Is My Dog Aggressive?

What are the signs of an aggressive dog? And how can I avoid problems that come along with canine aggression?

Find out:

Several breeds of dogs may be more likely than others to become aggressive because they are derived from fighting dogs or have been bred to guard. These include Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, pit bulls, and Doberman Pinschers. But virtually any dog can become aggressive.

Dogs that are dominant aggressive generally bare their teeth and hold up their ears and tails. Dogs that act aggressive as a result of fear (fear aggressive) may show their teeth but generally keep their ears flat to their head and their tails down. Each type of aggression needs to be handled differently.

Dominant aggressive dogs often need lots of obedience training with positive reinforcement. Dogs with fear aggression may respond best to gradual conditioning to the things that make them afraid.

If your dog demonstrates any kind of aggression, consult an expert. This is not a problem that average dog owners should try to handle on their own.

To avoid aggression problems, even in “aggressive“ breeds:
All dogs should be routinely exposed to people. They should live in the home, with their family. They should be frequently taken on walks, starting from the time they are puppies, and exposed to people in all types of situations. That means taking them for walks in your own neighborhood on leash, repeatedly introducing them to neighbors, and taking them anywhere else you can think of. They must learn obedience training, which makes them less likely to get out of hand.

Read more: Pets, Everyday Pet Care, Safety

Adapted from The Puppy Owner’s Manual, by Diana Delmar (Storey Books, 2001). Copyright (c) 2001 by Diana Delmar. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.
Adapted from The Puppy Owner’s Manual, by Diana Delmar (Storey Books, 2001).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Dresia V.

6:44AM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

Plain and simple, people can be aggressive, so can animals. Patience is all it takes to train.

send a green star

Loretta K.

11:08AM PDT on Mar 31, 2011

Good Advice

Chavonne H.

2:52AM PDT on Mar 31, 2011

our golden can be aggressive

Robert O.

12:50AM PDT on Mar 31, 2011

Thanks.

KS G.

12:17AM PST on Feb 20, 2011

Thanks for the article.

11:19AM PDT on Oct 15, 2010

Bon L.

5:45AM PDT on Aug 13, 2010

5:43AM PDT on Aug 13, 2010

Alicia N.

11:19AM PDT on Apr 28, 2010

I got my dog Oreo from the shelter, he is 4 yrs. old and a terrier, he didn't want to obey at times but, with patience, love and direction now, he can follow orders. Does tricks and love treats of course.

Ivana Y.

12:35PM PDT on Apr 19, 2010

nicee