Dogs are naturally aggressive animals. Aggression is not only necessary when dogs are hunting their prey but it is also a most valuable trait that allows dogs to fight their predators. Aggression is a necessary asset that enables dogs to stay alive in the wild. However, in today’s society dog aggression is unacceptable as this unwanted behavior can have potentially dangerous consequences. It is therefore necessary to find ways to stop the dog’s aggressive behavior.
Dogs have always been man’s most loyal companions. Dogs are loyal and affectionate animals thus it would not be surprising if they are found in most households and considered as family members. However, it would be extremely difficult to have an aggressive four legged companion. Dogs are well loved pets but due to aggression an owner may decide to put the dog to sleep especially if it has already caused serious injuries to the family members. The dog’s dreadful fate can be prevented if the owner would find ways to manage the dog’s aggression. An owner has to know the underlying reasons for the aggression of the pet. The dog may have hurt someone but punishment and inflicting physical harm on the dog would never solve the problem. Physical punishment may even worsen the dog’s aggression.
If a well behaved friendly pet has suddenly started growling, snapping and biting people a vet visit is necessary. There is a possibility that an underlying medical problem has caused the dog to develop an aggressive behavior. A dog in pain may snap and bite if touched. Intact dogs are highly territorial and dominant thus spaying or neutering is believed to lessen the dog’s aggression.
The dog’s aggression can be caused by some circumstances in its environment. Dogs are generally territorial and food motivated. Dogs that are not well socialized will react violently if a threat to its food or territory is perceived. The dog’s aggression can be prevented if the owner would not expose the pet to such situations.
Aggression is a common cause of euthanazition. Dog aggression is not impossible to correct but this is not an easy behavioral problem to manage either. Socialization and obedience training that would increase the patience threshold of the dog would be beneficial. However, aggression is a tough problem that dog owners find hard to overcome. The help of an animal behaviorist or a professional dog trainer would be necessary in creating a program that will modify the aggressive behavior of the pet.
