Types Of Aggression In Dogs

Dogs resort to aggressive behavior if they feel threatened. They may become aggressive if they feel the need to protect themselves, their territory, or the family. Snarling, bearing their teeth, and growling are common displays of dog aggression. Even if a person does not intend to harm the dog, the individual’s behavior may be perceived as threatening to the dog. Though there is a lot of variation among dogs, there are four basic triggers for dog aggression.

Dogs may become aggressive if they are fearful of the situation, animal, or person that is confronting them. If dogs feel that they are in danger, they act aggressively in order to protect themselves. A dog may have aggression towards other dogs based on a fear of harm or territorial aggression.

Territorial aggression or protectiveness is the result of the dog’s natural drive to guard its resources and protect the territory and family from harm. The dog may show aggression towards other dogs near its property. The dog may guard toys or things that it claims ownership. Food aggression is part of this need to protect the dog’s resources. This type of possessiveness can become problematic, especially if there are other dogs in the household.

Aggression in dogs that is related to dominance is a common problem. Dominance aggression is due to pack behavior in dogs. When a dog is part of the family, the family members and other dogs are perceived by the dog as its pack. Each pack has a hierarchy. If not properly trained, the dog may claim a social status above other members of the “pack.” Aggression towards a family member or other dogs in the household may result from this perceived social hierarchy.

A dog may exhibit redirected aggression. If the dog is provoked by another dog or a person but is not able to attack or display aggressive behavior towards what provoked it, the dog may act aggressively towards an available target. For example, if a dog in a fenced yard is taunted by a child on the other side of the fence, the dog may not feel satisfied at the aggression it can exhibit. Following that incident, the dog may act aggressively towards a child or another dog in the household. Though people may have difficulty understanding this type of aggression, it is not so different from human behavior. If a person becomes angry at their boss, the person may exhibit that anger and frustration on a safer target.