Solving Dog Aggression Starts With Understanding Your Pet
When it comes to solving dog aggression, there is no magical cure. There are many controversial opinions on how to go about it; but one thing is certain; there must be consistency and commitment to whatever method you decide to go with.
The aggression may never be completely cured, but can be controlled. Before seeking help from the professionals, here are some things that must be considered that will aid you in solving dog aggression.
Determine Your Dog’s Type of Aggression
To understand what treatment will work best for your pet, you must try to diagnose where the aggression is stemming from. He may have a combination of different types, and they may not be easy to categorize.
For example, chasing cars and bicycles may be because of territorial issues. People in uniform are common targets.
If he does not allow other people to come near you or your home, he may have Protective Aggression.
Other Types of Dog Aggression:
Fear Aggression- This can occur if he has been mistreated in the past or something traumatic has happened. Snapping, growling, flattening of the ears, attempting to escape, urination and defecation are common symptoms of this type.
Play Aggression: Snapping and barking while at play are common traits of this type of aggression. However, a play growl should not be confused with a serious one. Angry growls are lower in pitch and prolonged, while normal play growls are typically shorter, higher-pitched and frequently repeated.
Some puppies learn this behavior if their owner encourages it from the beginning. Older dogs play inappropriately if they have never been around other dogs, such as in a shelter situation. Solving dog aggression can be difficult if your pet has been abandoned, has had restricted interaction and playtime with other dogs.
Pain Aggression: Knowing if your dog has medical illnesses, such as ongoing pain in muscles, teeth and joints, irritable gastrointestinal or neurological issues may help to solve dog aggression.
Seizures often occur in the middle of the night and can go undetected until he begins to show aggressive tendencies. Loss of hearing and sight can also bring about changes in your dog’s personality.
He may become easily startled and snap and bark at other animals or even their owners. It is important to note that some medications can also cause inappropriate behavioral problems.
Predatory Aggression: This is one of the most dangerous types of aggression. If another animal enters an area that your pet considers his “turf,” he may go into “stealth” mode and do great harm or possibly kill it.
Simply chasing the animal out of the yard is not his intent. A pet that exhibits this type of aggression should never be allowed to run without restraint. Small animals, and most especially infants, are at risk.
The How and Why of Dog Aggression
Solving dog aggression can be difficult because this behavior doesn’t only occur in abused or neglected dogs. Even the most well trained, adored pet can develop issues.
A new puppy coming into the home can cause an older dog to feel out of place in the hierarchy and lash out. In these cases, solving dog aggression can be corrected with a little patience and by assuring him that he is still important in your life.
SOLVE YOUR DOG AGGRESSION PROBLEM