Jim Gillies CDBC is a highly experienced and qualified dog behaviourist in Glasgow. With over a decade of experience working with dogs and their owners, Jim has earned a reputation as a trusted expert in his field. He is dedicated to promoting positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques, always prioritising the well-being of the dogs he works with.
What is Aggression in Dogs?
Aggression in dogs is a common and often misunderstood behaviour. While dogs are generally loving and loyal companions, they are also capable of displaying different types of aggression that can be harmful to both humans and other animals. Understanding the different types of aggression in dogs and their underlying causes is crucial for dog owners and trainers to prevent and manage aggressive behaviour effectively. In this article, we will explore the various types of aggression in dogs, their triggers, and how to recognise and address them to ensure a safe and harmonious relationship with our dogs.
Key Takeaways: Understanding Dog Aggression
Owner-Directed Aggression: Canines may display aggression towards humans, including owners, which can escalate if the behavior is reinforced by achieving desired outcomes. Understanding the triggers is essential to manage and prevent such behaviors.
Reinforcement Loop: Repeated successful aggressive acts can increase the likelihood of future aggression, creating a challenging cycle to break.
Preventive Measures: Early socialization and training reduce the risk of aggression. Consistent training and environment management are crucial. Professional consultation is advised if the aggression’s cause is unclear.
Fear Aggression: Results from inadequate socialization or traumatic experiences. Fearful dogs may resort to aggression when flight is not an option. The fight response is a natural reaction to fear, driven by the sympathetic nervous system.
Possessive Aggression (Resource Guarding): Dogs may instinctively protect possessions, food, or resting areas. They may display aggression to prevent others from taking their valued items or invading their space.
Redirected Aggression: Occurs when a dog redirects its aggression from the original target to an intervening individual or animal.
Owner-Directed Aggression in Dogs
Human-directed aggression in dogs refers to a range of aggressive behaviours exhibited by canines towards people, often characterised by growling, snarling, snapping, or biting. This type of aggression can stem from various causes and may manifest under different circumstances.
Understanding these causes is crucial for dog owners, trainers, and professionals in order to effectively manage and prevent such behaviours.
As a dog that repeatedly engages in human-directed aggression and achieves the desired outcome, the likelihood of the aggressive behaviour recurring in the future increases. This reinforcement loop can make it more challenging to mitigate the aggression over time.
When confronted with a situation that triggers this type of aggression, the dog may exhibit various aggressive behaviours, such as growling, snapping, or biting, in response to a person’s actions or requests.
Understanding and Addressing Owner-Directed Aggression in Dogs
- Aggressive behaviour can be displayed by dogs towards people they are familiar with, particularly their owners, and can manifest in a variety of situations.
- Human-directed aggression arises when a dog perceives a threat or challenge from a human.
- It is essential to encourage a healthy and safe relationship between the pet and human with lots of positive interactions.
- Reinforcement loop: As a dog repeatedly engages in owner-directed aggression and achieves the desired outcome, the likelihood of the aggressive behaviour recurring in the future increases.
- Early socialisation and proper training can help reduce the likelihood of this type of aggression.
- Minimise the likelihood of aggressive incidents by managing your dog’s environment.
- Be consistent with your training and management strategies. Consistency helps establish trust and predictability.
- If you are unsure about the cause of the aggression or how to handle it, consult with a veterinarian, certified dog behaviourist, or professional dog trainer. They can help identify the root of the problem and provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take.
If you find this article interesting, you might want check out our blog and podcast section, specifically these articles:
Is Aggression Genetic or Learned?
Rage Syndrome in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Fear Aggression in Dogs
Fear aggression in dogs is a learned behaviour that can stem from various causes and is often characterised by an aggressive response to perceived threats. One common contributing factor is insufficient socialization during the puppy stage, which can hinder the development of proper social skills and the ability to cope with unfamiliar situations. Additionally, a traumatic event, such as being attacked or experiencing a frightening incident, can lead to the development of fear aggression in dogs.
A dog exhibiting fear aggression may become anxious or reactive at the sight of another dog, particularly if they have previously encountered a similar situation that caused them harm. When a fearful dog feels cornered or trapped, their anxiety can escalate into aggressive behaviour as a means of self-preservation. This is because animals, including dogs, generally prefer to distance themselves from any perceived threats, engaging in what is known as the flight response.
However, when escaping is not a feasible option, most animals, including dogs, will switch to a fight response as a means of self-defence. This is a natural reaction to fear and a result of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of neurotransmitters responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Consequently, a dog experiencing fear aggression may react defensively to protect itself from perceived dangers.
Understanding and Addressing Fear-based Aggression
- Fear aggression is a learned behaviour that can stem from various causes and is often characterised by an aggressive response to perceived threats.
- One common contributing factor is insufficient socialization during the puppy stage, which can hinder the development of proper social skills and the ability to cope with unfamiliar situations.
