|
By J. E. Davidson
Dogs have a natural instinct for aggressive behavior.
Growling, biting, snapping, nipping and lunging are normal dog behavior, but
it is not acceptable for pets who are companion animals. The safety and of
humans and other pets should have first priority, and dogs who exhibit
aggression should be taught to behave appropriately.
Aggression is a common problem and the first step toward solving the problem
is to consult your veterinarian. Pain or other underlying physical
conditions may cause a usually docile dog to snap or bite. A dog who has a
sore limb due to arthritis might snarl at a child who inadvertently causes
pain. Hypothyroidism, a low level of the thyroid hormone, can cause a dog to
become anxious. Medical treatment may alleviate the condition and return the
dog to his mellow self. If medical problems are ruled out the vet may refer
you to a behaviorist who will evaluate your dog’s behavior and develop a
plan to moderate the behavior.
There are many reasons a dog may become aggressive. Some breeds are
genetically predisposed for aggressive behavior. Early life experiences,
hormonal surges, gender, physiological state, and external stimuli can all
play a role in creating an aggressive personality. Unfortunately some owners
actually encourage aggressive behavior in their dogs, perhaps to compensate
for their own inadequacies.
The owner should keep a journal of the dog’s behavior when he shows
aggression. Knowing what appears to cause the behavior, how often it occurs,
who the behavior is directed toward and the specific behavior (growling,
biting, snapping) will help the behaviorist determine the dog’s motivation
and pattern of behavior. Videotaping the incidents may be helpful. Many dogs
who aggressively protect their territory may not exhibit such behavior at
the vet’s office or when with the behaviorist.
Dominance-related aggression is the most common type. Dogs are pack animals,
and they are not democratic! Dogs have their own social rules and
established hierarchy within the pack. Household dogs consider the family
their pack and may direct their aggression toward family members and other
pets. Dogs usually accept adults as their pack leader but may consider
children “litter mates” and try to dominate them.
Owning two or more dogs who are similar in breed, age, size, and gender
(such as brothers from the same litter) can cause aggression that is similar
to “sibling rivalry.” Competing for attention and their place in the family
“pack” can cause them to fight among themselves.
Adult males in the same household will often fight for dominance or
territory, but two females may fight as well. Dogs of opposite gender will
get along much better in the same household. It may be necessary to keep
same-sex dogs separated. Owners may unwittingly add to the problem by coming
to the defense of the subordinate dog. This encourages the subordinate dog
to be bold enough to challenge the alpha dog. Support the alpha dog’s
position in the “pack” by feeding him first, greeting him first, or letting
him out the door first. This isn’t our human idea of “fairness” but it is
one dogs will understand.
In multiple dog households, feed dogs separately if they tend to fight over
food. Never step in to separate dogs who are fighting. Distract them with a
loud noise, a spray of water, or a blanket thrown over them. Exert your
authority as leader of the pack and calmly but firmly intervene when you can
tell a fight is about to start. Give them the message, as you would your own
children, that you don’t care who started it, just knock it off!
Territorial aggression is directed toward people or animals who are not part
of the family. Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their territory,
owners, and family members. Many people own dogs for the security and
protection they offer, but overly aggressive dogs may harm visitors or
prevent emergency medical personnel from administering aid not to mention
the scare they can give the poor mailman! Prevent such territorial behavior
by properly socializing your new puppy so he doesn’t view strangers and
other animals as a threat.
Aggression may also be fear-induced. Some dogs are just naturally more
anxious and jumpy. Loud noises and noisy, active children may upset them.
Fearful dogs may also be created by owners who treat them harshly,
physically punish them, crate them inappropriately, or by other adverse life
experiences. When approached a fearful dog will fold his ears back, tuck his
tail, and try to escape. If escape isn’t possible (being chained up or
cornered) he is very likely to bite.
Fearful dogs may be treated with anti anxiety medication or desensitization
therapy. A dog who is afraid of strangers may be taken out to the park on a
leash on several occasions. Gradually bring the dog closer to strangers, but
never close enough to cause an extreme reaction. Don’t reassure the dog when
he acts fearful; this only reinforces the behavior. Ignore such behavior and
praise him when he acts with confidence.
Maternal aggression occurs when the litter of a mother dog is approached.
This is an understandable protective instinct and doesn’t necessarily need
treatment, unless the mother is overly aggressive. She’s doing what nature
intends by protecting her young. Teach the kids to respect this maternal
instinct and leave those cute puppies alone!
Females experiencing false pregnancy may also become snappish. In the case
of aggression caused by hormonal surges, spaying or neutering may reduce the
problem.
Aggression may be redirected from one source to another. A dominant dog who
is barking out the window at a cat in the yard and is pulled away by the owner may
direct his aggression at another dog in the household.
Take steps to ensure the safety of your family, friends and visitors until you
are able to get treatment for your dog. A comfortable basket-style muzzle that
allows the dog to drink and eat but not bite may be necessary. Never allow
children to be with the dog without supervision, or keep the dog in a separate
room. Teach children to treat dogs with respect, to never tease or hurt them,
and to leave dogs alone when they are eating, sleeping, or chewing on a bone or
toy.
Keep the dog on a leash at all times. In the house the dog should wear a buckle
collar with a thin nylon lead attached that the dog can drag around. This will
give you a measure of control without handling the dog and risking your own
safety. A head collar will give even better control. Do not physically punish a
dog at any time. This creates a fearful dog who mistrusts humans and worsens the
aggressive behavior.
Recognize situations that create aggression and when you feel such a situation
may arise interrupt with a distraction such as an incompatible command
(“down-stay”), play time, or a food treat. Adequate exercise and obedience
training can help control a dog’s natural tendency toward aggressive behavior.
Treatment and behavior therapy may reduce the severity and frequency of the
aggressive behavior but will probably not eliminate it altogether. The behavior
may seem to be modified and then return. The owner must consider the safety of
himself, his family, other pets and people the dog may encounter. Dogs who pose
a serious threat to the safety of others may need to be put down.
|
