Aggressive Dog Behavior - How To Stop Your Dog Aggressions

Aggressive behavior in dogs can be due to several factors. Often, the trigger is something from the dog's past that was never addressed. Other times the difficulty might be an issue of dominance between owner and dog. The thing about aggressiveness in dogs is that it needs to be addressed immediately. Dogs who are allowed to behave aggressively over a long period of time might very well become unsafe.

Where the Tendency toward Aggression Comes From

Aggressive behavior in dogs can be exhibited as early as 6 weeks of age. Puppies of this age are at a critical development point, one which requires socialization and training to prevent inappropriate behaviors such as biting human beings. This training stage ought to continue for a minimum of 8 weeks, but can continue on. The bottom line is that in order to prevent future aggressive behavior in your dog, be certain that your puppy is properly socialized with both other dogs and people at least by the time he is 14 weeks old.

Extrapolating this information, this points to a number of things. One, a puppy should never be exited from its litter prior to the age of 8 weeks. The second thing to keep in mind is that rough discipline ought to be eschewed during weeks 8 and 10 of life. This period should be marked by gentle treatment. When you strike, yell, or use other extreme consequences in puppies, you are encouraging and creating aggressive behavior in your dog.

Dog behavior that is aggressive can be triggered by a number of different things. Of course a dog's genetics and heredity figure prominently. We understand that particular breeds are apt to be more aggressive than other breeds. But we need to also realize that exceptions factor into to this as well. Aggressive behavior has a propensity to form alongside neutering and spaying.

Environment is viewed as the single most dominant factor creating aggressive behavior in dogs. Harsh masters, lack of socialization, and poor living conditions all contribute to aggression. If a dog experiences trauma at the hands of another dog, his risk for developing aggressive behavior rises considerably.

Often, aggression grows from the group dynamics that exist inside a pack of dogs. Aggressive behaviors can be committed to construct a pecking order. Posturing as well as biting are often behaviors used to establish dominance. If you need to get the upper hand on a dog's behavior as early as possible, then establish dominance early and be consistent.

Stopping Aggressive Behavior Once It Begins

When your dog has grown to 14 months old, it has gained sexual maturity. If after this time, your dog is showing aggressive behaviors, you will have to take matters into your hands quickly. Two essential factors are not rewarding for aggressive behavior in your dog and being certain that you are seen as the pack leader by your dog.

Your dog should be taught to accept your commands. You also need to be in control of feeding and walking times. If you let the dog to become a leader in your home, then your dog will more often than not be more aggressive. Your dog cannot take on the role of pack leader.

Oftentimes, dogs exhibit aggression in order to defend themselves. Put another way, fear aggravates their aggression. Generally, this is a function of improper socialization. Small children are frequently perceived as threatening by dogs. Thus, keep to a minimum your canine's exposure to young children. You can also get the aid of a trainer, behaviorist, or training sessions that can help shift your dog to social situations.

When your dog is aggressive, you are faced with a big problem. You may be held liable for the harm your dog inflicts. However, this behavior can be controlled and eradicated, even in dogs that are older. If your dog ever exhibits violent behaviors, then you must get professional help without delay. If it attacks someone, your dog could face grim consequences.


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