Dog Aggressiveness

We understand by an aggressive conduct the manifested by an individual with the only intention of submitting another to its own demands.

Aggressive behavior shown by dogs can be conditioned, in great measure, by a series of factors which are mostly inherent to the canine condition. Now then, depending on the needs, these factors can be accentuated or mitigated with a correct strengthening of the determinant factor ( territoriality, dominance, etc.) from the mentioned conduct or by the contrary moderating it in order to obtain the adaptation to the limits that are considered acceptable.

One must accept that in many cases the owners don't decide to do anything about their dogs aggressiveness until they see compromised his own physical integrity or of third persons, and this only after convincing themselves that they are not capable of solving the problem on their own without forgetting that the exemplar is first over his race. It is true that there are determined breeds that by their genetic components show a greater predisposition in manifesting aggressive conducts.

But this must not make us be obsessed thinking that an incorrect selection of the breed (in relation basically to the level of dominance of their human family) can make that this aggressive conduct can manifest itself earlier and more malignant.

In this specific situation, even having acted with the best of intentions, the fault is from the owners, because the dog hasn't done anything but to develop and mature its character. Due to that, the aggressiveness in any of its forms is the most frequent problem to treat because it not only affects the dog, but also their owners and everyone around him. In many cases the solutions they give are totally unjustified as to file or eliminate its incisors and even euthanasia. The filing or the elimination of part or the totality of the dog's denture is such an aberration that it is not worth to even talk about it.

Certain that professional vets will agree with me that castration is not always effective, it is recommended that as a previous step before taking such drastic decision give the dog what is commonly known as chemical castration. Chemical castration is a hormonal treatment that consists in administrating a compound which is composed by components known as androgynous which will reduce temporarily the production of testosterone in the dog. This is of great use for, in case of a remission of his aggressive conduct , we can be sure before having the dog have a surgical castration that it will be effective due to its irreversible character. However, if the dog manifests this kind of conduct and once you have discarded the existence of any type of pathology that could be causing it in first instance you must proceed to apply a conduct therapy done by a professional that may mitigate the aggressiveness in the animal to acceptable levels. A correct selection of breed and sex of our future pet, and following the indications given by the professionals in this trade (vets, canine therapists, and qualified dog trainers), we will have by our side a long time and loyal companion.

The various types of aggressiveness that a dog can present are divided by its origin in four types: by depredation, dominance, territorial and self-defense.

Dog Behaviorist Choosing a Male or Female Dog Campbell's Test Qualifications The adoption process Dog Adoption Socializing your Dog Dog and Family The acquisition of an adult dog Adult dogs for adoption Breed classification Needs of exercise Need for affection Tolerance to children Tolerance to other dogs Dominant character Territorial character Activity Level Obedience education Dog psychology Association power Conditioning Reflex Family environment Dog's Views Dog's Education Positive conditioning Negative conditioning Training and education Training Program for your Dog Dog Fear How to Overcome Dog Fear Attenuating conditions Dog Aggressiveness Aggressiveness by depredation Aggressiveness by dominance Territorial aggressiveness Self-defense aggressiveness Aggressiveness by depredation Aggressiveness by dominance Territorial aggressiveness Self-defense aggressiveness When your dog attacks in self defense Injuries in dog attacks Second case of Injuries in dog attacks Sensibility suppression Dog sensibility issues Territorial Factors Expression canals Complete body language Your Dog's Diet Phobia or fear to the collar or leash Collar and Leash usage Dog understanding Other Strategies Jealousy with Dogs Non traumatic introduction Correct location of the child in the family hierarchy Progressive raise of rank of the child Vehicles: excitement or fear Exercises with your Dog Dogs Fear of Cars Starting your dog with real experiences Not mixing new experiences with meals Vehicles and dogs Dog Hyperactivity Frequent Dog Owner Mistakes Excessive barking Indoor dog rules Controlling your barking dog Anxiety pattern Lack of confidence Socializing with the outside world Excessive dominance Lack of dominance in dogs At home Excessive biting To personal objects, furniture, etc Space the dog is allowed to have Aggressions to other dogs Self-defense aggressions Bossy aggressions Aggressions between two dogs from the same home Aggressions to strangers due to territory Backing out from a dog attack Aggressions to family members First time aggressions Not enough exercise in relation to age and breed Scarce contact with other dogs Punishment to a late response Emphasizing conditions and appeasing to evasive behavior Lack of control over feeding and going out schedules Lack of self-confidence Lack of attention from the owners Marking their territory Coprophagy Ingestion of its own feces Agoraphobia Dog Depression How to prevent depression Psychological pregnancy Pulling the leash excessively Corrective methodology Ingestion of strange substances Destruction of gardens Bathing struggles Practical Guide to Canine Behavior Site Map