The behavior of dogs is complex, and some can be challenging to understand or manage. Inappropriate behaviours can be dangerous for people and pets, and may lead to bites that have medical or even lethal consequences1. Many aggressively-behaving dogs are surrendered or euthanized1, which can also cause welfare problems.
Some dog behavior issues are based on genetics or early experience, and can include fearful, defensive, possessive, or play-related aggression. Others are a result of redirected behaviors, resource guarding, or conflict (competing emotional states and unpredictable consequences).
In some cases, specific individuals can trigger a dog to display inappropriate or aggressive behaviours. Examples include the veterinarian, groomer, postal carrier, children, or people using canes and walkers. In these instances, it is usually possible to limit a pet’s interaction with the individual that triggers the behaviour (eg, by avoiding taking her to the vet or groomer).
Other behaviours are rooted in habit, or conditioned responses. For example, a puppy’s natural instinct to play tug with people can become a nuisance when the owner repeatedly interrupts or stops the behaviour with a grab and release technique. This reinforces the dog to engage in this behaviour, and can eventually escalate into play-related aggression. In this case, the behaviour can be prevented by training the dog to sit before allowing play.
Stereotypic behaviours (eg, spinning or flank sucking) may also be conditioned responses. These are often triggered by frustration, conflict, or high levels of arousal. Lack of outlets for normal behavior, alterations in the daily routine or environment, inconsistent consequence management, a lack of reward for appropriate behaviour, and maternal deprivation have all been cited as initiating factors for these behaviours.
Territorial aggression occurs when a dog displays a combination of defensive, protective, and possessive behaviours toward a person or animal in its territory. This is often displayed around food, toys, chew toys, or sleeping areas. In some cases, the behaviour can also include barking or scratching at doors and windows. Territorial aggression is a complex behavior, and it is often difficult to differentiate from a fear-related response. At https://www.bulldogology.net/, there are more information on this aggression.
The most effective way to prevent territorial aggression is to train a dog to perform a non-threatening alternative behavior in its territory (eg, sit before walking past the door) and to provide plenty of opportunities for positive reinforcement during play and at other times when it can earn rewards for appropriate behaviours. Negative consequences, such as yelling, punishment, and confinement, should be avoided at all costs as they can lead to fearful or aggressive behaviours.
If a dog’s behaviour becomes dangerous, a professional should be consulted as soon as possible to develop an individualised treatment plan for the pet. The most common type of behaviour problem treated by veterinary behaviorists is aggression. For the majority of dogs, aggression is a symptom of an underlying problem, and can be caused by a variety of factors1. This includes genetics, early experience, arousal levels, emotional disorders, or pain. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying issue can help to alleviate the aggressive behaviour.