| Aggressive Dog Behavior | | | | and German Shepherd dogs spring to the defence of |
| Aggressive dog attacks, whether against people or | | | | their pets, stressing how loving, reliable and |
| other dogs, can be one of the worst problems of | | | | trustworthy they are. When properly trained, |
| dog ownership. Dog aggression is a common behavior | | | | socialized and integrated with family, friends and |
| and comes from the fact that the dog is a pack | | | | other dogs, this is usually true. However, these |
| animal and its normal instinct is to compete, right | | | | breeds have been bred and used for many years |
| from the time it is born. | | | | with the express purpose of guarding and protecting |
| It has to compete for food ( even from the very | | | | property, family and livestock. This strong protective |
| early days when it is suckling from the mother), it | | | | instinct is in their genes and is thus more likely to |
| has to compete for status and for respect. When | | | | result in aggressive behavior. |
| the dog joins a human family, he still thinks of it as a | | | | These breeds suffer from two further disadvantages |
| pack and will try to establish his position in the that | | | | with regard to their reputation for aggression |
| hierarchy. If the dog is allowed, or even encouraged | | | | towards people and other dogs. Because of the jobs |
| to believe that he is the Alpha Dog, then you have | | | | they were originally bred for, they are large, strong |
| Trouble! | | | | and athletic dogs, so when attacks do occur, the |
| In most cases, this is the fault of the owner, | | | | damage they inflict is serious. More small children are |
| especially if the dog is aquired as a puppy. A puppy | | | | killed by these dogs than by all other breeds |
| can't dominate its owner or the household, it is only if | | | | combined. The public perception being what it is, |
| dangerous and aggressive behavior is tolerated or | | | | people frequently give the wrong signals to these |
| even encouraged during adolescence that you end up | | | | breeds, with their body language exhibiting signs of |
| with aggression in the adult dog. Your dog must | | | | fear and submissiveness. |
| Respect You, Trust You and Love you -- in that | | | | It is important to note that dogs that display |
| order! | | | | dog-aggressive behaviour do not necessarily show |
| Reasons for Dog Aggression. | | | | aggressive behaviour towards humans. The two |
| It is most important to understand that there are | | | | types of aggression are not necessarily related, and |
| several different reasons for dog aggression. It can | | | | do not always occur in the same animal. |
| be difficult to determine what the real reason is. One | | | | Aggression over Food |
| of the most misunderstood is aggression due to fear | | | | Remember the wolf pack in the wild. The alpha male |
| or anxiety. The dog is not looking for trouble, he | | | | and female get first servings and the rest of the |
| feels he is defending himself against some perceived | | | | pack compete for what they can get. It is ingrained |
| threat or danger. | | | | in the dog's nature that he has to be protective of |
| The dog may be exhibiting territorial aggression. This | | | | his food and show a certain amount of aggression, |
| is more common in certain breeds, which have been | | | | otherwise he will starve. |
| bred as guard dogs or herding dogs over centuries | | | | Even in the normal domestic situation, food is |
| and have a strong genetic instinct to protect their | | | | important to your dog. Mealtimes are one of the |
| territory and their family. | | | | highlights of his day. This is a double-edged situation. |
| Mistreatment or abuse by previous owners may be a | | | | It is your ideal opportunity to show your dog who is |
| factor in the case of an adult dog, adopted from a | | | | The Boss. He can't use a can opener, he can't |
| Rescue Center. Such dogs need a careful balance of | | | | operate the microwave, he can't draw a bowl of |
| kindness and discipline. You must definitely be the | | | | water. He is totally dependent on you for his food |
| Alpha Dog in this situation (as in every other | | | | (and all other needs). |
| situation). | | | | At mealtimes, insist that he sits or lies down a few |
| Where a normally placid dog suddenly becomes | | | | feet away. If he won't do it, put the food away and |
| aggressive, this may be due to a painful medical | | | | leave him. It won't take long for him to get the |
| condition or ailment and the dog is nervous of | | | | message - the food comes along, only when he he |
| increased pain if handled or upset. Vetinary advice is | | | | sits and waits for it. Ideally, this routine should be |
| essential if pain or illness is suspected as the cause of | | | | practised when the dog is a puppy, so it will be |
| the unusual, dangerous behavior. | | | | normal behavior when he grows up. If your dog is |
| Overly Aggressive Dog Breeds. | | | | already adult and aggressive, then there is all the |
| The subject of the most aggressive dog breeds | | | | more reason to implement this method of gaining |
| causes much controversy and vociferous debate. | | | | control. |
| Owners of Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bull terriers | | | | |