Dogs Aggressive Behavior Explained

No matter how much we tend to "humanize" our pet dogs - they ARE NOT human. You cannot and should not humanize them in such a way as to endanger you and your family. While dogs can be extremely loyal and will sometimes protect their owner, there are many times where that same "protection" was unnecessary and, in fact, harmful to another family member or visitor to the home. Some dog owners have gone so far in humanizing their pets that even given undeniable proof of dangerous aggressive behavior - they have chosen to keep their pet in the same environment as helpless babies and children. This is irresponsible behavior on the part of the dog owners and in many states illegal. Child endangerment laws can be brought into play if a family dog attacks a child in such a home. In addition, some insurance companies will not pay for injuries due to aggressive dog behavior - because of these laws!

Please be responsible and watch your dog for aggressive behavior and take the necessary steps to either train your dog or take the appropriate steps to protect everyone in your home.

With that said here are the most common signs of a dogs aggressive behavior:

Growling
Snarling
Curling lips
Mounting people
Lunging
Snapping
Blocking your path
Barking aggressively
Biting (even if it does not break the skin
Tensed posture - looks ready to spring
Raised Hackles

First and foremost - if your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, you need to get him a complete physical checkup at the vet to insure that there isn't something painful going on that could cause the aggressive behavior in your dog. For example a sore tail could be the reason your dog snapped at a child that was pulling on it. (Although - who would like their tail pulled?)

Next you need to determine your dog's personality and any existing aggressive temperament.(Especially if your dog is one that you got from a shelter). There are several tests that you can perform on your dog to test his or her aggressive tendencies. Be aware that these tests can bring forth the very aggression that your testing for so be sure to have a partner and use extreme caution.

Note: Testing for puppies under six months is less dangerous, but their teeth are still sharp so be careful.

There are five tests you can perform for aggressive behavior in your dog.

The Dominant Stare Test
Food Test
Hand-Shy Test
Rollover Test
Physical Sensitivity Test

A complete list of instructions for these tests can be found at Uncle Matty's website.

There are many types of aggression in dogs.

Dominate aggression is mainly inherited, but it can be learned from other dogs or caused by a previous abusive environment. Under no circumstances do you want to get into a staring contest with a dog who is dominate aggressive. Break eye contact immediately if the dog doesn't, because this behavior signifies that an attack is unavoidable if the dog feels threatened.

Fear aggression is often misunderstood and elicits sympathy from the dog's owners. However, when cornered a dog with fear aggression, is very likely to bite. It is believed that fear aggression, like dominate aggression, is genetic in nature but there are several factors that can induce this temperament in dogs - one of which is isolation and being in a kennel for too long.

Many dog owners don't see this as a form of aggression, but rather as a form of "home guard dog" that they see as an asset rather than as a liability. This type pf behavior tends to get worse as the dog ages. He may not attack the children who live in the home as they are a part of his pack - however visiting children are at a great risk of being bitten.

Possessive aggression is most commonly seen with regards to food, however a favorite toy, the dogs bed - YOUR bed, your children's toys - all can also elicit this type of aggression. If your puppy growls when someone interrupts his feeding, he is exhibiting possessive aggression and this behavior needs to be modified immediately.

Punishment aggression is, most obviously, a symptom of a dog who has been physically punished or loudly yelled at for whatever reason. Many dog owners, in an attempt to establish domination over their dog make this mistake when trying to train their dog. Especially when the abuse has been physical, a dog with punishment aggression will not know the difference between a loving hand attempting to comfort and a hitting hand.These dogs will require a lot of patience, love and understanding to eliminate this type of aggression.

Pain aggression is simply a low tolerance threshhold for pain. Your dog may exhibit aggressive behavior because you're petting an area that is sensitive and painful for them. Children are especially in danger from this type of aggression. The child doesn't know that your dog has an ear infection and pulling on his ears may result in a nasty bite. This is why it is so important to have your dog visit the vet to diagnose any problems. Pain aggression is also an inherited trait so it's extremely to test a puppy for this problem before purchase.

Predatory aggression is caused by motion. It's an instinctual form of aggression from the hunting instinct. The dog will run after almost anything that is moving. Training your dog properly can stop this dangerous behavior. (for people AND you dog if he has taken to chasing cars.

Maternal aggression is that which is exhibited by new mothers in protective mode for her puppies. Respect your mother dog and her puppies by avoiding unnecessary interruption of her mothering. It's vitally important to keep young children away from a female dog and her puppies. This type of aggressive behavior usually subsides as the puppies grow older.

Dog aggression usually occurs over territory and possession rights between two strange dogs. It's a case of dominance. Two dominate dogs in their respective homes may fight for dominance on the dog playground. To avoid this type of behavior in your dog, start social training at a young age - get your dog used to being around other dogs.

Redirected aggression is when the aggression is initially targeted towards another dog or person and your interference causes you dog to turn that aggression towards you. You dog is so intent and focused on dealing with the perceived threat that he doesn't even realize that you're trying to stop a fight. He only knows that his efforts are being thwarted and you're "in the way". This is another issue that can be minimized by early social training.

As you can see, in almost all cases of aggression, proper training from puppy through adult dog can eliminate the fear of aggressive behavior in almost any dog.

To reiterate:

Test any new puppy for signs of aggression before purchase.
Visit the vet for a complete evaluation of pain or sensitive areas on your puppy.
Start training your puppy early to avoid future aggressive behaviors.
Research the proper training techniques so that you can avoid implementing techniques that will actually be the cause of aggressive behavior.

The United Kingdom of Pets has a complete dog training guide that has helped thousands of dog owners safely and effectively train their dogs.

At Doctor Do Little.com you will find may useful resources, including a free 6-Day training course for your dog.

Read all about POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING to prepare for teaching your dog to be happy, and obedient in all situations.