Cycle of Aggression

smsagressiveDog aggression seems to be on the rise, which means the number of dog owners that are becoming fearful of the unpredictable behavior of their own dogs is increasing. This is something that can cause a degree of drama in families and within societies. It is to the point that some dog owners are afraid to take their dogs out for walks because they fear that their dogs will become vicious toward other animals or people. They don’t want to have an uncontrollable animal at the end of a leash, thus causing them embarrassment and a possible liability issue. They don’t know what is causing their dog’s aggression because one day their dog was fine and the next they started to become more agitated and violent.

It is this sudden arrival at possible violence that keeps some pet owners from taking their dogs out in public. They are even afraid of bringing their friends and families to their homes because they don’t want their dog to perceive a threat and have an altercation with them.

Searching for Answers

Some search high and low for answers and they even opt for dog training and dog products to help them. Dog training is not necessarily going to help unless it has an element integrated into it that addresses the cycle of aggression and stops it.

There are some dog owners that feel that shouting, squirting water, smacking, throwing tins with pebbles in them near the dog, or even rattling chains will combat aggressive behavior. The fact is that these methods only produce a temporary result, as these are acts that can make a dog more defensive and more aggressive. These methods do not educate that the behavior is unwanted behavior. Instead, it is a dog owner trying to combat aggression with aggression.

And so this causes the cycle to continue as the dog becomes more aggressive. The owner then becomes more fearful of their dog and the confidence to rectify the problem is gone. The dog can detect the negative or weak energy coming from their owner. In fact, detecting weak or negative energy from their master may prompt them to want to protect their master at all times. When a dog is aggressive, they are not necessarily aggressive toward their own family. Instead, they are aggressive toward everyone and everything else that they perceive as a threat to their family.

Unfortunately, many dog owners give up and find new homes for their dogs. Sometimes dogs find themselves in shelters all because their owner is not sure how to cope with the issue. It is common to find several aggressive dogs within rescue shelters and they can be difficult to rehome unless that aggression is dealt with.

Understanding Where Aggression Comes From

The key is to understand where the aggression is coming from. By understanding the cause, then the mystery can be unraveled and solved. No, there is no overnight fix, but there is specialized dog training for aggressive dogs that can help the dog find its balance so it doesn’t need to show aggression. When a dog is aggressive, it means there is something that has to change. Making the right changes will result in a major improvement in both the dog and their owner.

So first take a look at what is going on with the dog. Is the dog fearful? Fear is a major catalyst for aggression. Anger is very closely linked to fear. When we become frightened or scared, our brains switch over into survival mode and our defense mechanisms turn on. The same thing happens with dogs.

There is also the fact that there are dog owners with aggression issues that have dogs with aggression issues. One addressing their own self-esteem issues can help them address their dog’s anger.

Pain and disease can also cause a dog to become violent. It is good to try and have your dog seen by your veterinarian to find out if he or she is ill. Sometimes an illness can be easily treated and other times more extensive treatment may be needed. Providing relief can ease aggression.

Conclusion

Just keep in mind that aggression comes from somewhere. Dogs gradually can become more aggressive over time and this could be due to fear, pain, or a sense that their master cannot protect themselves. Taking your dog to classes to teach them that there is no need to be aggressive can help, as well as a good diet and regular trips to the veterinarian. When all is well with your dog, it is possible for the aggression to gradually melt away and your dog return back to him or herself. It is not enough to simply say, “My dog is mean” when, in all reality, that meanness could be temporary.