Aggression
Many people are scared of dogs because they are aggressive. The thing that most people don’t know is that aggression is a natural behavior for dogs. It’s their way of communicating and establishing dominance. In order to reduce the chances of your dog becoming aggressive, you need to understand what triggers their aggressive behavior and how to provide them with proper socialization and training.
Territorial Aggression
Territorial aggression is a type of aggression that is exhibited by dogs when they perceive that their territory is being threatened. This can include their home, yard, car, or any other space that the dog considers to be theirs. Dogs who are aggressive in this way may bark, growl, and even bite people or other animals who enter their territory without permission.
There are a number of things that can contribute to a dog’s tendency to become territorial. One of the most common reasons is if the dog feels insecure or threatened in some way. Often times this is due to a lack of socialization or training, which can lead to the dog feeling like it needs to protect its territory in order to feel safe.
Possession Aggression
Possession aggression in dogs is when they become aggressive when someone or something tries to take something away from them. This can include food, toys, treats, or even a spot on the couch. It’s important to understand that this type of aggression is not about dominance and it’s not a sign of a healthy relationship between dog and owner. In fact, it can be quite dangerous since it can lead to bites and other injuries. If your dog exhibits signs of possession aggression, you’ll need to work with a professional trainer to help correct the behavior.
Protective Aggression
Protective aggression in dogs is a type of aggression that is exhibited when a dog perceives that someone or something is a threat to their family, property, or themselves. This type of aggression is often seen in dogs who are used as service or working dogs, as they are more likely to be protective of their handler or owner. Protective aggression can also be exhibited by family pets who are fiercely loyal to their owners and become agitated or aggressive when they feel that their family is being threatened.
There are several signs that can indicate that a dog is exhibiting protective aggression. These include barking and growling at strangers, trying to mount or attack other animals, and staying very close to their owner or handler. If a dog is displaying these behaviors, it is important to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist to help correct the issue before it becomes unmanageable.
Social Aggression
Social aggression is when a dog exhibits hostile behaviors directed towards people or other dogs within their pack, or family unit.
Dogs that are classified as being high-risk for social aggression include those that were abused, have been attacked by another dog, were not properly socialized around people or other dogs during their critical development stage (between 8 and 16 weeks of age), or have been abandoned or rehomed multiple times.
There are a few key things to look for if you think your dog may be displaying signs of social aggression. One sign is if your dog growls, snaps, or bites when you try to pet them, come close to them, or take something away from them.
Fear Aggression
When a dog is fearful, it may lash out in an attempt to protect itself. This is known as fear aggression. Fear aggression can be dangerous, as the dog may attack without warning. It is important to understand the signs of fear aggression and take steps to prevent it from happening.