Aggressive Dog Behavior - How to Stop Your Dog Aggression Issues

Aggressive behavior in dogs can be due to several reasons. Often, the trigger is something from the dog's early years that was never extinguished. Other times the difficulty could be an issue of dominance between owner and dog. The thing about aggression in dogs is that it has to be addressed sooner rather than later. Dogs whose owners allow them to behave aggressively over a long period of time could possibly become unsafe.

Where the Tendency toward Aggression Comes From

Aggressive dog behavior can be observed as early as 6 weeks of age. Puppies of this age have come to a critical development phase, one which requires socialization and training to block inappropriate behaviors such as biting human beings. This training time needs to be maintained 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, make sure that your puppy is appropriately socialized with both other dogs and people at least by the time he is 14 weeks old.

Extrapolating this information, this points to some important things. One, a puppy should never be separated from its litter prior to the age of 8 weeks. Second, rough discipline ought to be eschewed during weeks 8 and 10 of life. This stage needs to be characterized by gentle treatment. When you strike, yell, or make use of other harsh 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 the single most critical factor creating aggressive behavior in dogs. Brutal masters, lack of socialization, in addition to poor living conditions all contribute to aggression. If a dog undergoes trauma at the hands of another dog, his risk for developing aggressive behavior rises dramatically.

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.

Eliminating Aggressive Behavior After It Develops

When your dog reaches 14 months old, it has achieved sexual maturity. If after this time, your dog is showing aggressive behaviors, you will need to take matters into your hands as soon as you can. Two essential factors are avoiding rewards for aggressive behavior in your dog and ensuring that you are seen as the pack leader by your dog.

Your dog should be trained to obey your commands. You also need to be in control of the times when your dog is fed and walked. If you allow the dog to become a leader in your home, then your dog will end up being more aggressive. Your dog must not take on the role of the leader of your pack.

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 behaves aggressively, you are faced with a difficult problem. You can be held liable for damage your dog inflicts. Don't worry, this behavior can be controlled and eradicated, even in more mature dogs. If your dog ever expresses violent behaviors, then you have to get professional help immediately. If someone is hurt by your dog, your dog could suffer tough consequences.

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