Aggressive Canine Behavior

Warning signs of aggression in dogs can include barking, lunging, growling, snapping and biting. Canines can become aggressive because they are reacting to someone or something they perceive as a threat or defending property, people and especially their young. The underlying cause of this behavior is some form of anxiety.

  1. Other Causes

    • Unwanted contact can trigger status-related aggression, and aggression aimed at something the dog can't access can be redirected to something they can reach. Genetics and environment are additional contributors to aggressive canine behavior.

    Analyzing the Problem

    • The SPCA cautions that such behavior "is complex, and if you use the wrong approach...you can make the situation worse." Canine behavioral specialists can pinpoint the root of a dog`s aggression and outline plans to change its behavior.

    Medical Causes

    • Veterinarians can check to see if this behavior is rooted in a medical problem, especially if the animal is not spayed or neutered.

    Precautions

    • As a precautionary measure before you fully diagnose the problem, keep your pet in settings and around people and animals it is familiar with. When walking the dog, make sure the walker is capable of restraining the animal if necessary. Look into appropriate restraining leashes at the pet store.

    Alternative Behavior

    • Punishing the dog for this behavior will aggravate the dog further and may associate the negative reinforcement from their punishment with the innocent target of aggression. The key is to teach alternative behavior. One method is to withdraw attention, such as crossing your arms and turning away, when the dog behaves aggressively.

    Canine Growth

    • The age, breed and previous environment of the dog is important to know in order to figure out how to correct the problem. Various periods in a dog's development, particularly the socialization period when it is 3 to 14 weeks old, and when it reaches sexual maturity at around 14 months, are prime times for the dog to develop aggressive behavior.