Aggressive Behavior

Dog owners must be aware of aggressive behaviors. A biting dog is a liability, and owners must treat this condition seriously. There are various causes of aggressive behavior, and in order to treat the condition, the source of the aggression must be identified and corrected.

Sometimes dogs bite as a defense mechanism, and are actually responding to underlying fears. Identifying the fear-provoking stimulus and reprogramming the dog to overcome his fears is critical in treating the problem. Corrections; especially harsh, physical corrections will intensify the fears and cause further "aggressive" behaviors.

However, aggression is not always associated with fear. Dogs can exhibit aggression for various reasons. Overly dominant dogs may aggressively respond to the presence of new dogs. Territoriality may underlie aggression. Dogs may act aggressive to dogs of the same sex; or they may exhibit aggression toward people. Some dogs are taught (either consciously or subconsciously) to exhibit aggression. Many of these dogs can be reconditioned.

Aggressive acts can be the first sign of underlying (and treatable) medical problems. Dogs who suddenly exhibit aggressive behaviors could be responding to pain associated with orthopedic abnormalities, gastro-intestinal discomfort or serious illnesses, such as cancer or tyroid imbalane. Diagnosis and treatment of physical illness is necessary to resolve associated behavior problems.

How should you respond if your dog bares his teeth or snaps at you? Take the action seriously, before the behavior escalates to more serious acts. Seek professional help immediately. Ask your veterinarian to recommend someone qualified in dealing with behavior problems. Not all dog trainers are equipped to handle aggression, but good professional help is available. Many trainers/behaviorists work in conjunction with veterinarians to treat aggression; occasionally using pharmacological approaches to treating aggressive tendencies.

Don't rely on yellow page ads for direction in finding a behaviorist; a personal recommendation is critical in identifying qualified help. Consider consultation with a veterinarian who specializes in treating behavior problems. Aggression from dogs is intolerable, but often treatable.