top of page
Search
John Whittaker

How am I Influencing My Dog's Aggression?

Updated: Aug 20

A dog showing aggression
Whether towards dogs or people, aggression is not only a problem, today it's a huge liability.

There are a few factors that contribute to aggression, both towards other dogs and people. Certainly, genetics and a lack of socialization play significant roles. One of the greatest influences is a dog’s history of acting on impulses.  


Dog Aggression and Indulging Impulses:  


Let’s start with movement. The impulse for a dog to move where they want, when they want, is natural.  As a result, when dogs get walked, they learn to pull as a means to move in whatever direction looks most interesting. What looks interesting can change moment by moment. Most dogs enjoy people, so jumping up on owners and guests is also natural. It provides more physical contact, and allows for greater affection. It is also another impulse that is regularly being satisfied. Also, jumping involves acting towards others in a bold manner. That, in itself, may lead to nothing, or it may be laying the foundation for future decisions.  


Another example of everyday impulse is dogs on furniture. No doubt our furniture is comfortable and our dogs enjoy it. It’s certainly a lot more comfortable than laying on the floor, and often more enjoyable than laying on their beds. Plus, getting up on a sofa may get them closer to you. Again, another impulse possibly being satisfied. With many dogs we can add barking, chewing, nipping and maybe throw in the occasional counter surfing to the list of impulses being satisfied. We have often unknowingly allowed our dogs to act on their every impulse. From our perspective, allowing a behavior and teaching one, is exactly the same. Therefore most of us have taught our dogs to satisfy their every whim.


There’s nothing wrong with a dog indulging impulses, just not all of their impulses, all of the time. This can, and often does, lead to trouble. 

 

Aggression and the Consequences of Over Indulgence


The consequence of a dog acting on most impulses, combined with physically assertive behaviors like jumping, barking and pulling, is that there is no hesitation in asserting themselves when they feel threatened. 


What happens when a dog feels uncomfortable?  Maybe the dog feels threatened by an intimidating dog or person. This feeling can naturally lead a dog to want to defend themselves. How does a dog defend themselves?  There is usually a sequence of behaviors. For most dogs, the sequence begins with elevated attention resulting in their ears and facial expressions becoming alert. Often, muscles then tense up. Next, they might stand on their toes and have their hair stand up on their back. Usually, aggression then follows. The last part of the sequence is usually lunging and biting. Most dogs don’t do this entire sequence the first time. It can often take time to be comfortable with moving through these behaviors.  


Once aggression is displayed, it often escalates. First, the newfound “voice” feels good (powerful). That’s why once a dog shows aggression for the first time, they will often try it out again within 12 to 24 hours. This happens even without a reaction from the recipient. The second reason aggression often escalates, is that the person or dog on the receiving end backs down. This rewards the behavior - deeply and profoundly. Worse than backing down is if the person or other dog acts afraid. Acting afraid not only rewards the behavior, it usually amplifies it.  


Solutions for Aggressive Dogs


Dogs need rules. Rules provide limitations, especially when it comes to natural impulses. In our training, there are two types of rules; short-term and long-term. They are both essential parts of resolving issues involving aggression. Let's be clear about rules. For a rule to be a rule, there must be a corresponding consequence if disobeyed. Rules, without consequences, are merely suggestions. The consequence must be one they understand, and be age and personality appropriate.   


An example of a short-term rule is an obedience command like “down”. The rules for down are to obey the verbal command the first time by instantly laying down, and staying their until told otherwise. The rule is satisfied once another command is given or they’re instructed to “break” (released from the command), making it short -term. Long-term rules are usually used to create manners. These rules are always in effect, but do not require verbal commands. Examples of long-term rules would be to never bark in the house, jump, chew, walk through an exterior door without a command, cross into a neighbor’s yard, etc. 


A dog that obeys obedience commands, and abides by long-term rules in how to act in their home, and interact with other dogs and people, is far less likely to choose to act out just because of a sudden impulse. Especially, when it is an impulse like aggression that is so contrary to the manners required in interaction with others. This is why correcting just aggression can have limited success. Obedience training in the form of short and long-term rules lays the essential foundation for both correcting problems, and preventing them from resurfacing. 


Bringing it All Together 


Impeccable manners, complete off-leash control and resolving behavioral issues like dog aggression often seems like nirvana for most owners. Impeccable manners and complete off-leash control is not actually the end, but the means to the end. The question still remains, how will you use this training to create a life for both you and your dog?  We hope it’s a compelling one for both of you.  


We believe for a dog to truly be themselves, it requires freedom. That includes freedom of movement and expression. This freedom should be the foundation for everyday life. Our use of long-term non-verbal rules enable this freedom to be given. These rules guide (limit) certain behaviors, while otherwise, allowing for freedom of choice. We always suggest as many long-term rules as necessary, and as few as possible. We take a similar approach to short-term rules or commands. Use as many commands as necessary in everyday life, and as few as possible, whenever possible. Freedom, combined with these short- and long-term rules, creates balance. Something we refer to as “The Naked Way”.  

 

200 views0 comments

Comentários


bottom of page