About Forms of Dog Aggression
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Dogs have a limited repertoire of ways to communicate with people and other animals. This is one reason why people get so confused when a canine acts aggressively. They don’t understand what is going through his head or what is motivating his behavior. As a result, an aggressive mutt is often labeled unfriendly, ill-mannered, or worse, a danger to others.
You must understand the dog's point of view. From his point of view, there may be many reasons to respond to others aggressively. Other people or pets may be encroaching upon his territory or challenging his authority. In some cases, he may simply be reacting out of fear. In this article, we’ll explore each of these forms of aggression in more detail.
Protecting His Territory
Your pooch is a pack animal. He is genetically programmed to protect anything he considers to be a resource. That might include his food, water, and yard. It can include his toys. If he urinates on trees and bushes while you take him for walks, he’ll likely grow to perceive them as “his” property. If other animals get too close, chances are he will react aggressively. This type of behavior may manifest if he suspects other people or animals are threatening you.
Showing His Dominance
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Few canines are satisfied with being the low man on the totem pole within their pack. If a challenge to a higher-ranking dog is issued an aggresive response will likely ensue. From your dog’s perspective, he is part of a pack within your home. You and your family are also part of that pack. This is the reason some canines react aggressively to their owners; they are challenging their authority (they are not being schizophrenic as some people believe).
Reacting To Fear
Fear plays an important role in a canine’s life. As a pack animal, it is one of the most reliable ways for him to stay alive. A dog who fears being harmed will decide within a split second whether or not he will flee or respond aggressively. This can manifest when he is around larger animals.
He might also react with aggression if he misinterprets a message. If a young child approaches your dog quickly, the dog might think that he's being attacked.
Get Professional Help
Dog owners routinely misunderstand why their canines act with aggression toward other pets, people, and even toward them. Depending upon the circumstances, one of several catalysts can trigger the behavior. So, these issues with territorial protection, pack-related dominance, and fear can cause your dog to react aggressively. If you notice this type of behavior recurring, consider seeking the help of an animal behavioral expert. Using positive reinforcement methods, he or she can help diffuse the behavior before you, your family, or others are injured.
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