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There are dogs that growl, bark, bar their teeth and even bite. An aggressive dog can severely test the coexistence between dogs and humans. But why do some dogs become aggressive and others not? And what can you do to prevent aggressive behavior?
Are some dog breeds more dangerous than others?
Are some dog breeds more dangerous than others?
One thing is certain: no dog is born aggressive. Although some dog breeds have a higher protective instinct from birth and others have a lower stimulus threshold, hardly any of them bite for no reason. Dog experts now agree that every dog - regardless of breed - can learn to behave appropriately.
Pit bulls , Rottweilers or Dobermans are therefore no more dangerous per than a Golden Retriever or Labrador, for example . In fact, these breeds are characterized by a fairly high stimulus threshold and a friendly nature. The causes of aggressive behavior are therefore less to be found in the genetic make-up than in the people who raise these dogs.
Your dog's behavior is your responsibility
Your dog's behavior is your responsibility
So it is not the dog who is responsible for its behavior, but the owner. He has to teach his dog what he expects of him and how he has to behave in coexistence with other animals and people, taking into account his mind.
But that doesn't mean that if your dog is aggressive, you should get lost in self-blame. Most dog owners do not act with bad intent, but rather out of uncertainty, ignorance or a misunderstood love of animals.
Sometimes your dog's aggressive behavior is not due to you, but to previous traumatic experiences. This can be the case, for example, if you only rescued your dog from the animal shelter as an adult.
Aggressive Dog: Do I Need Help?
Aggressive Dog: Do I Need Help?
It is important that you recognize the problem and try to reduce your dog's aggression. You must act at the latest when your dog threatens other animals or people dangerously or even bites them!
There are many experts who will support you on this path: dog trainers, dog psychologists or problem dog therapists. Don't be afraid to get this help. Getting help is not a failure or a sign of weakness, but rather an indication of your courage and strength to take responsibility for your dog.
First step: identify the causes
First step: identify the causes
There is also something comforting in the knowledge that an aggressive dog is influenced in its behavior by humans: Just as faulty upbringing promotes aggressive behavior, with the right upbringing you can ensure that an aggressive dog abandons unwanted behavior and becomes sociable Partner.
But what should be done differently in the future? To turn your bully into an obedient family dog, you should research the causes of his aggression. The better you know the reasons for his aggressive behavior, the better you can avoid them. Puppies for sale near me You will then need to adjust how you treat your dog.
Why do dogs become aggressive?
Why do dogs become aggressive?
Dogs don't suddenly become aggressive overnight on some whim. Aggressiveness is always caused by persistent or repetitive negative feelings, usually anger or fear. But pain from an illness can also make the dog weary and lead to aggressive behavior.
Dogs do not become biting beasts because they are belligerent or enjoy intimidating and hurting other animals or people. An aggressive dog is almost always one that is insecure and uncomfortable in a particular situation.
Causes and forms of aggression
Causes and forms of aggression
Isolated rearing, a lack of socialization and upbringing, as well as inappropriate keeping are among the main reasons for dog aggression. However, it is also possible that an aggressive dog has had bad experiences in the past. Traumatic experiences or chronic pain can also trigger anger or fear - and thus aggression.
In reality, the exact causes are unfortunately not always as easy to name as it appears here. It is therefore worthwhile first to see when a dog reacts aggressively: In which situations does it start to growl and bar its teeth? Does he react nervously to the proximity of a conspecific? Does he think he has to defend his protégés? Or is he afraid that someone else might dispute his personal belongings? Depending on the reason, a distinction is made between different forms of aggression in dogs. So there are:
Self-defense: A dog feels uncomfortable with another conspecific or restricted in its freedom.
Protective aggression: Family members need to be protected from enemies.
Competitive aggression: If the dog has a strong bond with an object, such as a food bowl or toy , the dog has to defend it from others or he wants to use it to differentiate himself and secure his status in the pack.
Dogs are not born aggressive. It is therefore important to find out the real causes.
Last but not least, the learning experience that the dog has had with its aggressive behavior plays a decisive role. Was he able to vent his anger or was he praised by his owner for it?
Of course, very few owners would consciously reward their dog if it growls or even bites. Nevertheless, most owners probably try to hold their dog back by telling them soothingly (“Everything is fine, stay calm!”) Or by petting them to calm them down.
However, dogs usually cannot interpret the words of their master, only the tone of voice. Therefore, the dog often realizes that his master pays him loving attention when he growls and barks.
Second step: avoid situations
Second step: avoid situations
Once you've figured out what stimuli trigger your dog's aggressive behavior, it's important to avoid them first. Do not take the aggressive behavior of your dog lightly, because depending on the strength and size of the four-legged friend, it can be dangerous for you and your environment.
For example, if your dog gets extremely upset in the presence of another dog or in a certain environment, try to avoid these situations if possible. First, you need to teach your dog the most important rules of obedience and be confident that he will obey your commands to hear and see. Only then should you start to desensitize him to these aggressive stimuli as part of targeted training.
When should a muzzle be put on?
When should a muzzle be put on?
If your dog is already showing very aggressive behavior and you are anxious or unsure whether your dog will obey your commands, you should muzzle him . Don't worry, this is initially just for security and does not have to be forever. If you have successfully reeducated your rowdy four-legged friend, you can safely do without it.
So that putting on the muzzle does not become a torture, you should first get your dog used to it carefully within your own four walls. For example, put treats in the muzzle so that your dog can only get hold of them if he sticks his mouth in the basket. Take the muzzle off after a few minutes and praise your dog for it - with words and another treat .
Repeat this procedure over and over and always keep the muzzle pulled on a little longer. After a while you can leave out the treat in the muzzle and take a first walk outside with the muzzle. Do not be bothered by the looks of other people, but deal with the situation with confidence and calm. After all, you ensure that your dog cannot hurt anyone.
Aggressive dog: the body language
Aggressive dog: the body language
Serenity and self-confidence are qualities that you should adopt when dealing with your dog and your environment in general. Dogs have an amazing sense of their people's moods.
When your dog realizes that you are insecure and nervous, that feeling will spread to him. He will be insecure and put on "alert" in the appropriate situations. The result of this uncertainty is often that your dog thinks it has to defend it. For the affect-driven animal, attack is sometimes the best defense.
So treat your dog with confidence. Try to get rid of your nervousness in situations in which your dog could become aggressive or, if necessary, to cover it up. Little by little your dog will regain confidence in your competence and learn that he can rely on your judgment.
Third step: re-education in the dog school
Third step: re-education in the dog school
With steps one and two you have taken the "first aid measures" in dealing with your aggressive dog. You have clarified what the causes of his behavior are. You have also made sure that your dog is no longer dangerous.
The next and last step is to get down to business. After all, you will not always be able to avoid critical situations. Your insecure and aggressive dog needs re-education. From this point in time at the latest, it is advisable to seek professional help. Visit the dog school with your dog or a specific coaching with an anti-aggression trainer.
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