Aggressive Behavior In Dogs - How To Understand It, Stop It And Control It!

Whether you're a new dog owner or you've owned dogs for years

, chances are you've run into some pretty frightening hounds!

There's a lot of reasons for dog aggression. It may be due to a dominance related issue between you and your dog, or it could 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 have to tackle it as soon as possible. The results of prolonged dog aggression can be not only scary, but dangerous if not immediately taken to task.

The Source of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

Dog aggression can start from the age of 6 weeks old, a crucial age when a puppy should 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 of age and can continue even further beyond that.

This can mean several things. To begin with, on no account take a puppy away from its litter before 8 weeks of age. Never use harsh discipline with the puppy between 8 and 10 weeks and ensure your 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 correctly socialized with people and other dogs by the time it reachs 14 weeks to avoid any possible dog aggression issues.

Actual dog aggression can be triggered by any number of things. Heredity and genetics are without a doubt factors - certain breeds are often more aggressive than others - but it is certainly not a hard fast rule. Furthermore, dogs that have not been neutered or spayed tend to be more prone to aggressive tendencies.

By far, however, the most important factor in producing aggressive behavior in dogs is their environment. A dog that has inadequate 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 grow from the need to establish a pack pecking order. Biting, posturing, and other aggressive tendencies are sometimes the result of a dog testing for dominance. You'll need to establish dominance from a young age and maintain that position throughout the dog's youth to ensure it does not have a chance to take control of the household.

Stopping and Controlling Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

If your dog displays aggressive behavior after 14 months of age, when it has reached sexual maturity, especially when it has been altered, you should deal with the problem right away. Firstly, be sure you have established yourself as the pack leader or Alpha Dog. Don't reward dog aggression, even if your dog is scared (particularly in this case).

Teach your dog to respond to your commands, control feeding and walking times, and make sure your dog has a strong leader in the home. If you defer to your dog or permit it to take liberties in your house, it will eventually exhibit stronger aggression toward others.

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

Aggressive behavior in dogs is a serious problem that many owners experience, but it can be controlled, even as your dog gets older. In case your dog aggression ever progresses into violence, think about employing an expert to intervene before someone gets hurt and your dog is held accountable.

by: Lena Carlson

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