With nearly 52 million dog bites occurring in the United States alone each year, it’s no wonder more people are tackling the issue of training an aggressive dog. Here are some startling facts regarding this significant canine behavioral problem.
- Approximately half of all the claims on homeowner’s insurance are due to dog bites.
- 90% of people bitten by dogs knew the dog.
- Almost 70% of dog bites happen to the elderly or to children.
- Boys are bitten by aggressive dogs more often than girls.
- Male dogs are responsible for 8 out of 10 dog bites.
- Un-neutered males dogs account for 6 out 10 bites.
While from birth, most dogs inherit are some level of aggressive tendencies, some breeds are known for being a bit more domineering than others. Some of these breeds include Rottweilers, Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Old English Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, and Jack Russell terriers.
When training any type of aggressive dog, it’s helpful to understand the different kinds of aggression and the reasons behind them. Many dogs will exhibit more than one type of aggressive behavior. Click here for more information.
The Outward Signs of Dog Aggression Include:
growling, snarling, snapping, biting, and baring the teeth.
Acceptable Aggression
Parental aggression, the protective way a mother dog acts near her pups, is usually an acceptable type of dog behavior, as well as the type of aggression displayed between canine siblings.
Dominance Based Aggression
A dog who exhibits dominance based aggression thinks that he or she is the alpha of your “pack” and must be taught otherwise immediately. It’s imperative to learn to recognize your dog’s warning signs and how to decipher their body language in order to control and stop the bad behavior before it starts.
Fear-based aggression
The term “fear biter” essentially refers to a dog that is afraid of strangers and also has anxiety problems or a weak temperament. These dogs learn early on that if a stranger approaches and they growl, they will be left alone. Eventually this turns into the type of dog that will bite someone out of fear rather than because of pure aggression.
Training dogs who are aggressive and fearful takes plenty of patience and perseverance, as well as an understanding that fear biters are almost always the product of bad breeding and poor socialization rather than the fault of the dog.
Territorial and Possessive Based Aggression
This type of aggressive behavior is actually a display of dominance when the dog views the house or even a person as his possession. Aggressive behavior toward mail carriers is a perfect example of territorial aggression. Many people mistakenly think it’s the uniform or the mailbag that sets the dog off, when really it’s simply the fact that a stranger has appeared in the dog’s territory. The dog believes it’s his barking that causes the person to retreat. The more aggressively he barks, the faster the intruder appears to leave.
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Training an aggressive dog with territorial or possessive issues requires that you immediately establish yourself as the pack leader. While most people like the idea of their dog guarding their home or protecting family members, there’s a fine line between protection and aggression that mustn’t be crossed. A guard dog must also be properly taught how to be an obedient dog that follows their owner’s lead instead of thinking they are in control of every situation.
Never severely punish your dog for their aggressive behavior. Punishment causes the dog to fear you and may be seen as a challenge to their dominance. This can actually increase their aggressiveness. Instead, learn training techniques that emphasize positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior.
Always take precautions when training an aggressive dog. Be sure training takes place with no distractions and that your dog is properly confined or on a leash. If you are fearful that your dog may bite you or someone else, consider having them wear a muzzle until the aggressive behavior is under control.
Consult with your veterinarian. There may be underlying medical issues behind your dog’s aggressive tendencies. Since Hormones can be the cause for some behavioral problems, ask your vet about the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet.
In severe cases of dog aggressiveness, it’s wise to consult with a veterinarian, an animal trainer or a dog behaviorist. They will be able to tell whether or not a dog can be safely rehabilitated and how to formulate an effective training program.
Never underestimate how great a dog owner’s influence can be on their dog’s behavior. Almost any type of dog aggression can be reduced or even eliminated over time as long as the dog’s owner takes a consistently active role in correcting the problem.
by Tom Zinovia
