Biting the Hands that Feed You
Aggression is one of the most wide-spread problems among companion animals. Nothing is quite as frightening as a very angry animal lunging at you. Unfortunately, an aggressive dog these days is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
If you find that you have an aggressive dog on your hands, the very first thing you need to do, is visit your veterinarian to rule out any physical causes. Any dog in pain or discomfort may lash out and just be generally mean and irritable.
You'll need to determine that he is physically sound before doing anything else.
Obedience training is essential to a dog, both for the ever important socialization, and to prevent aggression from occurring. Prevention is the key, especially since correcting bad behavior is ten times as hard once the behavior is established.
Aggression is caused by many things, and often identifying the cause is the key to correcting the problem. Recognize your dog's problem, so that you can get him help, before it is too late.
Dog Aggression - General Aggression, to you or other dogs. Chained Reaction - Fear and Territorial Aggression together make chaining a dog up a bad idea. Possession Aggression - When sharing is a foreign concept. There are lots of different types of dog aggression, aside from the three mentioned above.
Cage Rage
Cage Rage is often seen in neglect situations, or, more accurately, in puppy mill dogs. After spending months, perhaps years in a cage by yourself, or even with others, these dogs begin to see the cage as their territory, defending it when necessary.
Even worse, a caged dog is a trapped and cornered dog. In a confrontational situation, the dog no longer has the "flight" option, and "fight" is all that is left.
In shelter dogs too, you may see the beginnings of Cage Rage. Perhaps not Aggression, but rather an unruly hyperactivity that will put off a lot of potential adopters, who may think that the dog will be like that normally. Often this is just a temporary thing, resolving itself as the dog has a little more freedom, and is no longer staring at bars all day.
Dominance Aggression happens when members of the pack, be they dog to dog, or dog to human, struggle for the top position in the pack hierarchy.
As the dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold that leadership position. If your position is not secure, you may find yourself being walked all over by your pet, and it can cause numerous problems down the road.
If you find yourself locked into battle with your dog, there are a few things you should start doing immediately. Obedience Classes.
Put yourself first. Be first through the doors, first up the stairs, do not let him decide when to be pet, ignore his pushy nose, and be first in a vehicle. Do not let him up on a bed, do not place yourself in a position under him (on a piece of furniture, on stairs) height is a leadership position. Do not attempt an alpha roll, this method is outdated and will only add to aggression.
Make him work for it. If he is hungry, make him sit. If he wants his water, make him sit, a treat? Make him beg, or "sit pretty", or do a trick for it. Make him sit before opening a door.
Remember : Aggression breeds aggression. Punishment will invariably make the problem worse. If need be, seek professional help.
Introduction to Canine Mental Health
Do Dogs Get Depression?
When Anxiety Attacks[]
Seperation Anxiety Social Anxiety Noise Anxiety
Biting the Hands That Feed You
Dog Aggression Chained Reaction Possession Aggression
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors
Physical Issues
Aggression is one of the most wide-spread problems among companion animals. Nothing is quite as frightening as a very angry animal lunging at you. Unfortunately, an aggressive dog these days is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
If you find that you have an aggressive dog on your hands, the very first thing you need to do, is visit your veterinarian to rule out any physical causes. Any dog in pain or discomfort may lash out and just be generally mean and irritable. You'll need to determine that he is physically sound before doing anything else.
Obedience training is essential to a dog, both for the ever important socialization, and to prevent aggression from occurring. Prevention is the key, especially since correcting bad behavior is ten times as hard once the behavior is established.
Aggression is caused by many things, and often identifying the cause is the key to correcting the problem. Recognize your dog's problem, so that you can get him help, before it is too late.
Dog Aggression - General Aggression, to you or other dogs. Chained Reaction - Fear and Territorial Aggression together make chaining a dog up a bad idea. Possession Aggression - When sharing is a foreign concept. There are lots of different types of dog aggression, aside from the three mentioned above.
Cage Rage
Cage Rage is often seen in neglect situations, or, more accurately, in puppy mill dogs. After spending months, perhaps years in a cage by yourself, or even with others, these dogs begin to see the cage as their territory, defending it when necessary. Even worse, a caged dog is a trapped and cornered dog. In a confrontational situation, the dog no longer has the "flight" option, and "fight" is all that is left.
In shelter dogs too, you may see the beginnings of Cage Rage. Perhaps not Aggression, but rather an unruly hyperactivity that will put off a lot of potential adopters, who may think that the dog will be like that normally. Often this is just a temporary thing, resolving itself as the dog has a little more freedom, and is no longer staring at bars all day.
Dominance Aggression happens when members of the pack, be they dog to dog, or dog to human, struggle for the top position in the pack hierarchy.
As the dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold that leadership position. If your position is not secure, you may find yourself being walked all over by your pet, and it can cause numerous problems down the road.
If you find yourself locked into battle with your dog, there are a few things you should start doing immediately. Obedience Classes.
Put yourself first. Be first through the doors, first up the stairs, do not let him decide when to be pet, ignore his pushy nose, and be first in a vehicle. Do not let him up on a bed, do not place yourself in a position under him (on a piece of furniture, on stairs) height is a leadership position. Do not attempt an alpha roll, this method is outdated and will only add to aggression.
