Dog Aggression

The Wolf In Your Living Room

Remember that dogs are predators and descendants of the wolf and still posses some of the pack instincts and behaviour traits that we associate with wild animals

There Are Five Different Types Of Dog Aggression

• Fear Induced Aggression - This form of aggression is always preceded by attempts at escape and postural communication of fear (crouching down, urinating, ears back, tail between legs) Usually when cornered - A known fear biter
• Pain induced aggression - This is a natural form of aggression that occurs when a dog experiences or is threatened with pain, ie at the Vet clinic being treated.
• Punishment Induced aggression - When the dog is threatened with physical punishment A form of defensive threat (Defending itself from being hurt or attacked)
• Territorial Aggression - Dogs are highly territorial animals defending their territory from their own species as well as other species (Postman, Paper Boy, Real Estate Salesman) can extend to protection of possessions, The car, house and yard area etc.
• Dominance or Competitive Aggression - Hierarchy or pecking order in the family or pack situation.

The Dog That Bites

A person is most likely to be bitten by a family pet in or near the dog's home or when the dog's owner is in close proximity. Dogs may bite when they are frightened, threatened, injured or when they attempt to be dominant, territorial or possessive. Sometimes the dog is in pain, has pups or a medical condition, but more frequently the biting is due to the dog's inadequate training and socialisation, or the dog owner's lack of control.

Biting is not a socially acceptable dog behaviour, and any incident can have a number of serious consequences for the dog, the owner and the victim.

The relationship between the dog and owner may quickly deteriorate. The dog may have to be destroyed or permanently restrained, confined or muzzled in public. The dog owner will have to provide additional security for the dog and pay fines, prosecution costs, civil damages and medical treatment for the victim. The victim may suffer injury, psychological trauma, loss of work or damage to property. The Council has to investigate the complaint and deal with the social, legal and emotional aftermath.