- A traumatic event, such as being attacked or experiencing a frightening incident, can lead to the development of fear aggression in dogs.
- A dog exhibiting fear aggression may become anxious or reactive at the sight of another dog, particularly if they have previously encountered a similar situation that caused them harm.
- A fearful dog’s anxiety can escalate into aggressive behaviour as a means of self-preservation when they feel cornered or trapped.
- Animals, including dogs, generally prefer to distance themselves from any perceived threats, engaging in what is known as the flight response.
- When escaping is not a feasible option, most animals, including dogs, will switch to a fight response as a means of self-defence.
- This is a natural reaction to fear and a result of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of neurotransmitters responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
- A dog experiencing fear aggression may react defensively to protect itself from perceived dangers.
Possessive Aggression and Resource Guarding
Possessive aggression, also referred to as resource guarding, is a common behaviour exhibited by many dogs as they instinctively protect their possessions from perceived threats. This behaviour can manifest even when there is no apparent need for the dog to guard their belongings. Dogs may exhibit possessive aggression in a variety of situations, each involving the protection of something they deem valuable.
Additionally, some dogs may exhibit possessive aggression when it comes to their preferred resting spots. This could include their crates, beds, or other designated areas where they feel comfortable and secure. In these situations, the dog may become defensive and react aggressively if they perceive their territory as being threatened or invaded.
For instance, some dogs may become aggressive when a person or another animal approaches them while they are eating or comes close to their food bowl. In such cases, the dog may display aggressive behaviours, such as growling, snarling, or snapping, to ward off the perceived threat to their resources. Similarly, other dogs may guard their chew bones, toys, or items they have stolen, reacting aggressively if someone attempts to take these objects away from them.
Understanding and Addressing Resource Guarding
- Dogs may exhibit possessive aggression in a variety of situations, each involving the protection of something they deem valuable.
- Possessive aggression, also known as resource guarding, is a common behaviour exhibited by many dogs as they instinctively protect their possessions from perceived threats.
- Some dogs may become aggressive when a person or another animal approaches them while they are eating or comes close to their food bowl.
- In such cases, the dog may display aggressive behaviours, such as growling, snarling, or snapping, to ward off the perceived threat to their resources.
- Similarly, other dogs may guard their chew bones, toys, or items they have stolen, reacting aggressively if someone attempts to take these objects away from them.
- Additionally, some dogs may exhibit possessive aggression when it comes to their preferred resting spots, including their crates, beds, or other designated areas where they feel comfortable and secure.
- In these situations, the dog may become defensive and react aggressively if they perceive their territory as being threatened or invaded.
Redirected Aggression
Redirected aggression is a type of aggression that occurs when a dog is unable to direct its aggressive response towards the original object or person that triggered it. This type of aggression arises when a dog is aroused by or exhibits aggressive behaviour toward an individual or another animal, and an interference occurs, causing the dog to shift its focus and aggression to the person or animal that intervened.
A common scenario in which redirected aggression occurs is during attempts to break up dog fights. When a person intervenes by grabbing or pushing a fighting dog, the dog may suddenly redirect its aggression from the original opponent to the person trying to separate them. This redirection can result in the dog biting the person, even though they were not the initial target of the dog’s aggression.
Understanding redirected aggression is vital for dog owners to ensure their safety and the safety of others when dealing with aggressive situations involving their pets. To prevent redirected aggression, it is crucial to approach such situations with caution and avoid direct physical intervention, particularly when the dog is in a heightened state of arousal.
Understanding and Addressing Redirected Aggression
- Redirected aggression occurs when a dog is unable to direct its aggressive response towards the original object or person that triggered it.
- This type of aggression arises when a dog is aroused by or exhibits aggressive behaviour toward an individual or another animal, and an interference occurs, causing the dog to shift its focus and aggression to the person or animal that intervened.
- A common scenario in which redirected aggression occurs is during attempts to break up dog fights.
- When a person intervenes by grabbing or pushing a fighting dog, the dog may suddenly redirect its aggression from the original opponent to the person trying to separate them.
- This redirection can result in the dog biting the person, even though they were not the initial target of the dog’s aggression.
- Understanding redirected aggression is vital for dog owners to ensure their safety and the safety of others when dealing with aggressive situations involving their pets.
- To prevent redirected aggression, it is crucial to approach such situations with caution and avoid direct physical intervention, particularly when the dog is in a heightened state of arousal.
Frustration-Elicited Aggression
Frustration-elicited aggression is a type of canine behaviour that occurs when a dog becomes excited or aroused by a stimulus but is prevented from approaching or interacting with it. This restraint can cause the dog to display aggressive behaviour, particularly towards the person or object responsible for holding them back. For example, a frustrated dog may react by biting at its leash, the hand holding the leash, or the collar that restricts its movement.
