About dog aggression

Aggression is the most common behavior problem reported in dogs. About three times as many dogs are destroyed because they have behavior problems as die from cancer.[1]

With the exception of abusive or neglectful situations, most canine behavioral problems are not created by people. But this does not mean that if owners do not change the way they respond to their dog that the dog will not continue with the problem.

It does mean through ignorance or misinformation, it is possible to make the situation worse. [2]

How do you know if you have a problem?

Dog aggression is almost always a normal behavior[3]. We shouldn’t look at aggressive behavior as being nasty or wrong. Abnormal canine behavior is often overdiagnosed. [4] But when aggression starts to interfere with the relationship between the pet and the owner, other people, or other animals, it becomes a problem. Often when this happens most dogs with behavior problems are not just misbehaving, they are not normal.

To treat them as normal, but misbehaving and to expect a normal response to corrections can be dangerous.[2]

Unfortunately in most cases, dog aggression often escalates as the dog ages. While it may be natural to make excuses, all dogs are capable of causing serious harm. The sooner you get help with your dog's aggression the easier it will be to help your dog live a more harmonious life with you.

In the meantime, don't take any chances.

You may recognize some of the characteristics of your dog’s behavior in the forms of aggression pages.

Be wise. Educate yourself before making any decisions.

Often by the time we start to look for real help, something bad has already happened. The result is we are pressured into finding help right now. Unfortunately this can make us victim to making rash decisions.

We need find the right help right now. We need to understand the full nature of the choices we are making. Unless you know what to look for in a trainer or behaviorist, you can be vulnerable to making a choice that may result in a disaster.

First of all: slow down. Make a commitment to do something about your problem -wisely. Do your research. Educate yourself. Understand that this kind of stress will make you vulnerable to accepting the first thing that sounds good.

Dog aggression is not an easy problem to solve. It takes a lot of hard work. But it many cases dog aggression can be managed.

But you can’t take your time finding the right help for your dog's aggression problem until you can be reassured that the problem won’t happen again. There are ways to control your situation while you give yourself time to make objective and smart decisions. Keep your dog, other people and animals safe.

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You are not alone

According to Dr. Nicholas Dodman [5], forty two percent of dog owners report their dogs as having behavior problems of some sort. Aggression is the most common behavior problem of them all.

Yet there is a prevailing attitude that there are not bad dogs, only bad owners. This attitude is unhelpful and misguided. What we have learned is that a support group with understanding nonjudgmental people is invaluable. Check out the k9aggression support yahoo e-group for dog owners struggling to find help for their aggressive dogs.

This e-group is a beginning online support group for people who are dealing with dog aggression. While we never recommend you seek training advice over the Internet, this group can provide you with advice on how to find good training help, or just a sympathetic ear when you need one. Owning an aggressive dog can be trying on your dog and even more difficult on you. Here you will find support from people who understand exactly what you are going through.

Getting support is one of the best ways to keep your dog training and treatment going. Owner compliance to a treatment program and the extent of the effort is the single most important factor contributing to the success of rehabilitating an aggressive dog.[2]

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References

[1]The Dog Who Loved Too Much, Tales, Treatments, and the Psychology of Dogs, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, Bantom Books, 1996

[2] Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, Karen L. Overall, M.A., V.M.D., Ph.D. Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behavior, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, Mosby, Inc. 1997

[3]Canine Aggression: Neurobiology, Behavior and Management, Ilana R. Reisner, DVM, Phd, DACVB, http://www.vetshow.com/friskies/cani.htm

[4]Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr 1991 Jan;98:15-9 [Behavior disorders on Dogs -- study of their classification] [Article in German] Feddersen-Petersen D. Institut fur Haustierkunde, Universität Kiel

[5]Dr. Nicholas Dodman ibid.

K9aggression.com is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of aggressive dogs, their owners and those around them. By providing education, inspiration and support through online communication we hope to promote responsibility, action, and understanding.