Aggressive Dog Behavior

The aggressive behavior observed in dogs could be the result of many different problems. It is commonly believed that dogs display aggression only to show dominance over others; dog barking is the act through which aggression gets displayed in most cases. However, contrary to this belief, anxiety and fear are the important causes behind aggression. The common signs of dog aggression are the tail becoming erect and ears pointing forward. Let us find more about this problem through information presented below.

Aggressive Dog Behavior Problems

The problems related to aggressive behavior of dogs are discussed by means of different types and the corrective steps/measures to be taken for solving them.

Types of Aggression
Here is a list of different types of aggressive behavior found in dogs. Descriptions of these conditions should help in getting to the root of the problem. It would also help in clearing off any kind of misconceptions pertaining to aggressive behavior of dogs.

Dominance Aggression: These dogs are bullies and tend to attack other dogs as well as family members of the owner; in short, these are the most aggressive dogs. In most of the cases, only a single person (owner) or few in the family are able to keep such dogs in control. These are most dangerous kind of dogs and one should take all the necessary precautions to keep them at bay in order to seek protection from dog bites and injuries resulting from their nails.

Possessive Aggression: Such a behavior is observed at times when people (or other dogs) get too close to objects that the dog considers his own. Such objects could be anything like toys, shoes, food, etc. This kind of behavior generally continues from puppy hood if not corrected on time.

Fear Aggression: It is the most common form of aggressive behavior observed in dogs. The dog feels nervous, frightened and always lives with some sort of insecurity. Disturbing things/events like other dogs making a loud noise, people approaching the dog, ringing of phones & doorbells, etc. can invoke fear-related aggression.

Correcting Aggressive Dog Behavior
The methods to stop aggressive behavior in dog are presented in the following paragraphs. Let us get into the details of this topic.

Dominance Aggression: To correct the aggressive dog behavior towards other dogs, it is necessary to let your pet to become accustomed to presence of other dogs. While the dog is in company of other canines, it is the owner's responsibility to maintain a safe distance between them. Continuing this practice for few days would solve this dominant dog behavior. The dominance-related aggression should therefore, subside in a matter of few days. Let us understand more about training aggressive dogs with fear-related problems in the following paragraph.

Fear-related Aggression: A deep-seated fear/anxiety in the dog's mind can affect its normal behavior to a great extent. To correct this dog behavior, the owner should allow it to overcome the fear instead of comforting it every now and then. Whenever the dog exhibits fear-related aggression, acts like that of cowering down should be ignored. As the fit or wave of fear subsides, the dog should be rewarded/praised. This form of training helps in orienting the dog to take a firm stand in overcoming fear. A recording of fearful noises (for example, of other dogs) can be played in low volume when the dog is around. As the dog becomes accustomed to these noises and loses fear, the volume should be increased. Eventually the feeling of fear is wiped off the dog's mind. The aggressive dog training tips presented above, should be of some help.

One should take the necessary steps in the process of aggressive dog training and allow the pet to lead a normal life.