Do YOU know the different forms of agression in dogs?

Question

I am distressed by the number of people looking to euthanize their dog because it attacked or fought/killed another family pet. Considering that the presence of one form of agression does not merit or the presence of another, why is euthanasia the quick fix that everyone seems to jump to?

Dominance Aggression

Fear Aggression

Territorial/Protective Aggression

Dog-on-Dog Aggression—Related to Dominance

Dog-on-Dog Aggression— Related to pack (sibling)

Dog-on-Dog Aggression—Related to Fear

Predatory Aggression

Possessive Aggression

Aggression Towards Babies

Redirected Aggression

Food-Related Aggression

Play Aggression

Maternal Aggression

Health related Aggression

Seizure Related Aggression

Pain Related Aggression

Aggression Related to Old Age

Aggression Influenced by Medications

....all are forms of agression, and most are unrelated. When will people stop viewing their pets as disposable and start taking responsibility???

Wendy,
As are you if you took the time to read the question....do you plan on answering it??? I thought not... :)

Answer 1

Amen! I am alarmed at how many people say "My dog just killed a bird! Is it going to attack my children?" That's like saying, "My husband likes to hunt, is he going to kill our whole family?" There are so many reasons for a dog to show aggression or prey drive and nothing has a thing to with another. I have a dog aggressive dog that allows children to do anything to her and she endures it totally patiently. I have had to work with her manners with other dogs but I have never worried about my safety or any other person's safety with her - EVER!
I think learning about aggression and why dogs display it is something that every dog owner should do. It can prevent a lot of confusion, worries and problems down the road. Knowing why they do it allows you to be able to fix it and also allows you to know when they are a danger and when they are not.

Answer 2

Amen!!!! I can't tell you how many times I have seen a dog surrendered because of a behavior (I don't like the word "aggression" because it has negative connotations, I use "behavior" because behaviors can be modified) that could/can be easily corrected. It is the same old story time and time again:
mommy and daddy go out and by little johnny a puppy and the puppy is soooo cute and everyone love it. Then the party is over and mom and dad go off to work and johnny goes to school and the puppy sits in a crate 10 hours a day for months on end and now mommy and daddy can't figure out why the puppy is chewing the legs off the furniture or is trying to eat the neighbors cat, etc etc etc. So instead of seeking professional help or (god forbid) doing some research, reading a book, they pack the dog up into the car and dump it off at the local shelter. People need to understand that a dog is a dog is a dog, and you cannot turn a dog into a child and a dog is going to behave as his doggie instincts tell him to.
And I totally agree with the responsibility thing, DOGS ARE NOT DISPOSABLE, they are living, breathing creatures with feelings and wants and needs. It just always amazes me that people will pay hundreds of dollars for a dog, but the first time the dog has an accident in the house or chews something up, off they go to the shelter, just like taking out the garbage. It's disgraceful.

Answer 3

Most people don't bother to check into it. They assume that aggression=aggression=aggression. Then there are those of us who not only try to find the 'type' of aggression our dog/s suffer from but also the cure. People will stop viewing animals as toys to be discarded at will when we as a people stand up and start working towards making a difference. Many people have grown up being shown that dogs are no better than the (insert toy name here) they had growing up.

Answer 4

Unfortunately I see this every day at animal control.A lot of people will request that their animal be put to sleep for no reason other than they don't want it.They should at least give the dog a chance for a home.
There are so many stupid owners out there, every where.We very carefully screen animals for what kind of aggression they have before any thing is done to them.Some times its as simple as them being scared in a new place and with some extra love and handling by us we get them a home.

Answer 5

yes he can your dog has anxiety issues. lets start with the food dog food aggression stems from thinking hes not going to eat the best way to correct this is to feed him or her twice a day same time every day and feed them in different rooms till he doesn't wolf it down in 3 secs then introduce the other dog a little at a time my dogs eat out of same bowl as far as dog aggression walk your dog on a leash past dogs him or her is aggressive towards and when it begins to get excited turn the dog away and walk away and give treats to get his attention off the other dogs do this several times remember dogs are like a 4 year old keep working him or her and it will work there are no bad dogs just uneducated owners

Answer 6

Yes, I know the difference.

Most people have very little, if any, real knowledge about dogs whatsoever.

You have people on this forum who are still thinking that hitting dogs and rubbing the dog's nose in waste is a viable means to housetrain.

You have other people who have dogs as accessories.

For the most part, people don't believe much of anything is THEIR responsibility... so, since its not their responsibility... the dog MUST BE the one at fault... and since nothing is their responsibility they can just get rid of the dog without even looking back.

All that can be done is education... as well as being much more careful in picking out pet homes...

Answer 7

I have a hard time viewing a dog bite during a seizure as "aggression" or one from a dog in severe pain ......
Having a breed where human bites are close to unheard of but so high prey drive that chasing (and killing if they catch) small animals is almost universial, I dang well know the difference....
PS aggresion to babies is usually actually one of the other forms -

Answer 8

I don't like to consider all of these "aggressive" Just a little issue we need to teach them is not appropriate behavior.

I have a momma from hell but I sent her to someone elses house monday night and tuesday morning she answered the door with my momma and her dog no "issue" Back to my house all hell broke loose again. I just wanted to see how she would be. Had to make sure it was just the babies.

I found a home for my last girl with food "issues" She only had it towrds dogs so she is the only dog in the house.

Added:

Showtune: The word "NO" is magical. It works very well in most cases. Most dogs have "issues" because no one taught them it was innappropriate

Answer 9

UNFORTUNATELY, MOST people will not invest the time to learn how to raise a dog, but we are not give training to raise a child....so what could you expect.

All of the aggressive behavior you listed can be corrected. But it takes skill, knowledge, and stick to it determination. I know that there are a lot of very skilled trainer available but I am amazed at Cesar Millan's ability to read the body of the dogs. He knows what they are planning before they do.

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

Answer 10

I understand about the different types of aggression, especially fear. One of my dogs is from a rescue centre and he's always been capable of fear aggression but it's something I'm always aware of and he's never bitten anyone. If all owners understood their dogs and their behaviour I expect there would be fewer reports of dog attacks.