Aggressive Behavior in Dogs - How to Understand It, Stop It and Control It!

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Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

No matter whether you're a new dog owner or you've owned dogs for years, odds are you've run into some pretty menacing dogs!

There are various reasons for dog aggression. It might be due to a dominance related issue between you and your dog, or it might be a trigger that was never correctly dealt with from puppyhood - for example, an attack by a different dog. Whatever is causing your dog's aggression, you need to deal with it as soon as possible. The results of prolonged dog aggression can be not just frightening, but dangerous if not promptly taken to task.

The Source of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

Dog aggression can begin from the age of 6 weeks of age, a crucial age when a puppy needs to be socialized with other dogs and given the necessary training that keeps them from biting others. This period of socialization lasts until your dog turns 14 weeks old and can extend even further beyond that.

This means several things. To start with, never take a puppy away from its litter earlier than 8 weeks of age. Never use harsh discipline with the puppy between 8 and 10 weeks and make sure the dog is very gently dealt with in that time. Striking, yelling or other harsh punishments from a young age can breed aggressive behavior in dogs over time.

A dog needs to have been well socialized with people and other dogs by the time it reachs 14 weeks to avoid any possible dog aggression problems.

Actual dog aggression can be triggered by any number of things. Heredity and genetics are certainly factors - some breeds are generally more aggressive than others - however it is certainly not a hard fast rule. Additionally, dogs that have not been de-sexed or spayed are more prone to aggressive tendencies.

By far, however, the most crucial factor in establishing aggressive behavior in dogs is their environment. A dog that has poor living conditions, harsh masters, no socialization, or that has been frightened or attacked by another dog is much more prone to be aggressive as it ages.

Dog aggression can develop from the need to establish a pack pecking order. Biting, posturing, and other aggressive tendencies tend to be the result of a dog testing for dominance. You will need to establish dominance from a young age and maintain that position throughout the dog's adolescence to make sure it does not get a chance to take control of the household.

Stopping and Controlling Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior after 14 months old, when it has reached sexual maturity, particularly after it has been altered, it is advisable to attend to the problem straight away. First, be sure you have established yourself as the pack leader or Alpha Dog. Don't reward dog aggression, even if your dog is scared (especially in this case).

Teach your dog to respond to your commands, control feeding and walking times, and ensure your dog has a strong leader in the house. When you defer to the dog or allow it to take liberties in your house, it will exhibit stronger aggression toward others.

If your dog is defensive-aggressive, they could strike out at someone in fear. These dogs may well not have been suitably socialized. Keep them away from young children (which they could see as direct threats) and go to a training session or behaviorist who can slowly acclimate your dog to a social atmosphere.

Aggressive behavior in dogs is a big problem that many owners experience, but it can be controlled, even as your dog gets older. In case your dog aggression ever advances to violence, consider hiring an expert to intervene before someone gets hurt and your dog is held responsible.

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