WHAT CAUSES
DOG AGGRESSION?
The one thing aggressive dogs have in common is that there are almost always warnings signs that come before an attack. Often people don’t recognize the warning signs so they perceive their dogs as suddenly flying off the handle.
However, that’s rarely the case. It can be just milliseconds between a warning and a bite, but dogs rarely bite without giving some type of warning beforehand. Some of these signs are easy to spot, while others are very subtle.
An aggressive response is sometimes provoked by things that a dog perceives as threatening or unpleasant, such as:
Holding the dog back from something he wants
Taking food away
Trimming the dog’s nails
Taking away chew bone, toy or stolen object
Disturbing the dog while she’s sleeping
Physically moving the dog while he’s resting
Hugging or kissing the dog
Bending or reaching over the dog
Manipulating the dog into a submissive posture (a down or a belly-up position)
Lifting or trying to pick up the dog
Grooming, bathing, toweling or wiping the dog’s face
Touching the dog’s ears or feet
Verbally scolding the dog
Jerking or pulling on the dog’s leash, handling her collar or putting on a harness
Threatening the dog with a pointed finger or rolled-up newspaper
Hitting or trying to hit the dog
Going through a door at same time as the dog or bumping into the dog
Dogs learn through cause and effect
Because dogs will respond to a repeatable set of commands if trained properly, at Bullys Behaven we spend a lot of time helping owners to understand how cause and effect work. We will work with you on timing, duration and intensity. All key to effectively correcting or modifying a behavior.For example, dogs will only learn to change their behavior if you address them while they are in the act of doing the behavior. This may sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many dog owners unwittingly undo their dog's training by mistiming corrections and praise.Much like with children, there is never a quick fix, but a lifetime commitment to dedicated consistency. Once you tell us what your problems are, we begin a to build a customized, step-by-step approach to training that leaves you, the owner, both informed and confident enough to continue the process on your own as you share your life with your best friend.
Common sequence of aggressive dog behaviors
Becoming very still and rigid
Guttural bark that sounds threatening
Lunging forward or charging at the person with no contact
Mouthing, as though to move or control the person, without applying significant pressure
“Muzzle punch” (the dog literally punches the person with her nose)
Growling
Showing teeth
Snarling (growling and showing teeth)
Snapping
Quick nip that leaves no mark
Quick bite that tears the skin
Biting with enough pressure to cause a bruise
Biting that causes puncture wounds
Repeated bites in rapid succession
Biting and shaking
All dogs are misunderstood sometimes, and aggressive dogs may be the most misunderstood of them all. Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dogs– and it’s the top reason why pet owners, shelters and rescues seek our help.
The term “aggression” refers to a wide variety of behaviors that occur for many reasons. Our role as behaviorists is to first understand the source before prescribing a plan of action.
A dog who perceives himself as high in status may show aggression toward family members. This is why a dog might be perfectly trustworthy with one adult, but react aggressively toward another adult or children in the family.
It is also one of the primary reasons that a dog who growls or guards should never be underestimated. Far too often seemingly harmless or defensive habits develop into aggressive behavior like snarling, nipping or showing teeth.
