Communication is a central feature to happy living.  Being able to express ones feelings naturally and openly allows everyone the opportunity to be heard and understood.  Often problems with pets can be overcome by learning to understand the challenges in communication.

With dogs, aggression is a normal form of communication.  Growling or snapping is used to warn other animals, defend themselves or guard their territory.  It is natural then that when dogs feel that they have given adequate warning they act aggressively.  The problem then lies in miscommunication between dogs and humans.

Dogs will often show aggressive behavior in efforts to bring order as well.  In a pack of dogs, a hierarchical system is created where order is established by aggressive behavior.  With only outward expression dogs can organize themselves without acting upon their aggressive behavior.  When dealing with humans dogs become intimidate or threatened and often use the same tactics to organize and create order.

Spaying or neutering your dog may be one of the best ways to prevent aggressive behavior.  A simple surgery may be the easiest source of prevention for dog’s who possess hostile conduct.  Other forms of preventative measures include socializing the dog by introducing them early on to many people and places and by allowing others to pet and handle them.  Additionally, dogs naturally play rough, but wrestling and rough handling will only encourage dangerous behavior in your dog.  If your dog does handle roughly, express a loud but not angry “oww” to let them know that the behavior is unacceptable.

If your dog is already exhibiting aggressive conduct, then a behavioral specialist might be the best thing.  An expert in dog behavior uses positive reinforcement to understand and train your dog to limit its aggression and resolve its tendencies for roughness.  Although some aggression may be caused by medical circumstances and should be solved by a veterinarian, most aggressive actions can be resolved through behavioral experts.

Many dog lovers are under the false impression that bigger dogs are more aggressive than smaller dogs. While larger dogs are generally more capable of inflicting the greatest amount of harm because of its size, it is very important to understand that all dog breeds, including the smallest and gentlest ones can be equally aggressive and violent.

Types of Aggression

Just as it is important to understand human communication and behavior knowing your dogs signs of communication are important as well.  Below are five types of aggression your dog may display:

1. Protective Aggression – a common trait by many dogs is to protect their owner’s family and home from intruders.
2. Possessive Aggression – similar to protective aggression, except the dog is now protecting their own possessions.  Often these objects include food, toys, shelters, or any object it decides to guard.  A simple trade is perhaps the best way to alleviate this problem.
3. Dominance Aggression – referring back to the use of behavior as a way of forming order and obedience, dogs use aggression to display dominance within other animals.  Occasionally, dogs use dominant behavior towards humans and positive reinforcement should be used to correct the dog’s behavior.
4. Territorial Aggression – often the owner’s home and property are included in the territory the dog decides to protect.  Sometimes the area can be as small as a backyard or as large as a neighborhood.
5. Fear Motivated Aggression – caused by intimidation to new humans or animals which cause the dog to believe it is in danger.  Examples of this form of behavior may be found when a dog bites a human who raises their arm.  Training and positive reinforcement can greatly minimize these traits.

Selecting the Right Puppy

When picking a dog, it is important to watch the behavioral patterns of the dog. Some of the behaviors you should be mindful of include:

• Obvious signs of aggressive behaviors
• Excessive gnawing, snarling and biting
• Extremely shy, timid or nervous

Potentially Aggressive Dog Breeds

Some dogs which are known to be potentially aggressive are Chows Chows, Papillion, Old English Sheep Dogs, Llasa Apso, Rottweiler, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Jack Russell Terriers, Giant Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese and Miniature Pinschers. While they are known to have some behavioral problems, this does not mean that these dogs will bite. Again, dogs can be trained to behave.

There are some dog breeds which are mistakenly considered as aggressive in spite of their gentle and affable nature. Some such breeds are Boxers, Bulldogs, Great Danes, Mastiffs and German Shepherds.

Spending Quality Time with the Master Reduces Dog’s Aggression

While an obedience training school can certainly take your pets discipline to the next level, it is very important to spend some quality time and instruct your pet with key day-to-day behaviors. This practice will ensure enough trust which will reduce your pet’s aggression to a large extent.

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Understanding dogs when they communicate can greatly reduce the occurrence of aggressive actions and potentially dangerous situations.  For dogs that already produce such behavior, experts can become essential elements to training your dog to communicate more effectively.