Read About Dog Aggression

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Why Some Dogs are More Aggressive Than Others

Some dogs, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers are generally bred to be somewhat aggressive. Along with that, male dogs tend to be more aggressive than female dogs of the same breed. Others are the product of inbreeding, which can result in erratic temperaments.

Environment also plays a role in dog aggression. Aggressive behavior can surface when a dog is protecting something, such as a Puppy, litter of puppies or an owner's property. Poor socialization will oftentimes cause a dog to be easily spooked and thus aggressive and overly territorial. Abuse such as teasing, physical abuse, or simply ignoring the dog can also lead to aggressive and protecting behaviors.

Signs of Dog Aggression include the following:

  1. Growling
  2. Hostile barking
  3. Ear dropping and flattening
  4. Slow, guarded, and stiff movements

Addressing Aggressive Behavior

Excessive aggression in a dog should be dealt with early on. This means that a dog should be corrected at the first sign of a growl when someone walks near its food dish. While dogs are innately dominant, hostile behavior should not be tolerated. A dog should never be allowed to show inappropriate behavior when you're trying to train them.

Proper socialization of a dog can help eliminate most aggressive tendencies. This is a result of instilling your dog with confidence and security in both its owner and surroundings. Introducing your dog to new and unfamiliar people, places, and animals will equip him or her to deal with unexpected situations in an appropriate manner.

Testing can also be done by the breeder to predict the likelihood of aggressive tendencies. These tests assess the social aptitude and level of dominance a puppy displays early in life.

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The Importance of Temperament

When adopting a dog, pay particular attention to their temperament. Choose a dog with a temperament that matches your needs and expectations. You shouldn't chose an aggressive or overly assertive dog if you are looking for a child-friendly animal, for example, just as you shouldn't adopt a high-strung dog if you enjoy living a quiet and slow-paced lifestyle.

If your dog unexpectedly begins to act aggressively, and there aren't obvious reasons for it, check with your veterinarian right away. A sudden change in temperament may be traced back to a developing medical condition, and time is critical. If your veterinarian has ruled out any physical problems, seek the help of a professional trainer to help you control your dog's aggressive behavior.

Encourage your dog to enjoy the company of other people and animals. Teaching your dog to be friendly in all situations will allow you peace of mind no matter where you take him or who you're with.