Causes of Aggression in Dogs

Defining a dog as aggressive is pretty generic because dogs may be affected by different types of aggression. In order to properly assess aggression in dogs it is fundamental therefore to resort to an experienced dog behaviorists. The reason behind this is the fact that each type of aggression may require a specific course of action in order to help the dog in the rehabilitation process. An owner attempting to deal with an aggressive dog may be deleterious and downright dangerous because with the wrong approach the dog may become more and more aggressive.

Causes of Dog Aggression

Dogs in nature do not tend to be aggressive. In the dog pack, they have a leader to which they submit. Among each other, the middle rank members may fight at times but this is mostly a manifestation of body postures and growls. Serious aggression usually is triggered by food, mating and taking over a leader that is no longer able to fulfill its position.

In a domestic setting, dogs may resort to aggression for various reasons. The different environment and different dynamics derived from living with humans may trigger aggressive traits that must be taken care of in order to prevent the aggression from escalating. Following are some of the most common causes of aggression in dogs

-Fear

 One of the most common causes of aggression in dogs is fear. These dogs are really in a flight mode, meaning they would like to escape from a situation rather than fight, however, when cornered they may resort to aggression in order to protect themselves. The body language of a dog  in a flight mode is much more different from the body language of a dog in a fight mode. For instance,  a fearful dog will often have its ears flattened back,  its hackles up from the shoulder area to the tail, head lowered and the tail tucked behind the legs,  an avoidance of  direct eye contact and even submissive urination. They may be growling and the growling intensifies as the person gets closer with teeth baring and signs suggesting an impending bite. 

Fearful aggressive dogs should never be punished, nor should they be rewarded or soothed by cuddling. They rather require firm, but fair leadership and help in building back their trust and confidence.

-Dominance

These are the dogs that have reached alpha status in the family and that may feel the need to correct family members with aggression when needed. These  over confident dogs may appear as perfect pets until they find a reason to resort to aggression. Often these dogs are over protective of toys, food and bones or they may be reluctant to get off beds or do not want to be bothered when they are sleeping or are not in the mood for cuddles.

Dealing with a dominant dog may be difficult and may require a lot of effort to rehabilitate. These dogs often have lacked rules and discipline for most of their lives so teaching their owners new methods may appear revolutionising. Yet, this is often what the dog needs.  A dominant dog will exhibit the following body language: direct eye contact, ears are up, the hackles in the shoulder area are lifted, the dog may growl in low tone, bare teeth and bite. Such dogs should never be looked directly in the eyes and slow movements are necessary to withdraw from the situation. Behaviorist will provide advice and techniques on how to assume the leadership role.

-Possessiveness

Some dogs feel the need to be possessive over objects, food and even people. Some dogs will attack anybody that will get too close to their owners. Some will be possessive of their food bowl and not allow anybody near them. Many times these dogs simply lack trust. Therefore dogs that are food aggressive often benefit from having the owners hand feed the dog or provide treats as they near the dog and the dog does not growl. This should be done gradually until the dogs understands that good things happen by association when  people are close by.

-Pain

A dog that has been known to be friendly and that lashes out upon being pet may have pain. Often dogs with ear problems may react this way. Veterinarians are quite used to pets resorting to aggressive behaviors when they are in pain. Some medical conditions such as low thyroid levels may create a predisposition in aggressive behaviors as well.

-Territory

Guard dogs are very territorial dogs that will defend their territory with claws and teeth if given the opportunity. This is why postal workers are often covered by good insurances that protects them from dog bites. Often, the problem is that gos do not really know where their territory end, therefore, should they make it out of the property they may feel motivated to to attack a child getting off a school bus on a nearby road. 

-Prey Aggression

Dogs with high prey drive are often dogs that have an inherited tendency to chase. This can be often attributed to the breed of the dog. These dogs have been bred through the years to exhibit more an more prey drive so to make them better hunters. However, nowadays these traits are often no longer wanted. These are the dogs that will chase squirrels, kill cats, small rodents and even chase small children and exhibit aggression. 

It should always be remembered that aggressive dogs are ultimately very dangerous dogs. They should be kept away from children and the public until a dog behaviorist is allowed to intervene and assess the best course of action. While many dogs can be rehabilitated in some cases, dogs affected by serious aggression may need to be put down.