Understanding Dog Aggressive Behavior

A dog owner’s worst fear is that his dog will bite someone and have to be euthanized. A dog’s aggressive behavior can be dangerous, and should be taken seriously. You should work to manage the problem immediately. Don’t lose hope, however. Aggressive behavior dog training can recondition most dogs into well behaved animals.

Why Do Dogs Behave Aggressively?

As descendents of wolves, aggressive behaviors in dogs are on some level, instinctive. In some breeds, such as Dobermans or Rottweilers, this instinct remains pretty close to the surface. For most dogs, aggressive behavior is a response to a threatening situation.

Many people don’t recognize that there are several different types of aggression. Dogs can snap or bite out of fear, as a display of dominance, or in protection of a certain territory. It is also common for dogs who have been abused, or who were trained with harsh methods, to have aggressive tendencies. These dogs have learned to fear humans or have been taught by example that aggressive behaviors are okay.

If your dog is normally sweet and even tempered, but suddenly begins snapping and growling, you should take him to the vet. He may have a physical condition you are unaware of. Painful injuries or illnesses can prompt a dog to behave aggressively.

If your dog starts showing signs of aggression the immediate first step is to reinforce his basic training. First, you may curb any further aggression by reasserting yourself as alpha and reminding your dog of his boundaries. Second, you need to  rely on basic commands such as “sit” or “leave it” to control your dog in an adverse situation. Of course, if your dog is not at a level of training where you are certain he will stop his unwanted behavior and obey your command, you need to make sure you always have physical control of him.

Dog Aggressive Behavior Toward Other Dogs

Some dogs behave perfectly well around people, but become aggressive when they meet another dog. And dogs who exhibit this tendency are likely to get into fights.

A common reason dogs behave aggressively toward each other is their desire for dominance. When a strange dog approaches in a dominant posture, it can provoke your dog to respond in the same way. Also very common, when families of two or more dogs who are not completely socialized meet a third dog they often exhibit a pack like dominance. If either your dog or another dog is showing signs of dominance (snarling, growling, hackles going up) take your dog away.

It is difficult to teach dogs not to be aggressive in such a situation. Your dog’s instinct is telling him he should be fighting if dominance is a question. However, a dog who knows his owner is a stable pack leader is less likely to try and assert dominance over another dog. In  managing this kind of situation you should keep a calm, authoritative attitude and move your dog away from the situation.

Again, you will need to be in control of your dog in situations where dominance aggression can be a problem. Be aware that this does not mean tightening his leash. A tighter leash can make a dog feel trapped and only increase the problem. If necessary, control the situation by avoiding it altogether. Walk your dog on the opposite side of the street, or simply ignore other dogs as you pass them. Don’t allow your dog to stop and say hi. Your dog is on a leash and has little choice but to follow your example if you keep walking.

Aggressive behavior to protect territory

Dogs may also behave aggressively if another dog has entered their territory. Keep in mind that a dog’s territory can involve his yard, house, fence line, toys, or people. If your dog is territorial, you will want to increase his tolerance of intruders.

You will have to gradually desensitize your dog. Ask a friend to bring his dog, which you trust, along to help. Let your dog into the yard and have your friend walk by with his dog at a distance. When your dog begins to react, tell him to sit. You may want to train him to “leave it.” The idea here is that he will return to you for a treat, rather than barking at the other dog. Treat him when he obeys. You may need to distract him with treats or toys to get his attention away from the intruding dog.

When your dog is calm and no longer cares about the dog on the other side of the street, have your friend walk his dog past the fence again, this time closer. Again, command your dog to sit or leave, and treat him for obeying. Repeat this over and over, with different dogs. Over time, your dog should begin to see the approach of another dog as a positive experience, rather than a threatening one.

Depending on the severity of your dog’s aggressive behavior, this might take some time, so be patient. But you can manage it. We discuss some additional techniques in part two of our aggressive behavior in dogs article. If you are looking for a product that covers every aspect of dog training including how to handle every type of aggressive behavior, you may want to check out this most highly recommended reference. 

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