| Bean Town Dogs A Service Guide for New England Dogs |
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Aggression in Dogs can be Dangerous if Left Untreated
Aggressive behaviour such as growling and biting is not restricted to one breed of dog, but can
occur in all breeds, whether pit-bull terrier, spaniel, or even poodle . Correction of aggressive
behaviour in dogs is extremely challenging, requiring both hard work and patience. One must
first determine whether the aggressive behaviour is fear-induced or dominance-related.
Treatment of one type of aggression is different from the other. Attempting to tackle this
problem without the help of a veterinarian is difficult.
Dominance aggression is a common form of aggression. Dogs that exhibit dominance
aggression tend to maintain eye contact, keep their ears erect and forward, hold their head
high, maintain a rigid body posture, and keep their tail held horizontally or erect. This body
language contrasts sharply with that of a subordinate dog whos behaviour includes: avoidance
of eye contact, lowered head and tail, ears flattened against the head, and crouched body
position.
Problems usually occur when dominance signals are misread by humans. For example, as a
sign of affection, children may stare intently at their dog. A dog may interpret this staring as a
dominance signal and respond by becoming aggressive and biting.
Dominance aggression can occur in either sex, at any age, and in any breed. However, it is
often intact males under two years of age that are presented for this problem, and pure-bred
dogs more so than mixed-breeds.
Treatment of dominance aggression is difficult not only for the average pet owner, but even for
professional dog handlers. A veterinarian can help you start a correction program or refer you
to a veterinary behaviour specialist.
A treatment plan would include:
1) avoiding situations that would trigger aggressive behaviour
(2) avoiding punishment (pain "triggers" aggression). For example, forcing a dog into a
recumbent position only makes matters worse.
(3) implementing "exposure" techniques (i.e. gradually introducing dog to various scenarios)
(4) acclimatizing the dog to dominance signals by the owner (e.g removing food dish, staring at
dog, etc.)
(5) making the dog obey commands before giving it rewards such as play or petting, and
(6) utilizing various counterconditioning techniques.
Since the majority of dogs that exhibit dominance aggression are intact males, castration
should also prove helpful. As a last resort, in a small percentage of dogs, drug therapy or
euthanasia may be the only alternative
Aggressive behaviour such as growling and biting is not restricted to one breed of dog, but can
occur in all breeds, whether pit-bull terrier, spaniel, or even poodle . Correction of aggressive
behaviour in dogs is extremely challenging, requiring both hard work and patience. One must
first determine whether the aggressive behaviour is fear-induced or dominance-related.
Treatment of one type of aggression is different from the other. Attempting to tackle this
problem without the help of a veterinarian is difficult.
Dominance aggression is a common form of aggression. Dogs that exhibit dominance
aggression tend to maintain eye contact, keep their ears erect and forward, hold their head
high, maintain a rigid body posture, and keep their tail held horizontally or erect. This body
language contrasts sharply with that of a subordinate dog whos behaviour includes: avoidance
of eye contact, lowered head and tail, ears flattened against the head, and crouched body
position.
Problems usually occur when dominance signals are misread by humans. For example, as a
sign of affection, children may stare intently at their dog. A dog may interpret this staring as a
dominance signal and respond by becoming aggressive and biting.
Dominance aggression can occur in either sex, at any age, and in any breed. However, it is
often intact males under two years of age that are presented for this problem, and pure-bred
dogs more so than mixed-breeds.
Treatment of dominance aggression is difficult not only for the average pet owner, but even for
professional dog handlers. A veterinarian can help you start a correction program or refer you
to a veterinary behaviour specialist.
A treatment plan would include:
1) avoiding situations that would trigger aggressive behaviour
(2) avoiding punishment (pain "triggers" aggression). For example, forcing a dog into a
recumbent position only makes matters worse.
(3) implementing "exposure" techniques (i.e. gradually introducing dog to various scenarios)
(4) acclimatizing the dog to dominance signals by the owner (e.g removing food dish, staring at
dog, etc.)
(5) making the dog obey commands before giving it rewards such as play or petting, and
(6) utilizing various counterconditioning techniques.
Since the majority of dogs that exhibit dominance aggression are intact males, castration
should also prove helpful. As a last resort, in a small percentage of dogs, drug therapy or
euthanasia may be the only alternative
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