Aggressive dogs - different types of aggression

SitStayFetch is a professional training system which can help you with your aggressive dog

Remember, if your dog is showing signs of aggression, get professional help! Don't make excuses for them, or assume that the problem will go away. If you have children, it is especially important to get advice.

Dominance aggression

Dominant behavior is the most common cause of problems for dog owners, and often leads to biting.

This kind of aggression is often a challenge to your authority: your dog is challenging your position as "leader of the pack" and you will have to show him that you are the boss. Do not hit him or use other physical punishment to do this. You can give him the same message with your posture, your voice and your facial expressions. Read more about dog dominance behavior here. Continued ...

You can also use "time out" for this type of aggression. Use a lead to remove your dog from the family for a minute or two (not long periods of time) and isolate him. Often, ignoring your dog can remind him of his position in the family - but you will need co-operation from the rest of the family (including the children, who may not understand the importance of this!)

Stop acknowledging the dog. If he wants attention, he has to come to you - and you will ignore him until you have decided that he has behaved well enough to receive your attention.

Keep the dog out of your bedroom and off chairs and sofas. Make sure your family enforces these rules too (but don't allow children to pull the dog off the sofa - this might lead to trouble).

Dominance aggression is a serious problem. You have to control it totally, or you may have a very serious problem on your hands.

Maternal aggression

Some bitches show a tendency towards maternal aggression after having a litter - and can be very protective indeed towards their young. Early socialisation with lots of different people may help. Get advice.

Male to male aggression

If you have a male dog, you will almost certainly have an aggressive encounter or two! If you see or anticipate aggressive behaviour, try to avoid the situation: if you are out walking with your dog, move away quickly and keep the dogs apart if possible. Give plenty of attention to your dog so that they concentrate on you instead of the other male dog.

Sex-related aggression

Caused by sex hormones, and cured by neutering.

Fear aggression

A dog will bite if he is scared and can't run away. Often the problem can be traced to early training. If a puppy seems particularly shy, hides behind you when meeting new people, runs away, or rolls over into a submissive position, these can all be signs that the grown dog may become aggressive. You will need to give extra attention to build up the puppy's self-confidence. Get advice!

Illness-related aggression

Recent research suggests that underactive thyroid glands and brain tumours can lead to aggression in dogs. And any dog with a less serious illness is likely to be grumpy, so should be treated carefully until he is feeling better.