Dog aggression is a term used to describe a range of threatening behaviors that can occur for a various reasons in dogs. Aggressive dog behaviors can be things like growling, barking, lunging, snapping, or biting. Understanding why your dog is behaving aggressively is key to solving it.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). I donate 10% of my profits to animal charities.
What is Dog Aggression?
Watch this video of Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan, explaining why dogs are aggressive and how to stop it. You’ll be surprised to hear what goes on in a dog’s brain when they’re being aggressive!
Who is Doggy Dan?
Doggy Dan is the owner of the dog training website, The Online Dog Trainer. He has been my #1 recommendation for dog training for more than10 years. His training to stop dog aggression is particularly effective and easy to follow. It’s the help you need if your dog’s aggression is out of control!
Why Do Dogs Become Aggressive?
According to Doggy Dan’s blog post about understanding dominant and fearful aggression, there are several different reasons why a dog may become aggressive.
The dog may have a fear of something that’s happening, their aggression may be linked to some previous trauma or abuse, they may feel threatened or they may be protecting something or someone.
Or they may simply have a serious lack of confidence.
Some common causes for dog aggression include:
1. Fear: Dogs may become aggressive when they are threatened or scared. This is a defensive behavior to protect themselves from what they perceive as danger.
2. Territory: Dogs sometimes act aggressively if they feel their territory is being threatened. This can be their home, yard, or a familiar environment.
3. They’re in Pain: Dogs who are in pain due to injury or illness may react aggressively if touched or approached.
4. Possessions: Resource guarding is a form of aggression where a dog protects their possessions such as food, toys, or other valued items.
5. Protectiveness: Some dogs show aggression when they feel they need to protect their family members, even other household pets.
6. Showing dominance: This is most common in multi-dog households.
7. Predatory Aggression: This type of aggressive behavior is directed towards animals that a dog sees as prey.
Dog Reactivity vs Dog Aggression
Some dog owners confuse aggressive behavior with dog reactivity. They may look similar, but not quite. To learn the difference read my post, Dog Aggression vs Reactivity: What’s the Difference?
Controlling Dog Aggression
Controlling dog aggression may require professional help from a veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist, or a certified dog trainer. It is important to correct dog aggression early to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of both the dog and those around them.
For more help, read my post, How to Stop a Dog from Being Aggressive (includes video) and also check out my Ultimate Guide to Understanding & Managing Dog Aggression for help understanding what dog aggression is and how to handle it.
The Dog Calming Code for Aggression
Doggy Dan has created a dog training program called, The Dog Calming Code, which is particularly effective for solving dog aggression problems.
This training consists of 5 steps to get your dog’s aggression under control and includes a two-hour video where Doggy Dan explains exactly what to do to get your dog to behave well, calm down and obey you!
You can check this out on Doggy Dan’s website, or read my complete review of The Dog Calming Code here or watch my video below for more info!
Watch My Video: Dog Training for Aggressive Dogs
In this video, I explain why Doggy Dan’s training methods are so effective for aggressive dog behavior and why it’s important to get control of your dog’s aggressive behavior before it gets serious.
For More Help With Dog Aggression
- What is Dog Aggression? Dog Behaviorist Explains
- Why Your Dog Thinks Aggression is Necessary
- Why is My Dog Suddenly Aggressive?
- Dog Aggressive Toward Other Dogs?
- Dog Aggressive Toward People?
- Dog Aggression Towards Owner
- Dog Aggression Toward Children: A Parent's Guide
- Fear Aggression Dog Training
- Dog Food Aggression Training
- Stop Dogs Fighting: 7 Ways to Stop It and How to Prevent It
- What to Do (and NOT Do) if an Aggressive Dog Approaches You
- Why Do Dogs Growl? When It's Normal and When It's NOT
- Common Misconceptions About Dog Aggression
- Dangerous Dog Behavior: Solving Serious Aggression
I Donate to Animal Charities
Thank you for visiting my website. I’m glad you’re seeking help with your dog’s aggressive behavior.
You don’t want your dog to hurt anyone, and you don’t want your dog to get into trouble for their aggressive behavior!
I donate 10% of my profits from this website to animal charities. You can see a list of the charities I donate to here.
For More About Dog Training, CLICK HERE
