The Different Types of Aggression In Dogs

May 1st, 2009 by Kevin Lynch

by Kevin Lynch

Aggressive dogs can be an issue for everyone. They can be extremely frightening for small children and adults alike. Even though some breeds are more aggressive than other breeds there is usually an underlying reason that a dog is aggressive. If you figure out why your dog is acting out you can tailor your training efforts to curb his aggression. You will be a happier pet owner if you can trust your dog to be gentle in most situations.

Sometimes aggressive behavior is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a pecking order to the pack. The alpha dog is the leader and the other dogs follow. Proper training will establish you as the alpha dog or the leader. Never allow your dog to think of himself as the leader or you will constantlyhave difficulties. Even so your dog may still want to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the reason for his dominance aggression.

Another common form of aggression in dogs is territorial aggression. Your dog will fiercely protect everything that he considers to be "his" including yourself, your home and your family. While this can be a good thing if you are threatened at some point, it can cause many problems in regular circumstances. It is infrequently that a family is truly threatened and if your dog's territorial aggression is out of control it can cause problems with visitors and neighbors. Excessive territorial aggression is unacceptable behavior.

Sometimes a dog will be aggressive out of fear. Your dog lashes out because something has scared him and he does not know what else to do. Something triggers it and your dog starts growling, pulls his ears back and tucks his tail between his legs. This type of aggression is often misunderstood and considered to be direct aggression but the dog is just acting out of fear rather than meanness.

Sometimes the aggressive behavior is misdirected. Something happens that instigates an aggressive reaction, such as a dominance or territorial issue but the dog is not able to take out his aggression on the target. He therefore will act aggressively where he is. He may start taking out his aggression on another dog or pet for no apparent reason yet something instigated his behavior. He was just not able to act on the actual issue that triggered his aggression.

Sometimes aggression can be caused by a biological or medical reason. For example, we all understand that a mother dog may become aggressive in an attempt to protect her litter. Less understood though is that sometimes aggression can be caused by a medical reason. That is why it is crucial to take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination to rule out any medical problems.

Getting your female dog spayed and your male dog neutered can curb aggressive tendencies. This also contributes greatly to the good health of your dog. If you are not in the profession of breeding dogs it is just the responsible thing to do and it will make your aggression training easier.

If you know the causes of why your dog is acting aggressively you can fit your training efforts to fit your dog and you will find success comes easier. There is most often a reason for excessive aggression in dogs.

About the Author:

Kevin Lynch is a specialist in aggressive dog behavior. He lives with 3 dogs and 3 children in Phoenix, Az.

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