There are dogs that growl, bark, bare their teeth, and even bite. An aggressive dog can put the relationship between dog and human to the test. But why do some dogs become aggressive and others not? And what can you do to prevent aggressive behavior?
Are some dog breeds more dangerous than others?
One thing is certain: no dog is born aggressive. Although some dog breeds have a higher protective instinct from birth and others have a lower stimulus threshold, but hardly any of them bite without reason. Dog experts now agree that every dog - regardless of breed – can learn to behave in a way that suits the situation.
Your dog’s behavior is your responsibility
It is therefore not the dog who is responsible for its behavior, but the owner. The owner must teach his dog, taking into account his temperament, what he expects of him, and how he should behave when living with other animals and people.
But that doesn’t mean that you should blame yourself if your dog reacts aggressively. Most dog owners don’t act with bad intentions, but rather out of insecurity, ignorance, or a misguided love of animals.
Sometimes your dog’s aggressive behavior is not due to you but to previous traumatic experiences. This can be the case, for example, if you rescued your dog from the animal shelter when he was an adult.
Aggressive dog: Do I need help?
It is important that you recognize the problem and try to reduce your dog’s aggression. If your dog threatens or even bites other animals or people, you must take action!
There are many experts who can support you on this path: dog trainers, Dog psychologists, or problem dog therapists. Don’t be afraid to seek this help. Getting help is not a failure or a sign of weakness, but rather an indication of your courage and strength to take responsibility for your dog.
First step: identify causes
There is also something comforting in the realization that an aggressive dog’s behavior is influenced by humans: Just as incorrect training encourages aggressive behavior, with the right training you can ensure that an aggressive dog abandons undesirable behavior and becomes an easy-going partner.
But what should be done differently in the future? In order to turn your bully into an obedient family dog, you should investigate the causes of his aggression. The better you know the reasons for his aggressive behavior, the better you can avoid it. Then you have to adapt the way you deal with your dog.
Why do dogs become aggressive?
Dogs don’t suddenly become aggressive out of a whim. Aggression is always caused by persistent or repeated negative feelings, usually anger or fear. However, pain caused by an illness can also wear down a dog and lead to aggressive behavior.
Dogs do not become aggressive beasts because they are quarrelsome or enjoy intimidating and hurting other animals or people. An aggressive dog is almost always a dog that is insecure and feels uncomfortable in a certain situation.
Causes and forms of aggression
Isolated rearing, lack of socialization and training, and inappropriate housing are among the main reasons for dog aggression. However, it can also be the case that an aggressive dog has had bad experiences in the past. Traumatic experiences or chronic pain can also trigger anger or fear – and thus aggression.
In reality, the exact causes are unfortunately not always as easy to identify as they seem here. It is therefore worth first looking at when a dog reacts aggressively: In which situations does it start to growl and bare its teeth? Does it react nervously to the proximity of a fellow dog? Does it believe it has to defend its charges? Or is it afraid that someone else could dispute its personal belongings? Depending on the reason, there are different forms of aggression in dogs. There are:
- Self-defense: A dog feels uncomfortable around another dog or restricted in its freedom.
- Protective aggression: Family members must be protected from enemies.
- Competitive aggression: When there is a strong bond to an object, for example
Feeding a bowl or toy, the dog must defend it from others or he wants to use it to set boundaries and secure his status in the pack.
Last but not least, the learning experience that the dog has had with its aggressive behavior so far plays a decisive role. Was it able to let off steam in its anger or was it praised by its owner for it?
Of course, very few owners would consciously reward their dog when it growls or even bites. Nevertheless, most owners probably try to hold their dog back by talking to it in a soothing manner (“It’s all good, just stay calm!”) or by stroking it to calm it down.
However, dogs are generally unable to interpret their master’s words, only their tone of voice. This is why dogs often remain convinced that their master is paying them loving attention when they growl and bark.
Second step: Avoid situations
Once you have found out which stimuli trigger your dog’s aggressive behavior, you should avoid them at all costs. Do not take your dog’s aggressive behavior lightly, because depending on the strength and size of the four-legged friend, it can be dangerous for you and those around you.
For example, if your dog gets terribly excited in the presence of another dog or in a certain environment, try to avoid these situations if possible. First, you must teach your dog the most important obedience rules and be able to rely on him to follow your auditory and visual signals. Only then should you begin to desensitize him to these aggression-triggering stimuli as part of targeted training.
When should a muzzle be used?
If your dog already shows very pronounced aggressive behavior and you are anxious or unsure whether your dog obeys your commands, you should give him a muzzle on your dog. Don’t worry, this is just for safety reasons and doesn’t have to be a permanent thing. Once you have successfully re-educated your pugnacious four-legged friend, you can safely do without it.
To ensure that putting on the muzzle does not become torture, you should first gently get your dog used to it in your own four walls. For example, put treats in the muzzle so that your dog can only get to them when he puts his mouth in the basket. After a few minutes, take the muzzle off again and praise your dog for it – with words and other treats.
Repeat this procedure over and over again, leaving the muzzle on for a little longer each time. After a while, you can leave the treat in the muzzle and take your dog for a first walk outside with the muzzle on. Don’t be bothered by other people’s looks, but deal with the situation confidently and calmly. After all, you are ensuring that your dog cannot hurt anyone.
Aggressive dog: body language
Calmness and self-confidence are characteristics that you should adopt when dealing with your dog and your environment in general. Dogs have an amazing sense of their owners’ moods.
If your dog notices that you are insecure and nervous, this feeling will be transferred to him. He will be unsettled and will be on “alert” in the appropriate situations. The result of this insecurity is often that your dog believes he has to defend you. For the emotionally driven animal, the attack is sometimes the best form of defense.
So be confident with your dog. Try to get rid of your nervousness in situations where your dog could become aggressive or, if necessary, cover it up. Little by little, your dog will regain trust in your competence and learn that he can rely on your judgment.
Third step: re-education in dog school
With steps one and two, you have taken the “first aid measures” when dealing with your aggressive dog. You have clarified the causes of his behavior. You have also ensured that your dog no longer poses a danger.
In the next and final step, we get down to business. After all, you will not always be able to avoid critical situations. Your insecure and aggressive dog must be re-educated. At this point at the latest, it is advisable to seek professional help. Visit the Dog school or targeted coaching with an anti-aggression trainer.
Obedience exercises and behavior control
In training, you first practice the most important behaviors with your dog. With obedience exercises, he learns the basic auditory and visual signals. These include coming when called, “sit”, “down”, “heel” and “leave that” (“out”/”stop”).
Only when your dog reliably follows these signs can you begin to desensitize him to irritable situations. Your dog trainer will artificially create situations in which your dog reacts aggressively and practice alternative behaviors with you and your dog.
One way to treat aggression problems is through positive reinforcement. With recurring rewards, you can specifically control your dog’s behavior and steer it in the desired direction.
Take the lead!
Attending a dog school or anti-aggression training will not only have a positive effect on your dog’s behavior but also on your relationship with each other.
You will get to know your dog better and learn how to behave in critical situations. Last but not least, this will lead to more self-confidence on your part. This will allow you to handle your pugnacious dog with confidence.
Show your dog clearly who is in charge from now on – without excessive strictness or even violence, but with self-confidence, consistency, and a positive attitude. This way, your dog will learn to follow your rules, which in turn will not only make your everyday life together much easier but will also make your dog happier. Because every dog longs for control and guidance from its “pack leader”.
We wish you and your dog much success on your journey together!