Aggressive Dog Behavior

Aggressive dog behavior is not alpha dog behavior or dominance behavior.

Aggression is probably one of the most confusing behaviors people experience with dogs. When we hear a growl or the flash of teeth we call it aggression, dominance, or an alpha dog issue. It can be very confusing. It is important to know that dogs have been domesticated for tens of thousands of years. The historical relationship between domestic dogs and wolves is long gone. Read Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution for a better understanding of the history of domestic dogs and why they might not be as closely related to wolves as we think.

Here are some distinctions about aggressive dog behavior, dominance and the alpha dog:

1. Aggression is deliberate unfriendly behavior, but it is also a release of energy. The energy released may or may not be directly related to the immediate situation.

2. Defense means protection from harm. Humans and dogs defend themselves in a variety of ways. When pushed emotionally or physically any dog may defend himself with his mouth. When you are defensive you are deflecting. Humans and dogs can be defensive without inflicting any injury. It is important to read the signs of defense before they reach harmful levels.

3. Alpha dog is the description of a position in a wolf pack and has nothing to do with dog training or behavior. When the alpha dog concept is applied to domestic dogs the translation is the human bullying the dog. Bullying can make a dog defensive.

4. Dominance means status. Status means advantaged. Advantaged humans have a better chance at becomming successful should they utilize their opportunity. Dominant dogs are more successful in attaining a goal like stealing food, getting attention, or ruling the dog conversation. Dogs do what works and if the method they try is successful they will try it again.

Aggressive dog behavior and food...If your dog is aggressive with food, eliminate the problem by feeding them in a crate (and lock the crate while they are eating). Give them a fair and safe place to eat (without taking the food away). When your dog has finished eating, open the crate, let your dog out, and put the bowl away. Don't leave food bowls out under any circumstances. Find other ways to motivate your dog (toys, exercise, massage) when asking him to do tasks like sitting or being called to come.

Aggressive dog behavior towards other dogs is a kill or be killed mentality. It can be fear based, frustration based, learned behavior, or genetic. This behavior between dogs is heartbreaking and stressful for owners.

I highly recommend Calming Signals

for dog on dog conflicts. Turid's book is smart, to the point, and gives everyone who reads it the gift of being a dog whisperer.

There isn't one right solution for aggressive dog behavior. Initially, keep fighting dogs completely separated. This will help eliminate some of the immediate family (and dog) stress. If you ask them to be in the same room and try to get along expect more fights.

This book offers a very effective and peaceful method for working with aggressive and reactive dogs.

Stressed dogs do not need to be bite to have an impact on each other. Think of it this way, when you are at work there is probably one person that really gets under your skin. Under most circumstances you can tolerate this person. But if your boss dumps a huge project on you the situation might change because you have added stress to your workload.

A shy dog that is constantly petted and coaxed, is being put in a stressful position for their personality. Give a shy dog some breathing room and they can accomplish great things. A timid dog can be a good (even great) lead mushing dog so shyness does not equate a lack of talent!

In house dogs, stress is not about getting enough food or love. Stress is about pent up energy, competition, and humans that forget to speak the language of dog.

Aggression and children... Children should never be responsible for dogs...ever. They have a tough enough time just figuring out life for themselves let alone be responsible for the dog. Never leave a child and dog together, unattended. You will avoid heaps of trouble living with this philosophy.

Children can be as unpredictable as dogs, and problems can arise in a split second. A dog is an adult responsibility. Children, even mature children, should not have to shoulder the responsibility of a dog.

Don't try to change how your dog feels about children by forcing your dog to be around them.If your dog is growly toward children, make your dog (and children) feel secure by giving your dog a place to feel safe away from children. A dog crate works best for this. Do not let children go near the dog in the crate because your dog will feel threatened making the situation worse.

Handling Dominant Dogs

Dominance, according to biology, means if something is dominant it has a better chance. That's all, just a better chance. Like playing the lottery gives your a better chance at winning than not playing. BUT, if you don't play the lottery you could still end up rich.

Dominant dogs, in terms of dog behavior and training, are very quick to utilize their advantage. They need less competition and more guidance when training. They are often very smart and willing to take risks to get what they need. The more successful their risks the more advantages they will try.

These dogs need direction for their energy. They need to feel that they will get what they need in life without force. If you act like a bully to this type of dog you will add to the competition and you create aggressive dog behavior as your response.

Forceful behavior (chokechains, shoving around, rigid body language) teaches your dog force is okay. We influence our dogs actions through our own actions.

Dogs whose subtle body language has been ignored up the ante. They start barking, growling, or snapping. When a dog finally manages to get our attention (possibly they have now bitten) their behavior has escalated to a dangerous level.

It is at this level we finally pay attention, but then we label them with aggressive dog behavior. This is where a dog has learned yelling is the only way to be heard.

Bottom Line

Dogs are subtle beings and it is stressful for them to have to operate at a loud level all the time.

If your dog has to resort to aggressive dog behavior to get attention, they are telling you that you need to find an outlet for their stress. Click here for more behavior articles.

If you feel your dog has aggression issues I suggest finding a positive reinforcement trainer in your area to help you. There is no shame in asking for help. We go to the doctor when we need help with our bodies we go to a dog trainer when we need help with our dog. I also suggest reading. Dogs are complex social beings and behavior is not cut and dry. Books can help you grasp the vastness of our dogs language making you a better dog whisperer. Finally, no behavior problem is solved overnight. This is a great sales pitch, but no more realistic than thinking you could lose 10 pounds in a week without changing anything your eating habits.

Books on Aggression and Behavior