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    • Home
    • What is a CDBC
    • Aggression Issues
    • Slow Thinking
    • Control Unleashed Class
    • Games-Based Training
    • About Laura
    • Client Testimonials
    • Dog Training Articles
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • What is a CDBC
  • Aggression Issues
  • Slow Thinking
  • Control Unleashed Class
  • Games-Based Training
  • About Laura
  • Client Testimonials
  • Dog Training Articles
  • Contact Us

Aggression: An All Too Common Dog Behavior Problem

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WHAT IS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR?

Aggression in dogs is a behavior, not a mental state!

Aggressive behavior is usually caused by a dog's fear, stress and anxiety in a particular context. It can also be influenced by early socialization deficits as well as a dog’s genetic tendencies.  Aggression is a normal evolutionary behavior in dogs that becomes a problem when dogs begin using it as an habitual way to resolve conflicts, protect access to resources or defend territory within their domestic sphere. Using aggressive behavior does not make a dog "mean" or "vicious."  A dog's use of aggressive behavior is also not a permanent character flaw. Remember that aggression is a category of behaviors such as growling, lunging, biting,tooth displays and so on; it is not a mental state. The best way to look at aggressive behavior is as a series of actions, not the emotional values that are often imposed on those actions. 


Aggressive behavior in dogs is most frequently caused by:

1. Lack of proper and early socialization

2. Lack of training

3. Unskilled use of aversive and punishment-based training methods

4. Traumatic experience

5. Genetic predisposition (poor breeding)

  

What are NOT causes of aggression:

  • "Spoiling" the dog
  • Playing tug games
  • Not being a dominant enough pack leader


If your dog is showing any signs of aggressive behavior, please contact me as soon as possible. I work with all forms of canine aggression, from resource guarding to dog-dog and dog-human biting behavior.

Most issues with aggressive behavior  are motivated by fear, stress & anxiety. This is one reason why punishment is never a good response if your dog is barking, lunging or growling at other dogs.


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