Dogs naturally communicate through visual and vocal behaviors.
But when your dog communicates through aggression,
can it be managed or cured?
In our last blog, we explored what it means when a dog growls and how it doesn’t always mean aggression. But K9 aggression is a natural behavior for your dog.
K9 aggression does not always mean a “bad dog” that needs to be given up or euthanized. But it is a serious problem requiring immediate and professional intervention.
First, let us look at what K9 aggression means.
K9 Aggression: What It Is
While aggression is a natural social K9 behavior, it is also the most serious and misunderstood K9 behavior. Sadly, many dogs are given up because of aggressive behaviors many owners feel ill-prepared to handle. Aggression involves behaviors that usually begin as warnings escalating to bites or attacks on perceived threats.
What Does K9 Aggression Look Like?
K9 Aggression: Can It Be Managed or Cured?
K9 aggression ranges from appropriate (depending on the situation) to being abnormal. When the aggression escalates to inappropriate behavior, it’s time for an expert behaviorist for managing and redirecting any aggressive behaviors to positive and socially acceptable behaviors.
With early and proper intervention, types and frequencies of aggressive behavior can be reduced and even eliminated.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all “cure” for an aggressive. Each dog needs to be handled by an experienced behaviorist to diagnose, design and implement the best course of action to give an aggressive dog the best chance at rehabilitation.
K9 aggression does not improve on its own and with enough time, an aggressive dog may reach the point of “no return” making rehabilitation difficult (even unreliable) when it comes to permanently changing embedded aggressive behaviors.
Managing and resolving K9 aggression involves retraining, redirecting and behavior modification. Reestablishing your position as a strong pack leader will also be critical to stop dogs from resorting to instinctual forms of aggression.
The critical first step is to address any signs of K9 aggression as early as possible.
K9 Aggression: What Type of Aggression Is It?
First, have your dog definitively diagnosed by a professional with the type of aggression they are displaying. If the aggression is based on pain, a medical condition or health complication, work with your veterinarian to resolve it first.
Next, let us explore other reasons behind K9 aggression.
K9 Aggression: The Reasons Behind the Why
There are a variety of reasons why a dog shows aggression. Understanding aggressive behavior by these classifications helps reveal the motivation behind the aggression. Classifications of K9 aggression include (but are not limited to):
- Territorial
- Protective
- Possessive
- Fear
- Defensive
- Social
- Frustration-Elicited
- Redirected
- Pain-Elicited
- Sex-Related
- Predatory
Learn about each of these types of aggression here.
Once the type of aggression has been diagnosed, the behaviorist can identify the triggers behind the specific K9 aggressive behavior and design a plan of action.
K9 Aggression: Do Not Give Up on Your Dog!
As your dog’s guardian, do your best to resolve any aggression issues with the help of an expert dog behaviorist. Do not go it alone as misguided or misapplied efforts could worsen overall aggression. Since K9 aggression is a complex and dangerous behavioral problem, leave it to the experts to work with you through the process of diagnosis, management, positive reinforcement and resolution.
Does your dog show aggressive tendencies?
Don’t wait for something to happen!
Steve Mark is an expert when it comes to working with aggressive or out-of-control dogs!
Ignoring signs of K9 aggression is a recipe for disaster for you and your dog.
Call 480-382-0144 or
send us an email to schedule.
Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona.
Additional Reading:
ASPCA: Aggression
VCA Hospitals: Dog Behavior Problems – Aggression Diagnosis and Overview
Petcube: Aggression in Dogs: What is it and How to Stop It
CesarsWay: Understanding Dog Aggression
Image Credits (Shown in Order of Appearance):
Nicholas Demetriades from Pixabay
