Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Tips to Controlling Aggressive Dog Behavior - Diagnosis of the Causes

Copyright (c) 2010 Lena Carlson

Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

There are many reasons for aggressive behavior in
dogs. It could be due to a dominance related
issue between you and the dog, or it may be a
trigger that was never properly dealt with from
puppyhood - for instance, an attack by a
different dog. Whatever is causing your dog's
aggression, it's essential to deal with it as
soon as possible. The results of long term
aggression can be not just frightening, but
dangerous if not immediately taken to task.

The Source of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

Dog aggression can begin as young as 6 weeks old,
an important age when a puppy needs to be
socialized with other dogs and given the
necessary training that keeps them from biting
others. This period of socialization lasts until
the dog turns 14 weeks of age and can extend even
further beyond that.

This means a number of things. To begin with,
never take a puppy away from its litter before 8
weeks of age. Never use harsh discipline with the
puppy between 8 and 10 weeks and ensure your dog
is very gently treated in that time. Hitting,
yelling or other harsh punishments at a young age
can breed aggressive behavior in dogs over time.

A dog needs to have been well socialized with
people and other dogs by the time it reachs 14
weeks to avoid any potential aggression problems.

Real aggression may be triggered by any number of
factors. Heredity and genetics are indeed factors
- various breeds are typically more aggressive
than others - but it is certainly not a hard fast
rule. Furthermore, dogs that have not been
de-sexed or spayed are more prone to aggressive
tendencies.

By far, however, the most important factor in
creating aggressive behavior in dogs is their
environment. A dog that has poor living
conditions, harsh masters, no socialization, or
that has been frightened or attacked by another
dog is way more likely to be aggressive as it
ages.

Aggression can grow from the need to establish a
pack pecking order. Biting, posturing, and other
aggressive tendencies are sometimes the result of
a dog testing for dominance. You'll need to
establish dominance at a young age and maintain
that position throughout the dog's adolescence to
make sure it doesn't get a possible opportunity
to take control of the household.

How to Stop and Control Aggressive Behavior in
Dogs

If your dog displays aggressive behavior after 14
months of age, when it has reached sexual
maturity, particularly when it has been altered,
it is advisable to address the problem right
away. First, ensure you have established yourself
as the pack leader or Alpha Dog. Don't reward
your dog for aggressive behavior, even if it is
scared (particularly in this case).

Train your dog to respond to your commands,
control feeding and walking times, and make sure
the dog has a strong leader in the house. When
you defer to the dog or allow it to take
liberties in your house, it is going to exhibit
stronger aggression toward others.

If your dog is defensive-aggressive, they could
strike out at a person in fear. These dogs might
not have been properly socialized. Keep them away
from young children (which they might perceive as
direct threats) and go to a training session or
behaviorist who can gradually acclimate the dog
to a social atmosphere.

Aggressive behavior in dogs is a huge problem
that many owners have, but it can be controlled,
even as your dog gets older. In case your
aggression ever advances to violence, think about
employing a professional to intervene before
someone gets hurt and your dog is held
responsible.

----------------------------------------------------
Lena Carlson, proud owner of a once
uncontrollable Viszla herself, has dedicated a
website to the forlorn, desperate & hopelessly
overwhelmed Dog Owners of the World. Her quest -
to provide helpful, inspiring, amusing and
practical solutions. Grab Lena's FREE REPORT on
How to Be the Alpha Dog and Stop Your Dogs
Behavior Problems at
http://www.howtobeanalphadog.com

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