Over time, a dog experiencing repeated instances of frustration-elicited aggression may begin to associate restraint with feelings of frustration, even in situations where there is no apparent cause for excitement. This learned association can result in otherwise friendly dogs exhibiting aggressive behaviour when put behind a gate, placed in a cage or crate, confined in a car, or restrained by a leash.
It is essential for dog owners to recognize the signs of frustration-elicited aggression and take appropriate steps to address and manage this behaviour. Understanding the triggers that cause frustration in a dog and implementing strategies to reduce these triggers can help prevent aggressive outbursts.
Understanding and Addressing Frustration-Elicited Aggression
- Frustration-elicited aggression is a type of canine behaviour that occurs when a dog becomes excited or aroused by a stimulus but is prevented from approaching or interacting with it.
- This restraint can cause the dog to display aggressive behaviour, particularly towards the person or object responsible for holding them back.
- For example, a frustrated dog may react by biting at its leash, the hand holding the leash, or the collar that restricts its movement.
- Over time, a dog experiencing repeated instances of frustration-elicited aggression may begin to associate restraint with feelings of frustration, even in situations where there is no apparent cause for excitement.
- This learned association can result in otherwise friendly dogs exhibiting aggressive behaviour when put behind a gate, placed in a cage or crate, confined in a car, or restrained by a leash.
- It is essential for dog owners to recognize the signs of frustration-elicited aggression and take appropriate steps to address and manage this behaviour.
- Understanding the triggers that cause frustration in a dog and implementing strategies to reduce these triggers can help prevent aggressive outbursts.
Pain-Induced Aggression
Even the most gentle and friendly dogs can exhibit aggressive behaviour when experiencing pain. This is why it is crucial to exercise caution when handling an injured or unwell dog, regardless of whether it is your own pet or not. A dog suffering from a painful orthopaedic condition, an infection, or any other ailment may react aggressively with minimal warning, even when the intention is to provide care or treatment.
The improper use of certain training equipment, such as pinch (or prong) collars and shock collars, can cause pain in a dog and trigger a pain-induced aggressive response towards the owner or handler. It is essential for dog owners to be aware of the potential for pain-induced aggression and choose training methods and equipment that prioritise the dog’s comfort and well-being.
To manage and prevent pain-induced aggression, dog owners should be vigilant about their pet’s health and behaviour. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address health issues that may cause pain and discomfort. If a dog exhibits signs of pain or aggressive behaviour, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
Additionally, when handling a dog in pain, it is important to approach the situation with patience, care, and sensitivity to minimise the risk of an aggressive response.
Understanding and Addressing Pain-Induced Aggression
- Even gentle and friendly dogs can exhibit aggressive behaviour when experiencing pain.
- It is crucial to exercise caution when handling an injured or unwell dog, regardless of whether it is your own pet or not.
- A dog suffering from a painful orthopaedic condition, an infection, or any other ailment may react aggressively with minimal warning, even when the intention is to provide care or treatment.
- Improper use of certain training equipment, such as pinch (or prong) collars and shock collars, can cause pain in a dog and trigger a pain-induced aggressive response towards the owner or handler.
- Dog owners should be aware of the potential for pain-induced aggression and choose training methods and equipment that prioritise the dog’s comfort and well-being.
- To manage and prevent pain-induced aggression, dog owners should be vigilant about their pet’s health and behaviour, and regularly consult with a veterinarian for check-ups.
- If a dog exhibits signs of pain or aggressive behaviour, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
- When handling a dog in pain, it is important to approach the situation with patience, care, and sensitivity to minimise the risk of an aggressive response.
Products That Can Help With Dog Aggression
Pet Remedy Boredom Buster Foraging Kit: Igniting Curiosity and Calm in Every Sniff
- Mental Stimulation: At the core of this kit is the principle of mental stimulation. Dogs, by nature, are curious animals. The Foraging Kit provides them with puzzles and challenges that require thought and problem-solving, which can be critical for dogs with behavioural issues. Keeping their mind engaged can divert their attention from aggressive triggers.
- Physical Engagement: Besides mental engagement, the kit promotes physical activity. The act of foraging, pawing, nudging, and trying to retrieve treats or toys from the kit can serve as a constructive outlet for pent-up energy, which can otherwise manifest as aggression.
- Natural Foraging Instinct: Dogs have an inherent desire to hunt and forage. This kit mimics that natural environment, allowing them to ‘hunt’ for their treats. Engaging in such natural behaviours can be therapeutic and calming for dogs, potentially reducing the instances of unprovoked aggression.
- Reduces Boredom: The Foraging Kit ensures that your dog remains occupied and entertained whilst being soothed by the ingredients below.
