| Aggression is viewed completely differently by | | | | could also be interpreted by him as a challenge for |
| humans and dogs. From a dogs perspective, there's | | | | dominance. Dominantly aggressive dogs are often |
| always a reason for aggressive behavior it's simply a | | | | described as "Mr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" because they |
| necessary reaction to a situation. Because humans | | | | can be very friendly when not challenged. At The |
| and dogs have different communication systems, | | | | end result is generally your dog concluding that he is, |
| misunderstandings can occur between the two | | | | in fact, the pack leader, since you're demonstrably |
| species. A person may intend to be friendly, but a | | | | not; and if you do anything to threaten this position, |
| dog may perceive that person behavior as | | | | he will defend it appropriately. |
| threatening or intimidating. | | | | Territorial aggression - Protective, territorial and |
| Types of Aggressive Dog Behaviors | | | | possessive aggression are all very similar, and involve |
| Fear-Motivated Aggression - Fear-motivated | | | | the defense of valuable resources. Territorial |
| aggression is a defensive reaction and occurs when a | | | | aggression is usually associated with defense of |
| dog believes he is in danger of being harmed.For | | | | property such as food, toys or other valued objects. |
| example, if you back your dog into a corner while | | | | For example, food-guarding (your dog may react |
| loudly telling him off about something, he will feel | | | | aggressively if you approach while he is eating), |
| boxed in and threatened, and may conclude that to | | | | toy-guarding, or furniture-guarding (for example, he |
| prevent you from doing harm he must react with | | | | may snarl at you if you attempt to dislodge him from |
| aggression. | | | | a comfy position on the couch). These are all signals |
| Redirected Aggression - a dog is aroused into an | | | | that your dog considers himself to be ranked higher |
| aggressive response by a person or animal or | | | | than you in the household hierarchy. |
| unrelated source that he is prevented from attacking, | | | | Dogs differ in their likelihood to show aggressive |
| he may redirect this aggression onto someone else. | | | | behavior in any particular situation. Some dogs tend |
| Dominance aggression - Occurs when your dog thinks | | | | to respond aggressively with very little stimulation. |
| he is the leader of the household. This generally | | | | Others may be subjected to all kinds of threatening |
| occurs when owners don't understand how dogs | | | | stimuli and events, and never attempt to bite. Dealing |
| communicate. A dominantly aggressive dog may | | | | with aggression isn't particularly difficult understand. |
| growl if he is disturbed when resting or sleeping, or if | | | | It's important that you do your homework on dog |
| he is asked to give up a favorite spot, such as the | | | | psychology and communication, and even get |
| couch or the bed. Physical restraint, even when done | | | | professional help - you can speak to your vet about |
| in a friendly manner, like hugging, may also cause | | | | a referral to a canine behavioral specialist, before to |
| your dog to respond aggressively. Reaching for your | | | | attempt correct dog behavior like aggression. |
| dogs collar or reaching out over his head to pet him, | | | | |