What Causes Aggression in Dogs

What causes dogs to become aggressive?

According to Pet360, the definition of canine aggression is, “… threatening or harmful behavior directed toward another individual, including dog on dog aggression, aggression toward people, and aggression toward other animals.” Threat displays, growling, lunging, snapping, snarling and biting are all examples of aggressive behaviors in dogs that dog owners should be aware of. If your dog has been behaving in an aggressive manner, you’re not alone. Aggression is actually one of the most common concerns dog owners face, and with our dog obedience classes in Milwaukee, we can help you correct aggressive behaviors.

Although dog training is a great first step towards finding a solution to your dog’s aggression, it’s important to note that aggression can be caused by many things, and in order to truly resolve your dog’s aggression, you first need to understand what’s causing it. Here are a few of the most common reasons why dogs are aggressive:

#1. Medical Problems

If your dog is being aggressive, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you haven’t trained them properly or that they are a “bad dog.” In some cases, there is a medical reason behind aggression. If your dog has suddenly started behaving in an aggressive manner, and they have also experience changes in weight, hair loss, lethargy or any other changes in their health, it’s time visit the veterinarian.

#2. Fear

When a dog is afraid for their own safety, or even yours, it increases the likelihood that they will become aggressive towards other people or dogs. Whether the threat is real or just perceived, fear is a strong motivator for aggression and needs to be addressed.

#3. Frustration

When your dog is not able to do what they want, or you are forcing them to do something they don’t want to do, it leads to frustration. Dogs, much like people, tend to take their frustration out on those around them. One of the most common causes of frustration in dogs is boredom. Dogs need to keep their minds active, and if they spend their lives inside your home, they are likely to become bored, and eventually, frustrated and aggressive.

#4. Learned Aggression

When dogs act out aggressively because of pain, fear or frustration, and they are rewarded for it, it teaches them to keep responding in that same way. For example, if someone visits you at your house, and they leave when your dog growls, barks or lunges at them, it shows your dog that their aggressive behavior got the result that they wanted. It’s important for dog owners to learn how to respond to their dog’s aggressive behaviors so that they aren’t rewarded for it.

#5. Genetics

There is much debate about whether some dogs are genetically predisposed to aggression or not. However, even if you are firmly on the side of nurture in the age-old, nature versus nurture debate, it’s clear that some dog breeds have been bred specifically, and in some cases, unintentionally, for aggression.  But just because a dog is genetically predisposed to aggression doesn’t mean that dog will always be aggressive; they can still be trained to cope with their anxiety, frustration and pain (the aggression triggers in dogs) in more productive ways.

Aggression is a much more complex issue than many dog owners think.

Just because your dog is aggressive does not mean they are bad or are a lost hope. Aggression is much less straightforward than many dog owners think. Finding the root cause of your dog’s aggression is the first step towards resolving it, and Sit Means Sit can help. We offer group dog obedience classes, as well as one on one training, that can help you learn how to train your dog effectively. Contact us today to learn more.