What Are the Causes of Dog Aggression?

One of the major disadvantages to owning a dog is dealing with aggression. There are one million reported dog bites every year and likely a large number that go unreported. The majority of dog bite victims are children under 10 years old. Understanding the factors that have an impact on how aggressive your dog may be can help you to keep it at bay.

  1. Dog Breeds

    • Some dogs are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior than others. Learn all you can about the breed of dog you have, particularly if the type of dog you have is feisty or protective. Large breeds such as Akitas and Dobermans are known for being protective, aggressive animals. However, some smaller breeds like terriers are also aggressive by nature in spite of the fact that they look harmless.

    Inbreeding and Hormones

    • Dogs that are inbred are more likely to be aggressive. Female dogs nursing puppies and male dogs that haven't been neutered around a female dog in heat may also be aggressive when they are normally gentle, due to an increase in hormones.

    Environment

    • Dogs that get very little social interaction, are punished frequently, are praised too often, are frequently teased by children or have been attacked and scared by a dog that is aggressive are more likely to become aggressive themselves.