Aggression In Dogs

Aggression and Attacking

Just about all dogs display some form of aggression at one stage and all have the capacity to bite.  Aggression can be displayed for all types of reasons.  In the wild, the wolf pack has an alpha pack leader and the rest of the pack sort out the rest of the pecking order.  Sometimes, acts of aggression will be displayed by each of the members of the pack to assert their position in the pack by growing, showing their teeth, raising their hackles, all can be interpreted as displays of dominance.

Very rarely does a full on brawl ensue.  Once the pecking order is established, there is harmonic bliss.  Also, if the territory of a pack is invaded, or if the pack feels threatened, they will display aggression or attack to protect their pack.  This behaviour is a major concern with the domestic dog however. The family dog’s aggression can often be misinterpreted as dogs can display Fear and Dominance aggression.

Fear Aggression

The dog displaying fear or the fear biter will become aggressive if it feels threatened.  The dog may display some body language to confirm its state of mind.  The dog’s tail is usually between its legs, ears back on its head, bearing it’s teath and backing away.  It usually will not bite unless it is cornered.

This display is a clear lack of confidence as a result of an unpleasant experience or poor socialization.  The dog must be desensitized or given confidence so it learns not to fear a certain situation.  The main problem in the domestic situation is aggression towards visitors or children.

Most people try to relax the dog by reassuring it in a soft tone.  The dog interprets its aloofness or aggression as desirable and this only reinforces the behaviour.  Usually ignoring this behaviour will benefit all concerned.  By the onset of visitors or children being a prelude to a happy experience, the dog will soon learn to realize not to fear the arrival or presence of these situations.

After the visitors arrive, give the visitors or children tasty titbits or withhold a portion of the daily ration so visitors or children can give it to the dog.  Take the dog for a walk with the visitors.  Allow the visitors to give the dog its favourite toy.  Make all these experiences as pleasurable as possible until such time as the visitors/children can approach or pat the dog without any displays of aggression or fear.

The dog will soon learn that the arrival or presence of these situations will bring a pleasurable experience and will display excitement at the arrival of them.

Dominance aggression

The dominant aggressor usually has its tail held high, ears pointed, hackles raised and stands its ground or advances towards the intruder.  The dog that does not growl is a dog to watch out for.

These dogs may have a problem in that they see their role in the human canine pack as the alpha or higher leader in the pack and is one of that to defend the pack or its territory.  It is usually the role of the alpha pack leader to decide whether physical aggression is needed.

The other pack member’s role is to sound off or alert everyone else of possible danger.  By reversing the roles or the owners establishing themselves as the pack leaders and using aversion techniques, the dog will learn that this behaviour is undesirable and can be much easier to control.

No related posts.