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Reasons For Aggression In Dogs

submitted: Feb 12th 2010 | by: GregOlson | Total views: 6 | Word Count: 534 | |

Aggressive dogs can be quite scary. They can frighten little children and adults alike. There are some breeds that are more prone to aggression but even so there is usually an underlying cause for aggression in dogs and finding out why your dog is aggressive can assist you in your training efforts. A dog that is calm in most situations is an easier dog to own.

Sometimes excessive aggression is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a hierarchy to the pack. The alpha dog is the ring leader and the other dogs follow. Proper training will make you the alpha dog or the leader. Do not allow your dog to think of himself as the alpha dog or you will continuouslyhave problems. Even so your dog may still want to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the cause of his dominance aggression.

Another common type of aggression in dogs is territorial aggression. Your dog will relentlessly protect everything that he considers to be "his" including yourself, your home and your family. While this can be a good thing if you are threatened at some point, it can cause many problems in ordinary circumstances. It is infrequently that a family is truly threatened and if your dog's territorial aggression is out of control it can cause issues with visitors and neighbors. Excessive territorial aggression is inappropriate behavior.

Sometimes a dog will be aggressive because of fear. Your dog lashes out because something has frightened him and he does not know what else to do. Something triggers it and your dog starts growling, pulls his ears back and tucks his tail between his legs. This type of aggression is often misunderstood and thought to be direct aggression but the dog is just acting out of fear rather than meanness.

Aggressive behavior can sometimes happen for no apparent reason. However this aggression is usually misdirected. Something happens that triggers anxiety within the dog but he is unable to react to the actual reason so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason for some inexplicable dog fights between 2 or more animals. The dog is just not able to act on the real issue.

There can also be medical or biological reasons for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is protecting her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always smart to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.

Most dogs will be calmer and have a better disposition if they are spayed or neutered. This will also make your training efforts easier and more effective not to mention the fact that there are too many unwanted and unloved dogs out there. If you are not in the dog-breeding profession it is just the responsible thing to do to get your dog spayed or neutered.

If you know the reasons why your dog is acting aggressively you can fit your training efforts to fit your dog and you will find success comes easier. There is most often a reason for excessive aggression in dogs.

Tags: dogs, dog training, obedience classes, pets, animals, family, advice, self help, terriers, classes, school, garden, outdoors

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Outstanding dog obedience training tips for your dog plus learn what dog training video I used to train my dog in a few minutes a day.

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