You recognize aggressive dogs can be a problem for all concerned. They can be extremely frightening for small children and adults alike. Even though some breeds tend to be more aggressive than other breeds there is usually an underlying issue why a dog is aggressive. If you figure out why your dog is acting out you can tailor your training efforts to curb his aggression. You will be a more contented pet owner if you can trust your dog to be gentle in most situations.

Sometimes excessive aggression is because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a pecking order to the pack. The alpha dog is the leader and the other dogs follow suit. Appropriate training will make you the alpha dog or the leader. Never allow your dog to think of himself as the leader or you will continuouslyencounter difficulties. Even so your dog may still try to establish his dominance over other dogs or animals and this may be the reason for his dominance aggression.

Territorial aggression is also a common form of aggressive behavior. Your dog will fiercely protect the things he perceives to be “his” including you, your home and your family. This can be a positive thing but it needs to be contained or it can cause difficulties with neighbors and visitors. A dog that is excessively aggressive because of territorial issues is challenging to own.

Sometimes a dog will be aggressive out of fear. Your dog lashes out because something has scared him and he does not know what else to do. Something starts it and your dog starts growling, pulls his ears back and tucks his tail between his legs. This type of aggression is often misunderstood and thought to be direct aggression but the dog is just acting out of fear rather than meanness.

A dog’s aggressive behavior can be misdirected. Something happens that causes the dog anxiety yet he is not able to take his aggression out on what really caused the aggression so he takes it out on something else. This may be a reason why your dog may be fighting with other dogs for no apparent reason. He is releasing his anxiety and aggression that was caused by something else.

There can also be medical or biological reasons for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is nursing her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always wise to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.

Spaying your female dog and neutering your male dog will usually help alleviate excessive aggression. Your training efforts will also be easier and more effective. If you are not planning to breeding dogs, spaying and neutering is the responsible thing to do.

If you take into consideration the reasons why your dog may be acting aggressively you can tailor your training methods and curb the aggression. You can work with your dog’s own specific needs and have more success.

Maximum training tips for your favorite dog also discover what dog training video I used to train my dog in a few minutes a day.

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