Why is Your Dog Aggressive? Part 2

The first step to dealing with your dog’s aggression is to find out what is causing it. 

Most dogs aren’t aggressive, and that right there should tell you that aggression isn’t a behavior that naturally comes to dogs. If your dog is aggressive, then there’s a reason for it, and to deal with that aggression, you first need to understand what is causing it. In our last blog, our dog trainer in Madison went over a couple common causes of aggression in dogs. Keep reading to learn more:

#3. Fear

Just as people can become aggressive when they are afraid, so can dogs. If your dog is fearful, they will only bite or growl if they feel like they are in danger and unable to escape otherwise. In a situation like this, punishing a fearful dog for being aggressive will only make the problem worse.

#4. Frustration

Aggression due to frustration is often called barrier frustration or redirected aggression. For example, if your dog is stuck on a leash tied to a tree and the neighbor’s dog is egging them on all day long, they may take their frustration out by biting you or growling at you when you untie them. This type of aggression is most common in dogs who spend a lot of time alone tied to a tree or behind a fence.

#5. Possession Aggression

A dog can become possessive of their food, toys, yard, bed or even their owner! For example, a dog who growls or snaps when someone gets near their food bowl is a dog who has possession aggression.

Need help dealing with your dog’s aggressive behavior? If so, contact our dog trainer in Madison today!