Understanding Dog Aggression

What is the meaning behind Dog Aggression?

Do you have a dog that often growls, bares teeth, and snaps to bite? If so, you are probably confused about why your dog acts aggressively but even more concerning is how can you correct this aggressive behavior. Something is troubling your dog and it's even more important to recognize that the source of your dog's aggression must be identified before someone is seriously injured.

It's essential to realize a happy dog is a well-behaved dog, and all your dog truly wants is to please you. Understanding the source of your dog's aggressive behavior is critical in order to rectify the unwanted dog behavior.

Dogs by nature are territorial and possessive, especially of their home and their pack. Territorial aggression is very common when dogs believe a potential for their home and their humans to be threatened. Although intentions are good the aggressive behavior is not only bad, it is also extremely dangerous.

Another natural instinct for dogs is establishing hierarchy or a pecking order in their pack. Often dogs perceive their human family as their pack, and instinctively try to establish role as alpha dog or leader of the pack. This type of dominance aggression is very common there are a lot of people and or pets in the household or at a gathering.

Fear is probably the most misunderstood reason for dog aggression. When dogs become overwhelmed with fear, they provide forewarning before lashing out. Deep growling, pinned back ears, and tails tucked between hind legs are all serious distress signals of a dog feeling trapped or cornered, and usually lead to dogs striking out.

Hunting or predatory behavior is another natural intuition for dog however this natural instinct is often mistaken as aggressive behavior. Certain dog breeds particularly wired to hunt and chase smaller predators, and too often these dog breeds mistake cats, smaller dogs, other small household pets and even children as their game.

But what if your dog one day just suddenly begins exhibiting aggressive behavior?

Dogs often display aggressively when not feeling well. It's a dog's way of communicating that something is wrong. If sudden behavioral changes are displayed in a dog it is imperative for a veterinary to examine the dog's physical health, as there may be an undiagnosed medical problem.

No one wants to see a dog acting aggressively, especially if it is your dog. All dog aggression is caused by an underlying situation or fear, which must be first identified so that it can be resolved with proper training. Never ignore dog aggression leaving it to fester, as the outcome will always be bad. Your dog needs your help to fix this unwanted behavior, as your dog only wants to be happy and make you happy.