How to Test for Dog Aggression

Although it may be hard for an owner to admit his dog has a problem with aggression, it is very important to know if you have an aggressive dog on your hands. There are five tests you can perform to identify your dog's type of aggression. All of the tests require the dog to wear a leash and collar. Testing your dog will determine whether you and your dog need professional intervention to correct the behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Two adults
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Instructions

  1. Staring Test

    • 1

      Have another person hold the leash, and take a position 10 feet from the dog.

    • 2

      Call the dog's name to get his attention.

    • 3

      Lean forward in an authoritative position, and stare into the dog's eyes. Do not communicate verbally.

    • 4

      Evaluate the dog's response. If he shows signs of aggression, he is dominant aggressive.

    • 5

      Perform this test both inside the house and out in the yard as both areas are his territories. If possible test with multiple adults.

    Food Test

    • 6

      Fill your dog's bowl with food, and place it in his feeding area.

    • 7

      Hold the end of the leash and stand away from the dog.

    • 8

      Have another adult walk into the room. If no aggressive behavior is shown, have the other person walk towards the dog slowly.

    • 9

      Evaluate the dog's behavior. If she shows signs of aggression, she is food aggressive.

    Hand Shy Test

    • 10

      Have your dog stand next to your side while you hold the leash.

    • 11

      Have the other person stand 6 feet in front of your dog. This should be a person who does not live in the home with the dog.

    • 12

      Simulate a striking or hitting motion with either a hand or newspaper by the other person. Do not hit the dog. The motion will be enough to invoke a reaction if the dog is hand shy.

    • 13

      Have the other person point their finger at your dog and say "What did you do?"

    • 14

      Evaluate the dog's behavior. If he shows aggressive behavior, he is dominant aggressive. If he shows shy behavior but tries to bite you, he is fear aggressive.

    Physical Sensitivity Test

    • 15

      Select a quiet, distraction-free area.

    • 16

      Hold the leash with one hand and perform the test with the other hand. You must have complete control over the leash while giving this test as the dog may snap.

    • 17

      Pull your dog's skin up at the shoulders. Start gently then increase intensity. Repeat in the middle of the back and at the end of her back.

    • 18

      Pull the tail gently. Stretch tail and increase intensity.

    • 19

      Evaluate the dog's reaction. If she acts aggressively, she may be pain sensitive.

    Roll Over Test

    • 20

      Select a quiet, distraction-free area.

    • 21

      Gripping the leash firmly, roll your dog onto his back.

    • 22

      Lean over your dog, and grasp his skin just below his collar for 15 to 30 seconds.

    • 23

      Evaluate your dog's response. If he shows aggressive behavior, he is dominant aggressive. If he shows dominant behavior but also cries or screams he may be fear aggressive.