We've all seen excessive aggression in dogs. It can strike fear into small children and even adults. Some breeds are more prone to aggression than others but there are usually underlying causes of excessive aggression in dogs and your training efforts will be more efficient if you take these underlying reasons into consideration. A well-behaved dog that you can trust in most situations is something that most pet owners prefer.
Aggressive reactions can be caused because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always an alpha dog within the pack. Your dog may want to be the alpha dog leader. However, you need to be the leader so let your dog know that you are the alpha dog of this pack. He may still act aggressively towards other animals or other dog's as there is a hierarchy to the pack. This may be one reason why your dog acts aggressively.
Territorial aggression is also a frequent form of aggressive behavior. Your dog will tirelessly protect the things he perceives to be "his" including you, your home and your family. This can be a good thing but it needs to be contained or it can cause problems with neighbors and visitors. A dog that is excessively aggressive because of territorial issues is difficult to own.
Often a dog will strike out from fear. Something frightens your dog and rather than retreat he strikes out and attacks. The dog will start growling, pull his ears back and tuck his tail between his legs. Many times this type of aggression is mistook for direct aggression. Fear aggression is mostly caused by a situation that has scared the dog. He is striking out because he is frightened and does not know how to handle that fright.
A dog's aggressive behavior can be misdirected. Something happens that causes the dog to feel anxious yet he is not able to take his aggression out on what really caused the aggression so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason why your dog may be fighting with other dogs for no obvious reason. He is releasing his anxiety and aggression that was caused by something else.
There can also be medical or biological reasons for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is protecting her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always wise to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.
Most dogs will be calmer and have a better disposition if they are spayed or neutered. This will also make your training efforts easier and more effective not to mention the fact that there are too many unwanted and unloved dogs out there. If you are not in the dog-breeding profession it is just the responsible thing to do to get your dog spayed or neutered.
Your training efforts to curb aggression will be more effective if you take into consideration the reasons why your dog is being aggressive. Understanding the reasons for your dog's aggressive tendencies can help you to tailor your training methods to his needs. - 31845
Aggressive reactions can be caused because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always an alpha dog within the pack. Your dog may want to be the alpha dog leader. However, you need to be the leader so let your dog know that you are the alpha dog of this pack. He may still act aggressively towards other animals or other dog's as there is a hierarchy to the pack. This may be one reason why your dog acts aggressively.
Territorial aggression is also a frequent form of aggressive behavior. Your dog will tirelessly protect the things he perceives to be "his" including you, your home and your family. This can be a good thing but it needs to be contained or it can cause problems with neighbors and visitors. A dog that is excessively aggressive because of territorial issues is difficult to own.
Often a dog will strike out from fear. Something frightens your dog and rather than retreat he strikes out and attacks. The dog will start growling, pull his ears back and tuck his tail between his legs. Many times this type of aggression is mistook for direct aggression. Fear aggression is mostly caused by a situation that has scared the dog. He is striking out because he is frightened and does not know how to handle that fright.
A dog's aggressive behavior can be misdirected. Something happens that causes the dog to feel anxious yet he is not able to take his aggression out on what really caused the aggression so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason why your dog may be fighting with other dogs for no obvious reason. He is releasing his anxiety and aggression that was caused by something else.
There can also be medical or biological reasons for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is protecting her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always wise to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.
Most dogs will be calmer and have a better disposition if they are spayed or neutered. This will also make your training efforts easier and more effective not to mention the fact that there are too many unwanted and unloved dogs out there. If you are not in the dog-breeding profession it is just the responsible thing to do to get your dog spayed or neutered.
Your training efforts to curb aggression will be more effective if you take into consideration the reasons why your dog is being aggressive. Understanding the reasons for your dog's aggressive tendencies can help you to tailor your training methods to his needs. - 31845
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