Dogs are the chosen pet of many people because of their loyalty, intelligence and affection. Although most dogs exhibit these qualities, some dogs do not for various reasons. Owners who find themselves in a stressful situation because of their aggressive dog need to address the source of the aggression in an effort to restructure the dog's behavior.
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What Causes Aggression?
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There are many factors that contribute to aggression. Symptoms of aggression include, but are not limited to, excessive barking, possessiveness, snapping or biting. Dogs that have been raised in kennels without the proper amount of human handling can become stressed and afraid of humans, causing them to react aggressively when a human does try to interact with them. Improper breeding also can lead to hormone imbalances that trigger aggression.
Because dogs operate in a pack situation, they will seek a role within the pack as it relates to their human family. While some dogs might be complacent and passive toward their owners, others will try to establish dominance, especially over children, or human family members that do not try to discipline them.
Early Socialization is Key
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Dogs that have had disruptions during early development can become aggressive. The key to healthy dog development is the proper amount of socialization. Puppies can see and hear by the time they are three weeks old. That time, until the age of about 14 weeks, is the most important time for socialization (handling by humans), and gentle reprimanding during training.
Treatment Methods
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The kinds of treatment that are available for aggressive dogs depend on the severity of the aggression, as well as the age of the dog. Ideally, the best form of treatment for canine aggression is not allowing the aggression to start in the first place. A lot of this has to do with breed choices, as some breeds are more aggressive than others when paired with certain human personalities. For example, a dog such as a pit bull has the potential to be very aggressive. It should not be placed with a human who is either too docile, or someone who is too aggressive and wants a tough looking dog.
Another thing that needs to be regulated in terms of treatment for canine aggression is the amount of praise versus the amount of mild discipline that the dogs receive. Too much praise can be just as bad as too much discipline, especially if the dog is older.
Owners of aggressive dogs can seek treatment for their dogs via a professional dog trainer who uses safe, effective methods. The owner can usually be referred to the right dog trainer via a discussion with their veterinarian.
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