Aggressive Dog Behavior 

Aggressive dog behavior in a pet is a serious problem. Fortunately, dogs are not born aggressive. There are many steps on the way before a dog becomes aggressive, so there are many opportunities to mold a puppy’s personality and to deal with any potential problems. There are also lots of signs when there is a developing problem, so you should be able to see if you have a problem in the making and take appropriate action.

Aggressive dog behavior can stem from abuse and/or a lack of proper socialization as a puppy.  That’s why a good early start in life is so important.  Ideally, you should look for a puppy that has had good early experiences with humans and who has already received some socialization.  Although adopting abused and neglected puppies and dogs is popular for many reasons, owners should be aware that these puppies and dogs may need special treatment and training as they grow up to overcome possible problems stemming from their early life.  If they don’t receive the proper training and socialization as they mature, they can develop behavioral problems, including aggressive dog behavior.

It’s a myth that aggressive dog behavior is confined to Bully breeds or breeds used for police work.  There’s a big difference between dogs bred for protection, which are kept under control, and aggressive dog behavior, which is out of control.  Tiny toy breeds can certainly become aggressive dogs, as well as other breeds.  People don’t usually think of toy breeds and smaller dogs as being aggressive because of their size.  When they bite they may not do as much damage as a larger dog.  But any dog can develop problems with aggression, whether it’s a Chihuahua or the sweetest mixed breed.

Aggressive dog behavior may begin in your home with your dog growling at you when you take a toy from him, or if you take his food away.  Many dogs guard resources from other dogs, but it is unacceptable for your dog to growl at you.  Your dog may growl or snap if you try to make him move from the sofa.  These are all signs that you may have the start of a problem.  It’s a short step from these growls and snaps to your dog actually biting you or someone else.  Your dog may begin to assert himself more and more in your home, trying to cow you and other family members.  In situations like these, where your dog is showing dominance, your dog has hijacked the home and put himself at the head of the family.  If you have reason to fear that your dog may bite you, you should contact a professional dog trainer to help you work on your dog’s problems.

There are other kinds of aggression.  Some dogs may act aggressively out of fear, or a mother with pups may act aggressively toward people coming near them.  Many dogs may act aggressively to protect their territory -- if someone comes to the door or even steps on to the property most dogs will make a big, frightening display of barking.  Some take things farther.  A dog may act aggressively toward another dog in the household when he is actually upset with you.  Some kinds of aggression are quite understandable.  Other kinds of aggression are less forgivable.  The dog who bites the vet giving him a shot or the dog who attacks a child in the neighborhood are hardly acceptable.

If your dog is displaying aggressive dog behavior, even the beginnings of it, it’s a good idea to consult a good dog trainer or a canine behavior therapist.  The problem almost always escalates as the dog has more success in getting his way.  Sometimes there is a bad match between a dog’s personality and an owner’s.  A dog may be too dominant for a particular owner, but he could be a great dog for someone else.  Or, the dog may need a lot of re-training.  Whatever the case, aggressive dog behavior should be taken seriously from the earliest signs in order to avoid later tragedies.  Don’t kid yourself that your dog would never bite someone.  All dogs can bite someone under the right -- or wrong -- circumstances.