| As a dog owner, the most serious behavior you will | | | | influence puppy aggression. |
| need to deal with is puppy aggression. The level of | | | | Something else to keep in mind... All dogs are unique |
| aggression in puppies and dogs depends on two | | | | and have their own personalities. Some dogs are born |
| factors - genetics and environment. As a result, some | | | | to be "leaders" and will use their aggression to |
| dogs, even with training, will remain higher risk than | | | | maintain that "alpha dog" status with other dogs AND |
| others. | | | | humans. |
| Dog aggression is a serious matter, especially if you | | | | Types of Aggression |
| have small children. If you do, obtain an expert | | | | Aggression is aggression. |
| opinion to find out if it's safe to keep your | | | | Right? |
| aggressive puppy around them. Talk to a professional | | | | Well, yes and no. |
| dog trainer, a dog behaviorist, even your veterinarian. | | | | Just like there are several causes of aggression, |
| Let's get back to the subject of dealing with puppy | | | | there are also several types of dog and puppy |
| aggression... | | | | aggression. To effectively treat your puppy's |
| You are probably asking now: "But how do I know if | | | | aggressiveness, you need to understand the type of |
| I have an overly aggressive dog?" | | | | aggression your puppy is exhibiting. |
| Here are some... | | | | Here are some examples... |
| Symptoms of Puppy Aggression | | | | - Defensive aggression |
| Take a look at the following list of dog behaviors... | | | | - Territorial aggression |
| - Biting and Snapping | | | | - Dominant aggression |
| - Growling | | | | - Gender aggression (Ex.: male vs. female) |
| - Excessive barking | | | | Here is a word of caution regarding defensive |
| - Raised fur along the back of the neck and the ridge | | | | aggression. Some puppies exhibit aggressive behavior |
| of the spine | | | | when they are fearful. But just because a puppy is |
| Do you recognize several of the above behaviors? | | | | fearful, don't assume he is not dangerous. More than |
| Are they more than isolated instances? | | | | half of all dog bites are caused by frightened dogs. |
| If you answered "YES", chances are that you have | | | | Dominant puppy aggression is probably the most |
| an aggressive puppy or dog. | | | | dangerous and difficult to treat because you will be |
| What are the Causes of Puppy Aggression? | | | | trying to change your puppy's innate desire to "lead". |
| First and foremost, genetics play a major role in | | | | The approach to puppy aggression training will |
| puppy and dog aggression. | | | | depend on the type of aggression your puppy is |
| Breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers and | | | | exhibiting. But in general, any puppy aggression |
| Pit Bull Terriers are good examples. They are more | | | | training should also include some form of puppy |
| aggressive than Golden and Labrador Retrievers | | | | socialization training. |
| because they were bred to be more aggressive. | | | | To successfully treat puppy aggression, try to be |
| Another very important factor that influences dog | | | | proactive. Act at the first sign of aggression. Like |
| aggression is an environment. | | | | with any negative behavior, it's a lot easier to |
| Factors such as living conditions and surroundings, | | | | prevent it from becoming a way of life than to treat |
| physical punishment and the amount of socialization | | | | it after it sets in. Good luck! |
| training that your puppy had received can and will | | | | |