Aggressive Dogs

Owners of overly aggressive dogs often become frustrated, thinking there is no hope for their dog. They limit their dog's interactions with other dogs and people, and experience the stress caused from constant vigilance to ensure their dogs are always under control. Yet, there are techniques and exercises which can reduce excessive aggression.

Excessive dog aggression is largely due to a cultural clash between the natural behaviors of the canine pack and the demands placed on dogs by our modern human culture. In the wild, canines have a sophisticated social system where dogs communicate non verbally through postures and gestures. Pups nurtured and instructed by adult pack members quickly respond to the language of the pack. A pup learns to display submissive postures to more dominant pack members. It learns how to lower it's head posture, how to raise a paw, how and where to lick a higher ranking pack member, and how to assume a down posture to signify submission.

Older pack members fulfill specific social responsibilities, like hunting or caring for the young, and display their pack status through ritualistic gestures and postures. Erect tail carriage, rigid body stance, and flared hair around their shoulder and spine, are a few of the signals which need to be responded to by young pack members. Unfortunately, many of our pet dogs lack sufficient exposure and canine associations to master these signals. They misread important clues or respond incorrectly when approached by other canines. The consequence is often excessive aggression, and in its worst expression, dog fights.

Natural Aggression

Controlled aggression is a natural part of all canine cultures and is expressed when the puppies are but weeks old. They chase, growl, nip, and yelp as they learn to establish their position in the pack structure. As they mature, their mock battles continue. They refine their understanding of the canine communication system. Their muscles become toned, their co-ordination improves, and they learn to control the intensity of their bites. As they role play, switching from the postures of the prey to the postures of the hunter, they practice the rituals and postures which are so important for canine communication. During their play, they measure each other's strengths and weaknesses and learn just how much aggression is needed to maintain their desired position within the pack structure. In canine society, aggression, submission, and cooperation are all necessary to maintaining harmony within the pack. Excessive aggression would limit the packs ability to function as a unit and would threaten their long term survival.

Puppies raised in human families often have difficulty recognizing or sending clear signals. I have often seen young rottweiler or retriever puppies wanting to play with such enthusiasm they rush full speed towards other adult dogs. Often their enthusiasm is perceived as a threat by other dogs and instead of play , panic sets in and a bite or a fight occurs. The motive was play, but correct signals were not sent. After a few such encounters, stress and panic develop when these dogs approach other dogs and a cycle of excessive aggression and dog fighting develops.

Creating a Sociable Puppy

The easiest way to avoid dog aggression is helping your dog to learn to communicate clearly with other dogs. Puppies need to remain in their litters for at least eight weeks. During this time, their mother and their litter mates usually teach them how to control the intensity of their bites, how to tell a litter mate it has used too much aggression, and how to show submission to an adult dog. Puppies begin to learn about their relationship with other dogs, learn how to play, and how to assert themselves using acceptable canine behaviors.

When the dog leaves the litter, it begins to bond with its human pack. Naturally, we must protect the puppy from undue exposure to diseases until it has been fully inoculated. However, we should also allow our puppy to spend time with other dogs. Look for opportunities for your puppy to play with good natured, well socialized older dogs. Remember to allow this play in safe areas, like your yard or home, not parks or dog walkways which may have been frequented by many non vaccinated animals.

After 14 weeks of age your puppy is ready for puppy classes. At such classes your puppy will be rewarded for completing obedience requests while distracted by other dogs. Your puppy will learn that working around other dogs is a positive experience. Controlled play and interaction with other dogs will help your puppy to learn the signals of canine communication and also how to meet the demands of the human pack. Your puppy will be able to function successfully in both the canine culture and the human culture.

Rehabilitating the aggressive adult

Helping an older dog to deal with inappropriate aggression is much more difficult than dealing with a puppy, but is not usually impossible. When modifying any behavior which is already in place, it is important to determine the underlying causes of the problem, develop an action plan, and then work consistently towards a solution.

We often hear of dogs referred to as �fear aggressive'. These dogs panic easily and sometimes display inappropriate aggression as a way of relieving stress. These dogs may have inherited this tendency from their parents, or their feelings of stress may be due to being removed from the litter too early, or the result of poor early socialization.

In situations where fear is the root of excessive aggression, many owners error by increasing their dog's stress by yelling, jerking on leash leash, or physically punishing their dogs. If the dog is already having trouble dealing with stress, then adding to its worries will cause panic, and instead of helping the dog, will push its aggression level higher. This will increase the likelihood and severity of fighting behavior.

When you notice a dog coming towards you, preferably before your dog begins to growl or lunge , reach into a walking pouch and pull out little food treats. Begin giving these to your dog while you talk cheerfully. During the first few times don't approach the other dog too closely. Remember, the intent of this technique is to create a more positive atmosphere when your dog sees another dog.

Don't be alarmed if your dog displays some growling or pulling. By distracting your dog with treats and positive talk, you will gradually make an important change in the way the dog perceives other dogs. Over time your dog will see another dog as a marker predicting food treats and positive attention from you and will look forward to seeing other dogs on your walks. Your dog's body posture will become less confrontational.

As you notice your dog becoming more relaxed, you can start to pass more closely by other dogs. Remember to reinforce your dog regularly, especially when you pass by the other dog. You will notice your dog looking forward to seeing other dogs. You will have reduced your stress and your dog's stress. Your dog can now think think clearly, and it can develop a more positive attitude towards other dogs. Helping an apprehensive dog which displays excessive aggression, must begin by helping your dog to deal with its fear.

Fear, dominance, poor socialization, and unfortunate early experiences may all influence inappropriate aggression. There are exercises which can help most dogs to become less aggressive. If you have an aggressive dog, consult with a training specialist who can suggest a plan to help you and your dog to cope with this frustrating and frightening condition.

Noel Pepin -- Noel Pepin Canine Behaviour Specialists