Canine Aggression

Super Dog will put up with a lot of doggie indiscretions, but aggression is NOT one of them! This is no time to be cute. If your dog growls, lifts its lip, snaps or heaven forbid ... bites, see a PROFESSIONAL TRAINER IMMEDIATELY.

Now, not every nip means your dog is becoming Cujo. There are times when your puppy is trying out his or her baby teeth on you (OUCH!). That's probably not aggression, he or she just need to learn what's allowed and what not permitted.

 

Marin Humane Society on Why Do Dogs Bite?

Books with insights on aggression

 

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Books with Insights on Aggression

Serious aggression is not to be taken lightly, don't wait to read a book to solve this problem.   See your veterinarian, local humane society or nearby trainer. If your problem isn't serious or you want to be prepared, here a a few books to consider.

Dog Problems   Carol Lea Benjamin Carol covers aggression through topics including cats and dogs; chasing; growling; multiple dogs; biting; stealing; nipping; guarding; toward children; fighting; and aggression toward uniforms.    Be sure to read the reviews, some folks found this book to be too simple, not appropriate for professional or advanced trainers.

Good Owners, Great Dogs    Brain Kilcommons with Sarah Wilson. Often quoted by pet dog trainers as the family dog bible. Pages 236 through 258 deal exclusively with aggression with topics including . . . from a look to a bite, common owner mistakes, overprotective, territorial, fearful, possessive, aggression with children, dog fights, predatory dogs and more.  I especially enjoy the side bar stories and solutions.

 

 

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Reprinted from the Marin Humane Society

Dog bites range from painless nips to fatal maulings and account for up to 5% of all hospital emergency room visits. Although dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, bite statistics show that unsterilzed dogs are up to 3 times more likely to bite than those which have been spayed or neutered. Lack of socialization, improper training, excitement and fear can all contribute to a dog attack.

Dog owners can protect themselves, their children and strangers by following some general rules:

Teach your dog appropriate behavior

Don't play aggressive games such as wrestling or tug of war and never 'sic' your dog on another person. It is important that your dog recognizes members of your family as pack members not to be challenged.

 

Be a responsible pet owner.

For everyone's safety, do not allow your dog to roam. Make your pet a member of the family. Dogs that spend too much time in the dog house or tied in the back yard have a much greater chance of developing aggressive behavior problems.

 

Err on the safe side.

If you do not know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If you think your dog might panic in a crowd, leave him at home. Help your dog become accustomed to a variety of situations.

When you encounter an unfamiliar or agitated dog:

• Don't run. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch running prey.
• If a dog threatens, don't scream. Avoid eye contact, try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that is tethered or confined. If someone is walking a pet on a leash, ask before you pet.

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