What To Do With An Aggressive Dog

How To Deal With Dog Aggression

 

Canine Whispers provides dog aggression services all across the Hampshire and Surrey area. Book a dog behaviour consultation today.

Aggression is a common behaviour problem that many owners seek help with. It will not go away if untreated, instead it often gets worse. It can become more frequent, perhaps getting more overt and aggressive behaviour in one area could branch out into others and start appearing in different contexts. Overall K (1997) indicates that early onset aggression cases that are left untreated or continue for a longer duration are often more difficult to treat. Helping your dog to improve an aggression problem may not be a quick fix but is therefore often worthwhile. Canine Whispers provides a range of services for dog aggression in Hampshire, Surrey and the surrounding areas. Book a behaviour consultation today. If the issue is emerging or continuing your dog may require the assistance of a qualified animal behaviourist, as well as your commitment and time.

Aggression can be an appropriate response from the dog’s perspective, however if unmanaged it can lead to behaviours that are inappropriate. It can often be a last resort in the presence of a perceived challenge, threat or danger. The aggression may be directed towards owners, people, other dogs, family dogs, animals or visitors. Aggression may occur in particular contexts, or several contexts. The level of the aggression is relative to the intensity of the perceived threat. Overt behaviour is more obvious, but often owners find that the dog is too aroused to learn. Behaviour that remains unchecked for a greater amount of time leads to a higher risk of injury for the dog and others.

How we respond to our dog to address the aggression problem can compound the issue or, if done correctly, can assist in resolving it. It’s important in this situation to learn and apply appropriate, ethical, compassionate and effective methods while implementing strict management and safety.  

History, context, experience and many other important factors influence behaviour in an aggression case with each individual dog. The more information you provide about your dog, the better the plan can be tailored. The type of aggression exhibited will influence methods used to help. There are many types of aggression. A few notable examples are: Maternal, play, fear, pain, territorial, inter dog, redirected, learned, possessive guarding, predatory or protective. 

It is important to first diagnose and eliminate any underlying clinical cause that affects behaviour or causes your dog to display aggression. Your veterinarian can do this.

When our dog is aggressive it is very stressful for us as owners too. An owner may feel  embarrassed and judged by others. They also may experience being overwhelmed not knowing  how to fix it as well as being frustrated, angry or worried they did something wrong to cause the behaviour. We aim to apply the best methods to get the stress down for you too. I am not there to judge, but to explain facts from your dogs point of view. We can acknowledge history and as a smart owner and armed with new understanding and methodology begin to initiate change.

Canine Whispers provides dog aggression services in and around Hampshire and Surrey. Aggression is addressed with a thorough behaviour consultation package. A bespoke behaviour modification plan is tailored to your dog taking into account aggression type and circumstances. With your input and dedication to develop the plan with supported guidance, we can work together to improve your dog’s aggression problem.

References: Overall K (1997) Clinical Behavioural Medicine for Small Animals. Mosby.