be territorial, particularly around the home, yard, kennel, in the car, or in the back of a truck.
In these situations, a dog can become aggressive and bite or nip even if it knows you and would not do so under other circumstances.
Seek Expert Advice To
Stop Your Dog's Aggression
As a dog owner, you should be on the lookout for any signs of aggression in your dog - as well as its causes - and take immediate corrective action, including dog behavior training, before it becomes a major - and dangerous - problem.
Click here to discover training methods on how to stop dog aggression.
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