F.A.Q Puppies & Dogs

My dog is generally well behaved but occasionally shows aggressive behaviour. Why is this, and how can I discourage it?

Your dog may be showing that he/she really wants to be 'top dog'. Aggression itself can result from a number of causes and many factors and stimuli will push your dog to an aggressive state. It sounds as if your dog may be showing a 'dominance - related aggression'. This is sometimes seen when an owner disturbs a dog in their resting place, or gives the dog a command, especially one that needs a 'submissive' action, such as when they are lying down, or have to give up something.

The causes include genetic factors, hormonal factors (it is usually more common in male dogs), and the composition of the household. Not only are any other pets involved in a struggle for dominance hierarchy, so are the owners. The ages and sexes of the human members of the household can affect it, such as a male dog 'bonding' with a female owner.

The attitude of the owner also affects this dominance - related aggression. Dogs showing 'dominance aggression' have often been unconsciously encouraged by owners to see themselves (the dog) as the dominant component of the relationship. For example, the dog may be allowed to take the initiative in any interaction. The owner may withdraw or back down, or allow the dog to have dominant postures, such as placing their paws on human shoulders. Often the owner may be 'emotionally attached' to the dog, and have a liberal attitude to this kind of behaviour.

It is very difficult to alter a dog's behaviour in these circumstances, but it is possible.

• Until you have gained dominance over your dog, avoid any situations that provoke aggression. 
• Ignore your dog's approaches to you as well as reducing your own approaches to your dog. This has two effects. Your dog will begin to see your attention as a reward, and in a dog's eyes this is dominant behaviour. 
• Only reward submissive actions that your dog does, such as sitting and lying when you tell it to. You can use 'attention' as a reward, and you can also provide activities your dog likes. This could include going out into the garden with a toy or throwing a ball for it. 
• You should not let your dog take up 'dominant postures', such as jumping up, putting its paws in your lap or sleeping in your bed. 
• Have a daily obedience training session. This is where you are clearly dominant, and it allows you to take control of a situation. Enrolling in dog training classes may also be useful. 
• When you have established your dominance over your dog, you can start reintroducing situations where your dog was previously aggressive. If, for example, your dog tried to bite you while in the sitting room, let it back into there, letting it lie or sit on the floor. 
• Your dog appears to be 'selectively dominant' i.e. she is dominant towards you. The dominant family member should have nothing to do with your dog at all, and all rewards and social interaction only carried out by you while this training is going on. 
• It may also be worth while making an appointment to see your vet, with a detailed diary of when your dog is aggressive. The vet will be able to give you advice or perhaps provide some treatment suggestions for the short term.

Always remember, though, dominance aggression can be controlled yet never cured. You should always be on the watch for another 'dominance bid' from your dog.