Why do dogs become aggressive? Dog aggression varies in different dogs. Their behavior when they are young will not be the same when they mature because they will have different levels of understanding and confidence. Once they mature, they will know exactly where to place themselves in any canine situation where they can claim territory and possessions.

Humans tend to become less patient and understanding as we age. The same principle holds true for dogs. They tend to be more and more impatient as they age. Older dogs may feel inadequate in claiming territory and possession over younger ones. They will inevitably feel depressed and this tends to make them lash out and become aggressive. Aggression occurs when dogs become neglected, ignored and left unattended. Remember, they have needs as well.

Playful dogs will tend to show their dominance during play. If you push him, he will fight back. You are the leader of the pack but he think he is the leader of his pack so he will fight back in the same level as you are giving him. Over-stimulation will make this kind of aggressive behavior become evident. He is not to blame since he only accepted the challenge. Set enough time of play and after that no more. Calm him and make him sit by being his role model. If there is no more play, you must stop as well.

Dogs don’t have 180 degrees turn of their heads so they would not see what goes on behind them. If you grab his tails and paws, his instinct will tell him that there is danger and so he will react accordingly. His response would be to instinctively defend himself from something or someone who is sneaking up on him. Nobody dares to sneak up behind any animal. This is what they call self-preservation first before anything else.

Tell your children not to wrestle or play tug-of-war with your dogs. This kind of play is all about who is greater among the two competitor hence dominance, territory and proving of strength surface up. Your dog does not understand the meaning of sports. Their instinct is to win no matter what because they think they are the alpha leader of the pack and they are right but in their own perspective not yours. Your children will tend to get more excited as the game turns to be really fun. They won’t be able to tell whether the dogs are already becoming aggressive hence they will be in a dangerous circumstance.

During his time of play, do not stimulate his attack instinct by jokingly trying to get his aggressive side out. Dog’s instincts are easy to predict. He will retaliate when he sense that he is being taken advantage of. Knowing this simply put him into good practice.

In an extremely competitive environment, do not make eye contact. Dogs will interpret this as a challenge of “let’s see who’s who.” He will feel that his dominance and his territory are being threatened so, he will act to protect what he thinks he is bound to protect.

Dog aggression doesn’t necessarily mean an absolute negative behavior. Several issues arise to dogs that are afraid of you as well. Aggression is natural and normal for all dogs at an acceptable level and intensity.