Dog Aggression Tips - Learn to Deal With Your Dog's Aggression

By Zelda Conradie

1) Firstly we need to understand that aggressive behavior in dogs are normal and actually a necessary survival mechanism. If you keep this important fact in the back of your mind when dealing with your dog's aggression, it will be much easier and less fearful to handle your dog.
All dog's inherit a degree of aggression that they then bring into their lives with the family.

Here are a few reasons for dog aggression:

1. Territory
Your dog decides for him/herself what their possessions are eg. old bones, the family yard, certain members of the family, toys, food or basically anything the dog perceives as his/her personal property. Just as you as a human would protect your possessions so too does our beloved four legged friends. The only difference is that we will deal with it in a more civilized manner (or at least it is expected of us).

2. Fear
This is actually one of the most dangerous emotions for a dog to experience. A dog that is fear stricken is likely to hurt anyone who he perceives as a threat to its safety. Even his favourite member of the family. So be very careful when dealing with a fearful dog.

Once again just as it is true for humans, so too does socialization play an important role here. If a puppy is not exposed to the world they will be living in from an early age, they will definitely be fearful and if they feel threatened they will attack to protect themselves. A dog needs to be handled from a very early age it could also lead them to be fearful and this will cause problems later on.

3. Dominance
Do not mess with a dog that 'is dealing with this issue'. This is by far the most dangerous of reasons for aggression in dogs. If you're not careful, your dog might see the need to be the dominant member of the family if he does not feel that anyone is fulfilling the leadership role.

Make absolutely sure that your dog knows that you are the boss and not him. Believe me your dog will test you for that position of authority. If he feels he has won that round he will start challenging you for the dominant position. Be alert to these situations and stand your ground. Your dog will get the picture soon enough.

4. Pain
If your dog is in pain, take every possible precaution to protect yourself against him. If for example he was run down by a car and you try to move him, he could experience severe pain and that could cause him to get really aggressive even toward you. Dogs that never showed aggression before might become very dangerous in situations like these. Be careful.

Look out for more tips from me.

Zelda is a freelance writer and dog lover: dogtraining@info2surf.com