- The spray combines Valerian Root Extract for nerve calming, Vetiver for soothing, Sweet Basil for alleviating fear, and Sage for relaxation, all set in a pH Neutral Base ensuring safety, to provide an immediate and holistic calming effect for pets, especially when paired with the Foraging Kit.
 | Top Selling Pet Remedy Boredom Buster Foraging Kit
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Basket Muzzle: Ensuring Secure and Comfortable Control
- Immediate Safety Measure: Acts as a first line of defence, ensuring your dog cannot bite or nip, especially during unexpected aggressive outbursts.
- Builds Public Trust: When others see a muzzled dog, they can be assured that the owner is taking responsible steps to manage their pet’s aggression.
- Allows Socialisation: Enables aggressive dogs to be around other pets or people, which can be a crucial part of behavioural therapy.
- Prevents Escalation: By preventing bites, it reduces the chances of situations escalating.
- Promotes Owner Confidence: Gives dog owners peace of mind, allowing them to handle and train their aggressive pet with more confidence and assurance.
 | Top Selling Basket Muzzle
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Safety Dog Gate – Ensuring a Safe Haven for Your Dog
- Tailored Security: The Deluxe Safety Dog Gate is specifically designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for dogs with aggression issues. Standing at a height of 73 cm, it’s a formidable barrier that ensures the containment of your dog in designated areas.
- Expandable Barrier: Initially fitting spaces from 73 to 80 cm, this gate can be expanded up to 108 cm with additional gate extensions (sold separately), offering a versatile solution for different indoor spaces.
- Effortless Installation and Operation: Our no-screw, pressure-mounted installation ensures a solid hold without the need for drilling. The one-handed operation allows for easy access in and out, while the gentle push-close feature provides a hassle-free experience.
- Enhanced Safety Mechanism: The double-lock system coupled with a SecurTech visual indicator guarantees that the gate is securely locked, offering peace of mind in containing aggressive dogs.
- Monitoring Ease: The design of the gate bars allows for clear visibility, enabling you to monitor your dog’s activities and ensuring they are in a safe space.
 | Top Selling Safety Dog Gate
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Additional Resources
If you found this blog interesting, you may want to checkout our podcast with Jim Crosby, an expert on dog aggression and forensics. Jim runs an amazing course via IAABC called “The Forensics of Aggression: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression“. Jim boasts a wealth of canine behavioural training and expertise, and is a globally renowned authority and court-approved expert on dog attacks and aggression. Jim specialises in the investigation of dog bite-related fatalities, with a focus on the evidentiary and behavioural factors involved in these cases.
Safety and Professional Advice
If you notice that your dog is displaying aggressive behaviour, it is essential that you seek the help of a qualified and experienced professional.
Aggression in dogs can have various underlying causes, and it is crucial to identify the root cause to develop a successful treatment plan. Attempting to handle the situation on your own or ignoring it can lead to further escalation of the behaviour and potentially dangerous situations.
Therefore, it is important to seek the guidance of a professional, such as a veterinarian or a certified dog behaviourist, who can assess your dog’s behaviour and provide you with effective and appropriate advice. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when dealing with aggressive behaviour in dogs.
Decisions on Neutering Anxious, Fearful or Aggressive Dogs
When addressing aggression in dogs, particularly those displaying anxiety or fear-related behaviors, the decision to neuter, especially through chemical means, requires careful consideration.
Chemical castration, as a reversible alternative to surgical neutering, can offer insights into how hormonal changes might influence a dog’s behavior. However, it’s important to understand that while it may aid in managing certain types of aggression, it could also potentially affect anxiety levels.
To explore this complex relationship further and evaluate the suitability of this method for your dog, refer to our in-depth discussion on Chemical Castration in Dogs. This resource offers a comprehensive view on the nuances of chemical castration, ensuring you make a well-informed decision that prioritizes your dog’s wellbeing and behavioural health.
About me
Jim Gillies, a Certified Dog Behaviourist and Trainer in Glasgow with over 10 years of experience, prioritises canine well-being through modern, science-backed methods. Handling 4000+ cases of 1-to-1 behaviour training, Jim is fully accredited, insured, and recognised for addressing various behavioural issues including aggression, separation anxiety, and more. Jim holds qualifications in level 5 (merit) Advance Diploma Canine Behaviour Management and level 6 Applied Animal Behaviour. Explore his insightful blog and podcast, sharing expert knowledge on dog training and behaviour. Certified by the IAABC, Jim’s expertise makes him a reliable choice for addressing your dog’s needs.
Contact information
Should you have any questions about this article, feel free to contact me on:
- Email: jim@cbtdogbehaviour.com
- Mobile: 07864029933
Disclaimer
Please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate, and the products recommended in this guide are sold on Amazon. For each product listed, I have provided a hyperlink that directs you to the Amazon page where you can make a purchase. Should you decide to buy any of the products through the provided links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This affiliate commission helps to support my work and continue providing valuable information to my readers. Thank you for your support!