Make him work for it. If he is hungry, make him sit. If he wants his water, make him sit, a treat? Make him beg, or "sit pretty", or do a trick for it. Make him sit before opening a door.
Remember : Aggression breeds aggression. Punishment will invariably make the problem worse. If need be, seek professional help.
Introduction to Canine Mental Health
Do Dogs Get Depression?
When Anxiety Attacks[]
Seperation Anxiety Social Anxiety Noise Anxiety
Biting the Hands That Feed You
Dog Aggression Chained Reaction Possession Aggression
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors
Physical Issues
If you find that you have an aggressive dog on your hands, the very first thing you need to do, is visit your veterinarian to rule out any physical causes. Any dog in pain or discomfort may lash out and just be generally mean and irritable.
You'll need to determine that he is physically sound before doing anything else.
Obedience training is essential to a dog, both for the ever important socialization, and to prevent aggression from occurring. Prevention is the key, especially since correcting bad behavior is ten times as hard once the behavior is established.
Aggression is caused by many things, and often identifying the cause is the key to correcting the problem. Recognize your dog's problem, so that you can get him help, before it is too late.
Cage Rage
Cage Rage is often seen in neglect situations, or, more accurately, in puppy mill dogs. After spending months, perhaps years in a cage by yourself, or even with others, these dogs begin to see the cage as their territory, defending it when necessary.
Even worse, a caged dog is a trapped and cornered dog. In a confrontational situation, the dog no longer has the "flight" option, and "fight" is all that is left.
In shelter dogs too, you may see the beginnings of Cage Rage. Perhaps not Aggression, but rather an unruly hyperactivity that will put off a lot of potential adopters, who may think that the dog will be like that normally. Often this is just a temporary thing, resolving itself as the dog has a little more freedom, and is no longer staring at bars all day.
Dominance Aggression happens when members of the pack, be they dog to dog, or dog to human, struggle for the top position in the pack hierarchy.
As the dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold that leadership position. If your position is not secure, you may find yourself being walked all over by your pet, and it can cause numerous problems down the road.
If you find yourself locked into battle with your dog, there are a few things you should start doing immediately. Obedience Classes.
Put yourself first. Be first through the doors, first up the stairs, do not let him decide when to be pet, ignore his pushy nose, and be first in a vehicle. Do not let him up on a bed, do not place yourself in a position under him (on a piece of furniture, on stairs) height is a leadership position. Do not attempt an alpha roll, this method is outdated and will only add to aggression.
Make him work for it. If he is hungry, make him sit. If he wants his water, make him sit, a treat? Make him beg, or "sit pretty", or do a trick for it. Make him sit before opening a door.
Remember : Aggression breeds aggression. Punishment will invariably make the problem worse. If need be, seek professional help.
Introduction to Canine Mental Health
Do Dogs Get Depression?
When Anxiety Attacks[]
Biting the Hands That Feed You
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors
Physical Issues
Aggression is one of the most wide-spread problems among companion animals. Nothing is quite as frightening as a very angry animal lunging at you. Unfortunately, an aggressive dog these days is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
If you find that you have an aggressive dog on your hands, the very first thing you need to do, is visit your veterinarian to rule out any physical causes. Any dog in pain or discomfort may lash out and just be generally mean and irritable. You'll need to determine that he is physically sound before doing anything else.
Obedience training is essential to a dog, both for the ever important socialization, and to prevent aggression from occurring. Prevention is the key, especially since correcting bad behavior is ten times as hard once the behavior is established.
Aggression is caused by many things, and often identifying the cause is the key to correcting the problem. Recognize your dog's problem, so that you can get him help, before it is too late.
Cage Rage
Cage Rage is often seen in neglect situations, or, more accurately, in puppy mill dogs. After spending months, perhaps years in a cage by yourself, or even with others, these dogs begin to see the cage as their territory, defending it when necessary. Even worse, a caged dog is a trapped and cornered dog. In a confrontational situation, the dog no longer has the "flight" option, and "fight" is all that is left.
In shelter dogs too, you may see the beginnings of Cage Rage. Perhaps not Aggression, but rather an unruly hyperactivity that will put off a lot of potential adopters, who may think that the dog will be like that normally. Often this is just a temporary thing, resolving itself as the dog has a little more freedom, and is no longer staring at bars all day.
Dominance Aggression happens when members of the pack, be they dog to dog, or dog to human, struggle for the top position in the pack hierarchy.
As the dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold that leadership position. If your position is not secure, you may find yourself being walked all over by your pet, and it can cause numerous problems down the road.
If you find yourself locked into battle with your dog, there are a few things you should start doing immediately. Obedience Classes.
Put yourself first. Be first through the doors, first up the stairs, do not let him decide when to be pet, ignore his pushy nose, and be first in a vehicle. Do not let him up on a bed, do not place yourself in a position under him (on a piece of furniture, on stairs) height is a leadership position. Do not attempt an alpha roll, this method is outdated and will only add to aggression.
Make him work for it. If he is hungry, make him sit. If he wants his water, make him sit, a treat? Make him beg, or "sit pretty", or do a trick for it. Make him sit before opening a door.
Remember : Aggression breeds aggression. Punishment will invariably make the problem worse. If need be, seek professional help.
Introduction to Canine Mental Health
Do Dogs Get Depression?
When Anxiety Attacks[]
Biting the Hands That Feed You
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors
Physical Issues
