Joseph M. Sabol

Why Do Dogs Show Aggression?

Agressive dogs are not born that way. It is a combination of the environment and the lack of socialization. You might say they are victims of our lack of knowledge on how to raise and treat a dog.

Dogs are not naturally aggressive, however, a certain level of aggression is possible in all dogs because in the past, it was needed for survival. By keeping this in mind, it will be easier for you to understand your dogs behavior. There are certain things that may cause a dog to show aggression. Knowing these reasons will help you know how to handle the problem.

Territory
Dogs are naturally territorial, it comes with the package. It is something that has been inbred in dogs for thousands of years. Dogs are more territorial than you might expect. Areas where your dog will show dominance are, their yards, homes, and family.

If the dog is socialized properly, this form of aggression can be easily dealt with. Dogs also tend to consider their bones, toys and food "theirs". It is important that the dog knows and understands that aggression will not be tolerated. You should be able to remove the dogs food or take away a toy if necessary, without a problem.

Fear
Another area where aggression is commonly seen is when a dog is scared. When a dog fears for its safety, the dog will not hesitate to become aggressive to protect himself. This is why dogs need to develop social skills early on. Make sure to expose your pet to people and other animals at an early age so he will become confident in all situations. This will eliminate fear aggression. Socialization is the key word to preventing aggression in dogs.

Dominance
All dogs are born with a pack mentality which means every dog has his place in the "family". When pups in a litter are 3-4 weeks old, the more dominant puppy or puppies will begin to show their leadership. As they grow older, this mentality stays with the dog throughout his life. When the dog joins your family it has to figure out his position in the group. You as an owner must immediately let the dog know that you are the leader or "alpha" member of the group, not the dog, because if you don't this allows opportunities for the dog to show aggression. In fact, the dog may feel that he is the boss of you. You must fulfill the role of leadership. After all, you are the dominant species!

All dogs will test you when it comes to establishing authority, no matter what breed it is. Just make sure you stand your ground. If you notice any problems with aggression, do not hesitate to ask your vet or an experienced dog trainer for assistance.

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