Dogs are instinctively aggressive animals. Having evolved from living as a pack animal and needing to survive in the wild through their hunting skills, dogs needed their aggressive natures in order to survive. In today's society, however, we must be sure to correct our pet's aggressive natures if they become a problem.To learn how to control your dog's aggression problem, it is a good idea first to understand the reasons behind dog aggression problems. Below is a list of the most common reasons for dog aggression problems.
Dominance Aggression: When dogs meet they need to establish who is the dominant dog, and conversely, who is the submissive dog. This is part of their natures that was developed through being pack animals, and is important for harmony in the pack that each dog understands its place in the pack's hierarchy. Usually the dogs agree on who is the boss dog, and go on with their business without any fighting problems. Dominance displays will normally only lead to a dog fight if one of the dogs refuses to become submissive to the other dog.
Fear Aggression: This type of aggression is very different than dominance aggression. In this case the dog is so overcome with anxiety that it actually lashes out at whatever is causing its fear. For instance, a dog that may have been abused by a former master, will likely show fear aggression if it is scared of a particular person-especially if that person is doing something to agitate the poor dog. This is easily recognizable-the dog will display a cringing, very disturbed body language that includes tucking the tail up between the legs, baring all its teeth while snarling, whining and moaning. It may also snap its teeth and lunge at anything nearby, so you want to avoid trying to comfort a dog in this state.
Territorial Aggression: Many dogs display this type of aggressive behavior. It too is quite natural and stems from the dog's instinct to protect his den and his pack-your house and your family, nowadays. If your dog is overly protective and too aggressive, he may even bite visitors (especially strangers) and attack other dogs or animals nearby. Once again, this is a problem you will have to control if you see signs of territorial aggression with your dog. He must learn to know to not escalate the barking into violence.
Redirected Aggression: You may have seen this type of aggression before, and confused it with another type of aggression. For example, if someone is walking down the alley on the other side of your fence, and is somehow agitating your dogs-as some people will-the dogs may become so over-excited that they turn on each other for a moment. Sort of like a shark frenzy. They aren't really enemies of each other, but just lost control of their aggression and took it out on whoever was nearest.
Predatory Aggression: Once again, this is a natural instinct that all dogs have to some degree-they are born with it. Many dogs do not display this aggression, but it is not uncommon to see on a daily basis. A dog will display this type of aggression by chasing a cat up a tree, or by chasing birds, dogs or other animals. Often they are only chasing for the thrill of the chase and not to fight. However sometimes they are serious, so this too is a problem that needs to be corrected.
Medical Reasons Causing Aggression: A very common example of this is when a female dog that is nursing or pregnant gets extra protective and bitchy. Other times your dog may be feeling bad from an injury or illness, and this could cause him to act aggressively. Some dogs are just not wired right, and have no one central reason for their aggression. It seems that just like some people, that's just the way they are.
Now that you understand how to recognize and diagnose the reasons for your dog's aggression problems, you can figure out the best methods for correcting his behavior problems, and making him a better behaved pet who is now unlikely to cause any problems through his aggression.
If you want to read some more helpful advice on solving dog aggression problems, and for dog obedience training tips, please check out the information at: BehaveDoggy.com
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