Canine Aggressivity

Aggressive behavior such as growling and biting are can be seen in all breeds, be the animal a Cocker, a Pit bull, or even one of the small breeds like Chihuahuas. It is very difficult to correct aggressive behavior and it takes a huge effort and above all, lots of patience. First it must be determined whether or not the aggressive behavior is caused by fear or if it is tied to the animal’s naturally dominant personality. This step is necessary because the treatment will vary depending on the cause. It may be difficult to try to resolve the problem without the help of a veterinarian. That is why we recommend that you seek the help of a vet.  

Dominance-related aggressivity (hierarchical aggressivity) is frequent. Dogs which show this type of dominance tend to stiffen their ears and push forward when they look at other animals. They keep their head up and they take on a rigid posture with the tail held up horizontally. This body language contrasts with that of a tamed dog which tends to avoid eye contact, to lower the head and tail, to drop its ears, and to crouch down.

The problem begins when humans misinterpret the signs of dominance displayed by the animal. For example, if a child stares at a dog as a sign of affection, the dog may interpret this attitude to be a sign of dominance or aggression on the part of the child. The animal may react by becoming aggressive and biting the child.

Hierarchical aggressivity can develop in individual canines of any breed, of either sex, and at any age.  However, uncastrated males are the most aggressive, and usually pure breeds show more agressivity than crossbreeds.

It is hard to correct hierarchical canine aggressivity, not only for the owner with intermediate knowledge of dog training, but for professional trainers as well.  A veterinarian can help you take on an obedience program or recommend a specialist in canine behavior modification. In order to fully correct the aggressiveness, you must:

1. Start out by avoiding situations that rouse aggressivity.
   
2. Avoid punishment (pain only worsens aggressivity). For example, by forcing a dog to crouch down would only exacerbate the situation.
   
3. Apply desensitizing techniques. One example would be to gradually introduce the dog to new situations.
   
4. Get the dog used to the owner’s signs of dominance, for example, taking away his food dish or staring at him.
   
5. Make the dog obey orders before rewarding him (playing with him or petting him or her).
   

Use different counter-conditioning techniques.Since most dogs with hierarchical aggressive behavior are uncastrated males, castration may also be useful.