Many times dogs owners are faced with behaviors from their canine friends that are a bit far from what would be expected from ''man's best friend''. Such behavior issues are often ignored or excused with phrases such as ''he will grow out of it'', ''it's just a phase'' or ''he just does it only every now and then''. Sugar coating such issues however, does not help at all, rather in many cases, unwanted behaviors are more likely than not, to escalate and exacerbate if left untreated.

It is very important first of all, to have a veterinarian rule out any physical conditions especially if the unwanted behavior appears to be out of the norm and suddenly. Sometimes even the most docile dogs may turn quite aggressive if they are in pain. A common scenario is a very well tempered dogs that suddenly snaps when its head is touched because of an underlying painful ear condition.

Another issue that may cause behavior changes at times is a condition called ''hypothyroidism''. It is certainly worth to discuss with the vet about the chances of the dog having this condition. All it takes to rule it out is a thyroid blood panel.

Hormones do play a vital role in aggressiveness. Often owners of intact male dogs may deal with aggressive behaviors especially when they detect a female in heat nearby. While neutering may help a male dog have a better disposition, it is not really a ''cure all'' for major behavioral problems.

Signs of Potential Problems That Should Not Be Ignored

• Growling

Growling is a warning sign that should not be ignored. While some people appreciate the growling of a dog because it indicates the dog will warn before going to their next level of action whichof courseis a bite, a growl should not be underestimated because it indicates the dog has a low level of threshold.

• Mounting

A dog that mounts on the owner's legs or children is trying to dominate. This is what dogs do in nature to demonstrate they are the boss. This should never be allowed because it is rude behavior and the dog's way of telling their owner's they are under his domain.

• Blocking Passageways

Dogs that engage in this behavior are claiming territory and the access to it. The more reluctant the dog to be moved away from the blocked passage, the more dominant the dog. Preferred blocked passage ways are generally the entry ways that lead to doors and main passages such as the entrance to the kitchen.

• Mouthing

While puppies tend to mouth a lot during their discovery phase of their life, mouthing should remain simply a memory of the past. Even if the dog mouths without leaving any bite marks it should be stopped even if it is done playfully. Ideally, should be limited to lick the owner's hands.

• Biting

Biting is of course, the most obvious act of aggression dogs may express. It does not have to break the skin to be considered a significant event. Often owners start seeking for help once the dog bit somebody, however, in many cases, there have been warning signs of increased aggressive behaviors that have been ignored or were too subtle to be noticed by the inexperienced eye.

Circumstances and Dynamics Most Likely to Cause Trouble

• Related to Feeding

Dogs that growl when they are eating

Dogs that lift their lip and snarl while eating

Dogs that get tense and tend to stop eating as you approach

Dogs that growl when they are chewing a bone

Dogs that steal food and get aggressive when trying to retrieve it

Dogs that respond aggressively when they are found scavenging the trash

• Related to Sleeping

Dogs that growl if forced off a bed or couch

Dogs that growl if allowed on the bed and the owner moves too much

Dogs that growl if awakened

Dogs that growl if touched while sleeping

• Related to Being Touched

Dogs that do not allow children to touch them

Dogs that growl when groomed or during nail clips

Dogs that dislike being touched on the head/shoulder area

Dogs that do not like to be touched from the above

Dogs that do not allow to be medicated

• Related to Playing

Dogs that growl if their toys are touched

Dogs that will not let children near their toys

Dogs that get too rough when playing

• Related to Being Disciplined

Dogs that will stare the owner in the eye

Dogs that react aggressively to being disciplined

• Related to Being Exposed to the Outdoors

Dogs that chase cars, small animals, joggers, bikers

Dogs that lunge towards other dogs or people

Dogs that act aggressively towards strangers

Dogs that act overly protective of their owners

Dogs that growl if owner shakes hands or hugs another person

Dogs that in a car bark aggressively at other people

Dogs that are fence aggressive and very territorial

As seen, the signs are all out there. It is very harmful to ignore them altogether in the hopes that they will disappear. Unfortunately, many times, they will come back sooner than later and grow in intensity if they are not nipped in the bud.