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Feature Article:

Managing Dog Aggression

By Dawna Caldwell

Over 2 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the USA alone, and only half report the incident. Insurance companies pay $340,000,000 on claims annually, 800,000 people are actually injured, and half are children. Currently, 1/3 of all homeowners claims are dog bite related. Insurance companies have now circulated a “Bad Breed” list. If you own one of the following breeds, there is a possibility you may not be eligible for homeowners insurance:

  • Akita
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Chow Chow
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Great Dane
  • Miniature Pinscher
  • Pit Bull
  • Rottweiler
  • Siberian Husky
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Wolf hybrids

And this list is anticipated to get longer!

Fortunately, canine aggression can be prevented if the owner understands the factors that promote the development of aggressive behavior.

Aggression can often be linked to a puppy’s experiences during the early growth periods. If at fourteen weeks your puppy has not been socialized, it may never be comfortable or trustworthy around people or dogs. As a dog owner, you must get your puppy out into the real world as soon as possible, safely exposing him to friendly people, friendly dogs, and new environments. This conflicts with the advice many veterinarians give, which is to wait until your puppy is fully immunized before taking him out in public. A better idea may be to put your puppy in a shopping cart and wheel him around a pet store while strangers give him treats. Take him to a friend’s home for a play date. A puppy class is excellent for socialization since all shot records will be checked before the puppies will meet. These are safe ways to get your puppy out while minimizing his exposure to harmful viruses and germs.

Genetics and heredity also influence aggression. Security breeds such as the Rottweiler are bred to be hardy, protective, assertive, and more “take charge” than a lap dog such as a Shi Tzu. Perhaps this is why they are on the Bad Breed list. Jack Russell terriers were originally bred for rodent killing and can be quite scrappy and willful. Although these traits are desirable when you have a working dog, they can be undesirable in a family pet. Left without proper guidance and training, these traits can get your dog into trouble.

Another major factor is the environment. Adverse environments such as being left on a tether in the front of the home, teasing by children, lack of socialization, inappropriate punishment, intimidation or attacks by aggressive dogs, and excessive indulgence by owners are all contributing factors that can lead to aggressiveness in your dog.

Poor leadership will confuse a dog about his social standing, which also can lead to aggressive behavior. Dogs don’t make good decisions in a human environment, so don’t put them in a position of having to make any. Pet dogs equate your family to a pack, and in a pack there is a ranking order. If you as the owners are not consistent in providing confident direction, your dog will perceive you as an unreliable pack leader and will try to take charge.

I can help you structure your relationship with your dog in a positive, motivating manner while teaching your dog good behaviors. Start by enrolling in your puppy in one of my classes to get him socialized with other dogs early while learning basic obedience. After, follow-up with a graduate course to instill a greater depth of positive conduct. And for those dogs with existing problems, I can work with you one-on-one in private sessions to help you bring out your dog’s best behavior.