Important cues in dog behavior can help you identify aggression. A wide range of normal dog behaviors exists, ranging from assertive to aggressive. Breed type, early socialization, genetics and handling all influence a dog's potential to aggression. Do not subscribe to breed prejudice; in dogs historically bred as fighting or guard animals, consistent training and socialization weigh heavily in eliminating tendencies to aggressive behavior. Learning the signals that indicate assertive or dominant behavior has crossed the line to dangerous and aggressive behavior can help you avoid frightening confrontations and dog bites.
Things You'll Need
- Dog behavior resources
Instructions
Understand the various types of dog aggression; different aggressive behaviors have different signals. Learn the most dangerous types of dog aggression: dominant aggression and defensive (or fear) aggression. Note other aggressive dog behaviors, including territorial aggression, predatory aggression and sexual aggression. Consult a guide to dog behavior (see Resources, below) or a professional dog trainer to analyze types and signs of canine aggression.
Learn the signals of a dominant-aggressive dog. This is one of the most dangerous and problematic of canine aggression behaviors. Intact males are most likely to be dominant aggressive. Familiarize yourself with the signs of dominant behavior: blocking people's path, barging through doors, demanding attention, protecting of sleep area, stopping eating when approached, mounting legs or other dogs, and lunging at people. Discourage dominant behavior with training, diversion and asserting yourself as the leader.
Recognize when dominant behavior crosses the line to aggression. Dominant-aggressive dogs are dangerous. Be aware of the signs of a dominant and aggressive dog: staring, excessive low-range barking, snarling, growling and snapping, standing tall, holding ears erect, carrying tail high and moving it stiffly from side to side. Remember that a dominant-aggressive dog is likely to attack; retreat without running.
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of a defensive-aggressive dog, which are more ambivalent and difficult to predict. A defensive dog will display submissive body language. Look for ears held back, avoidance of eye contact, lowered head and body, tail tucked between legs and submissive urination. Be aware that defensive-aggressive dogs dislike being touched and will bite out of fear.
Be cautious not to communicate a dominant or assertive response with an aggressive dog, except under the guidance of a professional trainer. Remember that staring down an aggressive dog, punishing, attempting to remove food or a toy, and touching or grabbing the dog or its collar can result in a dog attack.