Aggression in dogs is the most serious problem that any pet owner will ever have to deal with. Aggressive behavior is often seemingly unprovoked, unpredictable, and unexplainable. There are a number of reasons why dogs behave aggressively. Training techniques cannot solve every case of aggression. But good training techniques and counseling can diagnose and evaluate aggressive behavior and attempt to manage and control it.

It is extremely helpful to note the details of aggressive incidents. Having knowledge of the sequence of events, history and severity of the aggression will assist the professional to categorize the type of aggression. Knowing which form of aggression the dog is demonstrating will determine the course of action needed to bring the aggression under control.

Fear Aggression: One of the most common types of aggression is usually seen in situations of stress and noise, where the animal would escape (leave the area) if possible. This is one reason why early socialization of a Puppies is recommended. Another reason why some dogs become fear biters is due to a sense of “lack of leadership” from the owner.

Territorial Aggression: Another common form of aggression in which the dog protects the front yard, the back yard, the house or the car. Barking to alert you that you have a visitor is normal. Excessive growling, charging, chasing, nipping or biting is more serious and should be corrected.

Aggressive response to teasing: This is a situation in which a person taunts a dog until it retaliates. Unfortunately, this may be one of the most common reasons why so many children are bitten.

Pain Aggression: Anytime a dog is experiencing pain, from an accident resulting in an injury, or an illness (such as an ear infection) or hip dysplasia, the dog may associate the pain with the individual near him and strike out at that person.

Trained or learned aggression: A dog that is trained to attack or a dog that has been encouraged by its owner inadvertently. If a dog growls at another person and the owner tries to console the dog by telling the dog “that’s okay” and petting the dog to get him to settle down, then they are actually reinforcing the aggressive behavior.

Genetic Aggression: These are dogs that have what breeders refer to as “freak bloodlines” that produce dogs with a propensity for aggressive reactions. This is often times difficult to diagnose because genetic aggression can look very much like other forms of aggression.

There are a number of variations of these main categories of aggression. It is possible that a dog could be experiencing more than one type of aggression at the same time. If you are having a problem with an aggressive behavior, see a dog trainer as soon as possible. Preferably, see a trainer on a one-to-one basis, so the trainer can work individually with your dog. Do not attempt to “cure” aggressive behavior by enrolling in a group obedience class. Go to a trainer or a counselor who can evaluate your dog’s behavior individually. Get help as soon as possible. Don’t wait, thinking the behavior will go away or get better. It rarely does without training. The behavior usually gets worse if not addressed proactively.
 

Contact Information:

Tom Beitz is the owner of the Academy for Puppies and Dogs and is an authorized dealer for Pet STOP Hidden Dog Fences. Tom can be reached at (716) 628-0651 to answer your questions or he can be found on the web at www.smartdogtrainer.com . E-Mail: Tom@Smartdogtrainer.com

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