Sudden Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

What is Aggressive Behavior in a Dog?

• A dog owner who owns a dog who snaps, growls, snarls, barks or bites should monitor her dog's aggressive behavior. Some dogs growl a bit harmlessly when they feel threatened, but a dog who consistently exhibits these behaviors bears watching to ensure that the behavior does not escalate to something more serious.

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Why Do Dogs Suddenly Behave Aggressively?

• Dogs tend to exhibit aggressive behaviors because they feel threatened or fearful. A dog who feels that she needs to protect her territory or her possessions or even "her people" (her family) may exhibit aggressive behaviors. Dogs may suddenly show belligerent behaviors toward other animals if they feel that the social hierarchy, as they see it, has been upset (if they perceive that another animal may infringe on their place in the home or neighborhood). A dog might become suddenly aggressive if he feels frustrated or fearful. Some aggression may have its roots in a physical cause, such as a pain or illness.

How Can a Veterinarian Help?

• When a dog's behavior changes noticeably, the owner should consult with a veterinarian, so that a physical exam can eliminate any physical reasons that the dog may suddenly show aggressive behavior. The veterinarian can assess the dog's physical condition and ensure that the dog does not suffer from pain or illness, issues that can impact on her behavior. The veterinarian can also check to make sure that a female dog is not pregnant or in heat, two conditions in which the bitch's hormones may affect her behavior and cause her to become aggressive, especially toward other dogs. The dog's owner should also request that the vet spay or neuter the dog, since many aggressive behaviors stem from territorial, social and protective instincts which spaying or neutering can help to control.

How Can the Owner Help?

• A dog owner who wishes to train an aggressive dog should try to identify the triggers that seem to set off the aggressive behavior and see if he can reduce or eliminate them. If the newly aggressive behavior seems to erupt when the dog sees children or other animals, the dog owner may want to try to keep the dog away from children and other animals for awhile, and reintroduce them into the dog's life slowly after a period of time. If the dog seems generally fearful (for instance, on the days following a fireworks display), the owner may wish to reduce excitement and stress in the dog's life for awhile and reintroduce new stimuli slowly. If the dog becomes aggressive during playtime, the owner may need to do exercises that reestablish his place as the "Alpha dog" in the relationship and assert his status as the dominant figure (such as training the dog to "sit" before receiving his food, a signal that the owner controls the food dish).

How Can a Professional Animal Behaviorist Help?

• Professional animal behaviorists have studied the ways that animals behave, both in the wild and in domesticated situations, and have developed strategies for training animals and guiding their behavior. Most animal behaviorists today work through positive reinforcement techniques, rewarding good behavior and teaching the animal through food treats and attention. Consult with an animal behaviorist as soon as possible, since the longer the dog retains its aggressive behaviors, the harder the owner will find it to break those habits.

General Tips

• Watch for the warning signs that indicate that the dog will become aggressive (growling before snapping, pacing before barking, etc) and halt the sequence before it gets rolling. Focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Begin working with the dog as soon as the aggressive behavior surfaces, rather than adopting a "wait-and-see" attitude. Prepare to commit time and resources to the project of reducing the dog's aggressive behavior. The more time and effort the owner can contribute when the aggressive behavior suddenly surfaces, the more success he will have in the long run and the longer he will have a good, loyal and safe dog