Read on to learn the main reasons of dog aggression and how to treat it
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Pet parents are always dealing with some form of behavioral issues but having an aggressive dog is particularly serious. Aggression is the most common behavioral problem in dogs that requires professional help. Dog aggression is inarguably a serious problem but it can be corrected. Learn here about different types and causes of dog aggression.
What Is Dog Aggression?
- It is commonly believed that when dogs become aggressive they begin to bite. However, aggression can be in a lot of different forms. Some of the canines keep their aggression suppressed and may just growl occasionally. Whereas some dogs attack people and other dogs when they are aggressive.
It is therefore important to understand the triggers behind the aggressive behavior. Several factors can cause a dog to become aggressive, and knowing the underlying reason can make the treatment easier and more effective.
Causes Of Aggression In Dogs
- Understanding what makes your pet aggressive can truly help you stop it. Dogs rarely become aggressive without any reason. Usually, the lack of proper training and socialization is the culprit behind violent behavior.
Below are some of the common causes of aggression in dogs:
- An illness that causes pain
- Fear of something
- Establishing power and control
- Defending territory or possessions
Whether your dog has a stressor that is making him range or it is behaving badly as a result of past trauma, it is their way of signaling that something is wrong with them. When your dog shows signs of violent behavior it’s time to consult a professional.
Signs Your Dog Is Aggressive
Specific behaviors can predict aggressive attacks. Here are some signs that are a precursor to an attack.
- Rigid body posture
- Pinned back ears
- Growling
- Baring Teeth
- Snarling
- Light snipping to puncturing bites
Classification Of Dog Aggression
- Determining the right type of aggression helps understand what exactly triggers your dog’s violent behavior and how to prevent and treat it.
Fear Aggression
- Just like humans, fear is a powerful trigger for dogs. A dog can show a fight or flight response when faced with a scary situation. Dogs with fear and aggression choose the fight response.
Like most other types of aggression fear aggression may not have any warning signs. When these dogs become defensive they do not growl, bare their teeth, or snarl before they attack the source of fear.
Possession Aggression
Possession aggression or food aggression in dogs is also known as resource guarding. This type of behavior appears when a dog is obsessed with certain objects which may be a favorite toy, bed, bowl of food, etc. when another person or pet draws near the object, the possessive aggressive dog will instantly react.
In the same way, territorial dogs react when an intruder approaches their property. The reaction can vary from growling to a full-on attack depending on the severity of the problem.
Social Aggression
- Sometimes dogs lash out at people and animals just to remind them that they are the boss. Dogs show their dominance by displaying this type of behavior.
Leash Aggression
- If your dog starts lunging and barking as soon as you put on its leash but is otherwise calm and friendly, the dog is leash-aggressive. This type of behavior stems in dogs from constantly feeling restrained and frustrated by the leash. Leash aggression is easiest to correct with just some training.
If your dog shows signs of aggression and violent behavior, take him to a vet immediately. Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center offers multiple veterinary services. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. For more information, call us at 434-971-9800.
