Types of Aggressive Dog Behavior

Dog Aggression Out Of Control?
Take action & put an end to your dog's embarrasing & dangerous aggression issues.

Dog Training | Sit Stay Fetch™
Learn how to take control of dog aggression. Online dog training guide for aggression, chewing, biting, & more.

Though only a small percentage of people are bitten by dogs each year, there are many other types of aggressive dog behaviors that are unacceptable. Sometimes aggressive behaviors can be obvious signs of aggression, while other types of aggressive dog behavior may be more passive. Whether you see these behaviors as a threat or more passive-aggressive, they are still behaviors that can escalate or cause problems in your home or in social settings.

Aggressive Dog Behavior is NOT Breed Specific

First, it is important to note that the types of aggressive dog behavior are not more prominent in any one breed over another. About .1 percent of dogs in every breed show signs of aggressive behavior. It is just that certain, more volatile, types of aggressive behavior in certain breeds of dogs seem to make the news more often so that we think they are more common. Therefore, it is important to realize that any dog showing signs of aggressive dog behavior needs to be trained out of those behaviors.

Signs of Aggressive Dog Behavior

There are certain types of aggressive dog behavior that occur for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, signs of outward aggression are growling, snarling, curling lips, and biting. When we discuss the types of aggressive behavior, these are the traits most people think of, because they seem to be the most threatening traits. However, common dog behaviors like mounting people, lunging, blocking your path, and barking can also be types of aggression in dogs. However, because these behaviors are not as directly aggressive toward people, dog owners tend to dismiss them as quirky traits.

Dominance Aggression

Why these types of aggressive dog behavior occur mainly depends on what the underlying causes are. There are a number of reasons for these types of behavior. One of the more common reasons for dogs jumping, lunging, blocking your path, or mounting is that the dog is trying to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals, so they will often try to establish themselves as the alpha dog in the group. Herding dogs may even try to establish dominance over small children by "herding them" which may involve small nips at their ankles, while male dogs may try to establish dominance by trying to mount members of the family. It is important when you see these types of aggressive dog behaviors to establish that you are really the 'alpha dog' by taking control of things and situations.

Fear Aggression

Another reason for aggressive dog behavior is fear. A fearful dog's first response will usually be to put its tail between its legs, pull its ears back, and look away, or it will even run. However, if a dog feels cornered, it may lash out with growling, snarling, and even biting. It is important for your dog to feel safe, but there are many ways to condition your dog to lower a fear response.

Territorial/Possessive Aggression

This type of aggressive dog behavior may occur if your dog is feeling territorial or possessive. Dogs often have a sense of territory, even over people, and do not like to share. If they feel their territory is being breached or that family members are in danger, many of the aggressive behaviors will occur. It is important to discourage this type of behavior by taking precautions and avoiding these potentially volatile situations. For instance, if your dog is aggressive only when he or she eats, then you need to keep people away from the food bowl during feeding times. You also need to establish that you are the boss over the food.

Redirected Aggression

Especially when dogs face fear or territorial breaches, when they cannot take their aggression out on the thing causing the anxiety, they will often turn their aggression toward something or someone else. This is called redirected aggression. Again, this behavior needs to be discouraged. Be aware though that discipline may be good, but punishment is not. Using punishment to discourage the types of aggressive dog behavior will only make the problem worse by encouraging more aggression.

No matter what the reasons are behind the types of aggressive dog behavior, it is important to discourage your dog from exhibiting the behaviors. Take time to train your dog, which often requires a lot of patience and time, so that you keep your dog healthy, happy, and safe.

 

                 

Stop Dog Aggression
How to stop your dog's aggression before it gets out of hand.

Take Control
Put an end to your dog's aggression towards people & other dogs.

 

 

Dog aggression

Aggressive Case Study Other Dogs Case Study on Dog Food Aggression Dog Aggression Case Study Dog Fear Aggression Case Study Help for people with aggressive dogs How to stop dog food agression How to Stop Your Dog’s Aggression towards People People How to Stop Your Dog’s Aggression towards Other Dogs Reasons for Aggressive Behavior in Dogs Types of Aggressive Dog Behavior What is Dog Fear Aggresssion? And How to Deal with it Top 'Stop Dog Aggression' Guides

Dog barking

Advice for Curbing Dog Bark Problems Dog Barking Case Study Dog Barking Solutions Why Do Dogs Bark How To Stop Dog Barking Guides

Dog biting

Case Study Biting Dogs Dog Bites Heres Some Advice Reasons Why Your Dog Bites Top 'Stop Dog Biting' Guides Reviewed

Dog chewing

Advice About Your Dog Chewing Furniture Chewing Dog Solution How to Stop a Dog From Chewing How to Stop Your Dog Chewing Top 'Cure Dog Chewing' Guides Reviewed

Dog digging

Advice for Owners of Digging Dogs How to Stop Dogs From Digging Top 'Dog Digging' Training Guides Reviewed

Dog jumping

How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping upon People and Other Dogs Jumping Dogs Case Study Jumping Dog Solution Case Study Review of Leading 'Stop Dog Jumping' Guides

Dog training

Dog Aggression Training Methods Dog Training Books Dog Training Essentials Dog Training to Stop Biting Dog Training Jumping Method for Housetraining Your Dog How to Stop Your Dog Pooing in Your Car Training for Aggressive Dogs Case Study Top Dog Training Guides Reviewed

Dog whining

Another Whining Dog Case Study Case Study Advice for People with Whining Dogs How to Deal with a Dog’s Fears How to Stop Your Dog Whining Whining Dog Case Study 'Stop Dog Whining' Guides Reviewed