Aggressive Dog Behavior – Stop Your Dog Aggression Issues

September 9th, 2010 |

Aggressive behavior in dogs can be due to several reasons. Often, the trigger is something from the dog’s early years that was never extinguished. Other times the difficulty could be an issue of dominance between owner and dog. The thing about aggression in dogs is that it has to be addressed sooner rather than later. Dogs whose owners allow them to behave aggressively over a long period of time could possibly become unsafe.

Where the Tendency toward Aggression Comes From

Aggressive dog behavior can be observed as early as 6 weeks of age. Puppies of this age have come to a critical development phase, one which requires socialization and training to block inappropriate behaviors such as biting human beings. This training time needs to be maintained for a minimum of 8 weeks, but can continue on. The bottom line is that in order to prevent future aggressive behavior in your dog, make sure that your puppy is appropriately socialized with both other dogs and people at least by the time he is 14 weeks old.

Extrapolating this information, this indicates a number of things. One, a puppy should never be separated from its litter prior to 8 weeks of age. The second thing to keep in mind is that harsh discipline needs to be avoided during weeks 8 and 10 of life. This period ought to be marked by gentle treatment. When you strike, yell, or use other extreme consequences in puppies, you are encouraging and introducing aggressive behavior in your dog.

Aggressive behavior in dogs can be triggered by many different things. It’s clear that a dog’s genetics and heredity are important factors. We are aware that specific breeds tend to be more aggressive than other breeds. However, exceptions factor into to this as well. Aggressive behavior tends to occur alongside neutering and spaying.

Environment represents the single most critical factor causing aggressive behavior in dogs. Brutal masters, lack of socialization, as well as poor living conditions all contribute to aggression. If a dog suffers trauma at the hands of another dog, his risk for developing aggressive behavior rises substantially.

Frequently, aggression is a product of the group dynamics that exist inside a pack of dogs. Aggressive behaviors can be exercised to construct a pecking order. Posturing and also biting are common behaviors dogs utilize to establish dominance. If you need to rein in a dog’s behavior before it’s too late, then establish dominance early and be consistent.

Eliminating Aggressive Behavior After It Develops

After your dog is 14 months old, it has achieved sexual maturity. If after this time, your dog has aggressive behaviors, you will have to take matters into your hands as soon as you can. Two of the keys are avoiding rewards for aggressive behavior in your dog and being certain that you are seen as the pack leader by your dog.

Your dog should be taught to obey your commands. You also need to get a good handle on feeding and walking times. If you permit the dog to act as a leader in your home, then your dog will be more aggressive. Your dog cannot take on the role of pack leader.

Oftentimes, dogs exhibit aggression in order to defend themselves. Put another way, fear aggravates their aggression. Generally, this is a function of improper socialization. Small children are frequently perceived as threatening by dogs. Thus, keep to a minimum your canine’s exposure to young children. You can also get the aid of a trainer, behaviorist, or training sessions that can help shift your dog to social situations.

When your dog is aggressive, you have a big problem. You can be held liable for the harm your dog is responsible for. However, this behavior can be controlled and eradicated, even in dogs that are older. If your dog ever exhibits violent behaviors, then you need to get professional help without delay. If it attacks someone, your dog could be confronted with serious consequences.