AGGRESSION IN DOGS

Aggression is the most serious behavioral problem faced by dog owners and can largely be prevented if the owner understands the growth periods and factors that influence the development of aggressive behavior.

Authorities report that over 10,000 people are bitten by dogs each year, but this number likely represents only half of the actual bites, with the rest going unreported.

Puppies have a critical need for socialization from the age of three weeks, when they can see and hear, until they are 14 weeks old. Puppies should ideally be acquired between seven and eight weeks for proper socialization in their new home.

Genetic and hereditary factors play a major role in aggression; protective breeds such as Dobermans, Akitas, and Rottweilers are expected to be more aggressive than Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.

The first rule for preventing problems is to choose a dog that suits our personality. In other words, a Rottweiler or Akita is not a suitable breed for a gentle owner, just as a Dalmatian or Golden Retriever is not suitable for a tough one. We also need to consider our lifestyle, whether active or sedentary, among other aspects.

Preventing aggression includes early socialization; puppies need to be handled carefully, especially between three and four months of age. They should not be engaged in rough, aggressive, or fighting games. Puppies should not be physically punished even when they display aggressive behavior; instead, they should be denied rewards in cases of aggression.

Dogs should not be left unsupervised, especially in the presence of children, and should not receive excessive praise (or constant petting), especially when they are doing nothing.

Neutering male dogs will not solve all problems, but it will help prevent dominance aggression and inter-male fighting, especially when dogs are transitioning to sexual maturity.

Ultimately, preventing aggression requires the owner to win every confrontation with the dog. Once a dog has achieved dominant status, punishment cannot be used to correct an aggressive dominant dog! Treating aggressive behavior is best handled by a professional trainer. There are a number of individuals who call themselves animal "trainers" and are poorly prepared, often resorting to brutal and sadistic methods, such as shock collars to correct aggressive dogs, excessive force and punishment; such behavior should be avoided as much as possible. Treatment consists of listing all things that trigger aggressive behavior and preventing these situations during development. For example, if the dog growls when you try to get him off the couch, do not allow him to stay there or get on the couch again.

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