It can be scary to witness aggression in dogs, but aggression often does not mean that your dog is bad, broken, or dangerous. In fact, aggression is a form of communication. Aggressive behavior is much like barking, growling, whining, or showing fear. It is typically related to fear, pain, or confusion. Many loving, well-mannered dogs display aggressive behavior at least once in their lives. With some education, aggression is something you can manage and often prevent.
This guide aims to help you understand aggression in dogs. We will go through the different types of aggression, show you what they might look like in typical situations, and provide ways you can help your dog feel safe, calm, and confident once again.
What is Canine Aggression?
Aggression is more than biting. Aggression can be more subtle too, such as:
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Stiffening of the body
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A low growl
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Snapping in fear
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Freezing in place
These signals indicate that your dog is not okay. Recognizing these early warning signs is important to prevent an escalation of the situation.
Common Types of Dog Aggression
Leash Aggression
Leash aggression usually occurs when walking with your dog. When your dog sees another dog or person, they may bark, lunge, or growl. Your dog is likely acting aggressively because they are either frustrated or fearful. Frustration results from being walked on a leash when a dog is restricted and cannot escape or check things out on their own.
Example: Your dog is calm when they're at home, but on a walk and sees another dog across the street, they become reactive.
Pain-Based Aggression
If a dog is suffering from pain, they may react aggressively even if they have never shown aggression previously. It is not defiance or training failure. It is self-protection.
Example: Your senior dog growls when you touch their hip due to arthritis.
Territorial Aggression
Some dogs assert the need to defend their home, yard, or sometimes their favorite person. This type of aggression typically appears when they are barking and growling at intruders or strangers entering their home.
Example: Your dog is sweet and interacts with others at the park but barks and growls at people walking by your front door.
How to Spot Early Warning Signs
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Sudden stiff body or frozen stance
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Showing the whites of the eyes (a "whale eye")
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Ears pinned back or standing upright
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Low growls, raised hackles, or tucked tail
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Avoiding touch or snapping when startled
By recognizing some of the early warning signs, you have time to calmly redirect and help your dog feel safe.
What You Can Do: Calming and Preventing Aggression
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Stay calm: Responding with anger to aggression could make the situation worse. Your dog is not looking for punishment. They are looking for guidance.
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Reward calm behavior with rewards: Use treats, praise, or a toy to reward calm behavior.
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Avoid possible triggers: If certain situations create a reaction every time, do your best to minimize exposure while in training.
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Create structure: Dogs like a predictable routine. In unpredictable situations, people can still build in familiar structure to help them know what is expected of them.
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Get help: A certified dog trainer or canine behaviorist can develop a unique modification plan for your dog.
You Are Not Alone, and There Is Still Hope
If your dog is beginning to show aggression, do not panic. Most importantly, it does not mean you have a “bad dog.” If you use empathy, patience, and proper resources, most dogs will either overcome aggressive behaviors or at least learn to manage them in a more appropriate and safe way.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/c_dg_aggression_toward_familiar
