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Although we have already seen the symptoms of dog aggression such as bared teeth, growling and biting, we still do not understand the reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. The first step in understanding is also knowing the primary reasons for this behavior. A cheerful dog means it is well-bred, and so we have to understand the nature and reason of this violent behavior for your dog’s welfare.

Dominance Aggression

Dominant-aggressive dogs are those who want to establish supremacy and demand attention. This behavior is also evident in humans. Since dogs are pack animals with a strict social hierarchy, they express it differently. More often than not, dogs think that people belong to their pack, and they will try to assume the alpha dog position, hence the aggression.

Territorial Aggression

A dog’s territorial nature is also to be blamed for its aggression aside from dominance. Dogs are territorial so anything that they feel they own, they will protect. When dogs feel that someone is claiming anything that they own, or threatening any of their property or family, they will exhibit violent behavior. This kind of behavior although typical of dogs is still not acceptable to and compatible with human lifestyle.

Fright Aggression

Aggression due to fear is another defensive reaction from dogs who feel that they are in danger of being harmed. A frightened dog will fight and strike back because he wants to protect himself from the incoming threat or danger. Fear should not be neglected as this may be one of the probable causes of dog aggression that is usually mistaken for direct aggressiveness. It is usually characterized by growling, with the dog’s ears pulled back and its tail between its legs.

Predatory Nature

While some dogs may be afraid, other dogs are predatory. They enjoy hunting and chasing their victim. This instinct can be directed toward anything that the dog considers as prey such as other animals and even kids.

Redirected Aggression

A behavior that most of us may not always understand is redirected aggression. This happens when a dog lashes out on other dogs or its owner instead of lashing out on the trespasser or attacker. A dog may redirect his aggression onto someone else because he is prevented from attacking the actual object or the cause of fear.

Medical Reasons for Aggression

Although aggressiveness is normal for dogs, there might be medical reasons responsible for such. Apart from the reasons given, there might be a medical cause or condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated properly.

Remembering the reasons for aggression in dogs and observing where your dogs fits can be the initial step in curbing the behavior. There are few varying training methods you can use to limit the different types of aggression, so knowing the reasons behind your pet’s aggressive tendencies can help you determine what training methods to use to be more effective.

Tags: Dogs

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