Dog behaviour advice

All breeds of dogs sometimes show an aggressiveness in their behavior at some point of time. This is noticed in almost all the breeds of dogs. Sometimes we see our dog companion growling, barking, snarling, snapping, showing teeth in anger or even biting other dogs or even humans. Sometimes the dog might use an aggressiveness in its behavior so as to terrorize/ harm others. But the problem arises when the dog exhibits a constant aggressiveness in its behavior at all times which pose as a problem for the owner. An aggressive dog's presence in the family can be quite a headache to its owner. This results in disrupting the bond that the owner shares with its companion dog. Prior to taming an aggressive dog, its necessary on the part of the owner understand how to tackle such a problem. In the following lines, we have tried to help you understand your dog better, by detailing the various types of aggressive dog behaviors and ways of controlling the same.


Types of Aggressive Dog Behavior :
Dominance Aggression :

The dog gets aggressive as because he demands obedience, it is dominance aggression. Here the dog enjoys being the undisputed king of the household and will often be deaf to your dog commands. Even if the dog is patted or groomed or maybe asked to do certain things, he will exhibit aggressive behavior.


Territorial (Overprotective) Aggression :


In this case the dog shows an aggressiveness in his behavior when he believes that someone is intruding or violating his personal space/ belongings. Sometimes, the dog gets aggressive without the presence of any actual threat. Here the dog is guided by a sense of excessive protection for his owner/ house from other people or animals.
Fear Aggression :

Sometimes a dog tries to be aggressive out of his own fear, nervousness and insecurities. Such kind of a dog reacts to anything and everything. He is alarted by any sort of disturbance in the surroundings and which makes him exhibit aggressive behavior. He might even try to bite when you try to pacify him.


Predatory Aggression :


This is quite a dangerous aggressive behavior in dogs. Anything that moves triggers an aggressive behavior in him which can be very dangerous. One can witness this behavior with street dogs that chase moving vehicles. Sometimes playing children, joggers or even normal pedestrians fall a prey to them.
Punishment Aggression :


Sometimes, the dog gets severe punishment from its owners which disturbs his emotional wellbeing and can turn out to be unhealthy and dangerous. The dog's confidence is shattered by this behavior which makes the dog see his master as a source of threat, and retaliate by displaying aggressive behavior sooner or later.


Pain Aggression:


Sometimes when a dog is touched in sensitive, infected or cramped areas it can turn aggressive. Various health problems like arthritis in dogs, ear problems in dogs and hip dysphasia in dogs also make his temperament foul and vivacious. Thus, such an aggressive behavior is the result of his painful condition.


Maternal Aggression :


This kind of aggression is seen in female dogs, when they rear and feed their new born pups. If any human or animal approaches the whelping area she might instinctively exhibit aggression. As her puppies grow, maternal aggression slowly disappears in the mother.
Dog Aggression :


This type of dog-to-dog aggression is seen in puppies while they play and learn in their early stages. This should be curbed at once. If such behavioral patterns are left unattended, its gives rise to adult dogs that can be highly dangerous. Dog-to-dog fights generally take place for various reasons like territory, food, dominance or fear.

Redirected Aggression :

A dog which is already aggressive might redirect his aggression to anyone. In such a case, the dog is already aroused/ agitated and tries to harm whoever tries to interfere with or put an end to his aggression. Thus, its always better to find out the primary precipitating factor of the dog's aggression and treat / prevent it.



Stopping Aggressive Dog Behavior :



Handle the puppy/dog with care and show him that you care for him and love him.
Let the dog know and understand his position in the family.
The right breed of dog needs to be selected that suits your lifestyle and habits.
Never make your dog a part of aggressive games and play.
Provide your dog with rewards for displaying good behavior.
Mild discipline should always be maintained.
Provide him enough mental and physical exercise.
Don't pat or praise him excessively, without any reason.
Don't be too harsh on your dog and mete out unwarranted punishment on your dog.
Don't leave the dog unsupervised with strangers and small children.
Consult your veterinarian and appoint a good trainer.

As we see that a dog might be aggressive because of various reasons, it is very important for us to see and understand the underlying cause and psychology behind the aggressiveness of the dog. Leashing an aggressive dog in a secluded corner or meting corporal punishment will not do any good.



Try the above suggestions and tricks and be the proud owner of a happy dog.