Any aggressive behavior by a dog with the intent to harm a person or animal can be frightening. Growling, baring teeth, snapping, and biting are indicators of aggressive behavior. This type of behavior, although seen as instinctive for a dog, is unacceptable to humans.
There are many factors that come into play when a dog exhibits this behavior. These include how the dog was treated when he was a puppy: cruelty from both a human and a dog can cause the dog to become more aggressive when similar actions are shown to the dog. Health problems can also arise if a dog has a hormonal imbalance. This can also be an attribution factor.
Due to the way humans and dogs communicate, a dog’s behavior can be misconstrued as threatening, and as such, misunderstandings can occur.
Aggressive behavior displayed by a dog can have potential consequences if not cared for effectively. I recommend professional assistance if your dog’s aggressive behavior becomes uncontrollable.
Types of aggressive dog behavior:
There are many types of aggression, here I will cover the three most common:
* Dominance Aggression. If your dog’s social status is challenged or control over his social interaction is threatened, your dog will display dog-aggressive behavior. Dogs associate a family group as a social group, because dogs are social animals. If your dog thinks her social ranking is higher than his, he will feel threatened and display dog-aggressive behavior. When he is not challenged in this way, his behavior will be friendly.
* Fear Motivated Aggression. When your dog thinks he is being attacked or is in danger, he will show aggression. Behavior that may seem innocent to you, such as raising your arm to throw a ball, may be seen by your dog as a threat. Also, when approached by another dog, your dog may become defensive or fearful due to things that happened to him when he was a puppy.
* Protective and territorial aggression. When a dog believes his territory or property is threatened, he will become aggressive. Dogs will become protective by defending their food, toys, and property as well as valuable possessions.
What You Can Do to Control Aggressive Dog Behavior:
There are many reasons why your dog is behaving aggressively. Consult with your veterinary professional if you think your dog is displaying dangerous aggressive dog behavior.
* Go to a veterinarian and rule out medical reasons for this type of behavior.
* If things get too difficult, seek professional help. Don’t try to resist it.
Keep your aggressive dog in a safe place so no one else can get hurt. You are responsible for your dog’s behavior!
Avoid situations that may cause your dog excessive stress, such as situations that may scare him.
If your dog exhibits possessive behaviors towards a toy or food, keep him away from the objects and tease him with similar objects. Don’t let him have what he wants, when he wants. You are the dominant in the pack!
Never use aggression or violence towards your dog. This will only make the situation worse. Aside from stressing out in front of the dog, yours won’t help at all.
Do not encourage aggressive behavior. If you see your dog exhibiting this type of behavior, take steps (in a positive way) to stop it.
You can do a lot to resolve your dog’s aggressive behavior. Don’t give up, but keep looking for ways to resolve the behavior. Giving up only serves to send a message to the dog that he has become the dominant dog in the family, allowing him to bark, bite and nip when necessary. wants without any way to stop it.