Signs That a Dog Has Aggressive Behavior

Breeds

• Merritt Clifton, editor of "Animal People," conducted a study from 1982 to 2006 wherein he collected data on dog bites in the United States. His study revealed that pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and mixes of those breeds were responsible for 74 percent of all attacks that led to medical intervention. Even with this information, people should resist the urge to label certain breeds to be dangerous. Clifton stated: "If almost any other dog has a bad moment, someone may get bitten but will not be maimed for life or killed, and the actuarial risk is accordingly reasonable. If a pit bull terrier or a Rottweiler has a bad moment, often someone is maimed or killed, and that has now created off-the-chart actuarial risk for which the dogs as well as their victims are paying the price." Therefore, regardless of the breed, any dog has the potential for aggression.

Growling

• Breeds notwithstanding, any dog that growls, shows its teeth, snarls or lowers his head is showing signs of aggression. Puppies, especially those that growl at such an early age, should be carefully watched for signs that they are growing up with a temperament disorder. Having said that, there are some dogs just as there are some cats that are more vocal than others and communicate by making vocalizations that sound similar to growls but are not really growls. It is important to look at the body language as a whole. Dogs are pack animals so they have a vested interest and desire in getting along. A dog that is growling, snarling, baring his teeth or lowering his head while staring directly at you is exhibiting an unnatural and abnormal aggressive behavior. This atypical attitude shows that the dog may bite. Dogs exhibit these so-called danger signs if they are about to bite. Dogs sometimes "smile" in what is called a "submissive grin." This showing of the teeth is not an actual snarl, it is a dog's way of showing submission. A dog that does this is not aggressive but quite the opposite.

Humping

• Humping is not a sexual behavior as so many dog owners believe. This behavior is Rover's way of exhibiting his belief that he has assumed the role as the "alpha" of the pack. Female dogs do this sometimes as well. Dogs that hump are trying to show that they are the leader of the pack. Aggression in dogs begins when dogs exhibit signs that they think they are in charge. If left unchecked, this behavior can sometimes escalate until the dog is running the show and the owner needs to take steps to curb aggression.

Body Language

• Other signs that indicate that a dog is aggressive include ears that are flattened against the head or are erect and facing forward; tail tucked between the legs or slowly moving in a circular motion -- this is called flagging and is different from wagging, which is a rapid back and forth motion; eyes in a direct stare or averted; head lowered; hackles raised, which refers to the little hairs an the back of the dog's neck; paw raised; lip-licking; yawning and high, rapid barking. Dogs exhibiting any of these signs are telling you that they are either fearful or angry and may bite.

One More Consideration

• Unsterilized dogs have a higher incidence of biting and aggression than those that are neutered. A 2001 study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions indicated that 70 percent to 76 percent of all dog bites were done by intact dogs. Furthermore, tethered dogs, because they have been disavowed of the "flight or fight" response, are also more aggressive.