Dog aggression is a big problem if you're a dog owner. There are signs of dog aggression, but also ways to prevent this problem from getting worse than it already is.
-
Symptoms
-
Some displays of aggressions are excessive barking, snarling, growling or snapping to protect food or other possessions. Aggression may also manifest as protectiveness of possessions, fear of new situations or strangers, severe attacks on other animals and growling when petted or handled.
Categories
-
Categories of aggression include defensive, dominant, possessive, territorial, intra-sexual, fear-motivated, predatory or parental. Dogs may display one or more of these types. Dominant-aggressive dogs show signs of trying to show their dominant status over other dogs or humans. Fear-motivated aggression is caused by fear of new situations or people, and lack of socialization.
Reasons
-
Reason for aggression include genetics and heredity. Other reasons include in-breeding, environment, lack of socialization and being attacked or scared by an aggressive dog. Certain breeds, such as Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers, and considered more prone to aggression.
Treatment
-
An owner's temperament should match his dog's; aggressive canines should not be matched with meek owners. Early socialization is also important. Puppies hand-fed by children and adults in the household, for instance, learn to trust people.
Training Tips
-
Reward and praise dogs for demonstrating submission and good behavior; don't punish or scold while training. To help your dog settle into a consistent routine, devote 10 or 15 minutes a day, two to three times a day, for training. Spaying or neutering your pet also helps to keep it under control.
-