subject: Aggressive Dog Behavior - How to Stop Your Dog Aggression Issues [print this page] Aggressive behavior in dogs can be due to several factors. Often, the trigger is something from the dog's past that was never addressed. Other times the difficulty might be an issue of dominance between owner and dog. The thing about aggressiveness in dogs is that it needs to be addressed immediately. Dogs who are allowed to behave aggressively over a long period of time might very well become unsafe.Where the Tendency toward Aggression Comes FromAggressive behavioral tendencies can be seen when the dog is only 6 weeks of age. Puppies of this age have reached a critical development phase, one which requires socialization and training to stave off inappropriate behaviors such as biting human beings. This training stage needs to go on a minimum of 8 weeks, but can continue on. The bottom line is that in order to avoid future aggressive behavior in your dog, be certain that your puppy is correctly socialized with both other dogs and people at least by the time he is 14 weeks old.Extrapolating this information, this points to a number of things. One, a puppy should never be exited from its litter prior to the age of 8 weeks. The second thing to keep in mind is that rough discipline ought to be eschewed during weeks 8 and 10 of life. This period should be marked by gentle treatment. When you strike, yell, or use other extreme consequences in puppies, you are encouraging and creating aggressive behavior in your dog.Dog behavior that is aggressive can caused by several different things. Of course your dog's genetics as well as its heredity play a role. We know that certain breeds are likely to be more aggressive than other breeds. However, exceptions exist to this as well. Aggressive behavior is likely to occur along with 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 committed to create a pecking order. Posturing as well as biting are often behaviors dogs utilize to establish dominance. If you want to get the upper hand on a dog's behavior before it's too late, then establish dominance early and be consistent.Halting Aggressive Behavior After It BeginsWhen your dog has grown to 14 months old, it has gained sexual maturity. If after this time, your dog is showing aggressive behaviors, you will have to take matters into your hands quickly. Two essential factors are not rewarding 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.Sometimes dogs act aggressively as a way of defending themselves. Put another way, fear provokes their aggressive behavior. Generally, this is due to faulty socialization. Small children are often perceived as intimidating by dogs. Thus, limit your pet's exposure to young children. Another thing you can do is get the help 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.
Aggressive Dog Behavior - How to Stop Your Dog Aggression Issues
