Aunt Aussie
Dear Aunt Aussie,
Is there a difference between Aggressive and Dominant. I have heard the words used to describe dogs but don’t they both really describe the same thing?
Signed,
In a Quandary in Quebec
Dear Quandary,
Dominance and aggression actually are completely different things and the dog world would be so much better off if all owners understood the difference. Dominance describes the relationship among the dogs in a social make up in say a multiple dog home while aggression is an action that is intended to cause harm. The ideal dominant male is a quiet, confident dog who is secure in his place in the world and seems to feel no need to prove himself. A natural born leader. But just because this leader is a dog with high social status “dominant” over other dogs, doesn’t mean that he is aggressive. But dominance or high social status doesn’t mean that this dog gets what he wants the second he wants it every single time. Dominant dogs get to say what’s important to them as a part of the social freedom of their position. Aggression on the other hand ischaracterized by tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks and invasions. There are many types of aggression:
Dominate Aggression
A Dominant Aggressive dog may intimidate family members. He may bark, growl, bare his teeth, snap or bite because he has to have things his way. These dogs are aggressive with their families but can be especially dangerous to strangers. Acting aggressively toward this temperament to try to intimidate the dog into submissiveness is a big mistake. This behavior is usually inherited although it can be learned from other dogs or caused by a bad, abusive environment. And the culprit is frequently a lack of socialization or being isolated.
Fear Aggression
A fear aggressive dog frequently gets sympathy instead of help. “Oh, poor little thing. Look how afraid she is.” The problem is — a big percentage of dog bites are from fear aggressive canines. When this temperament is frightened, the response is to bark, growl, bare teeth, snap, or too often bite. The fearful aggressive dog may do all of the above. He can react to almost anything and everything from doorbells and ringing telephones to the sound of a bicycle or any outside noise. Don’t think this is a form of protective behavior. The dog can appear submissive and then suddenly attack. The behavior is often encouraged by owners who compliment or praise the dog for barking or even growling. In these cases the owners are actually teaching their dogs to be aggressive. Leaving a dog isolated or in a kennel too long can contribute to this unacceptable behavior.
Territorial/Overprotective Aggression
“Oh, my dog is so protective, but he won’t hurt you,” says the dog owner who does not understand this type of aggression. Chances are the dog may hurt anyone who enters his territory or domain. If he thinks you are intruding he may bite and that goes for house, yard, car, furniture, even the street he is standing on. He may bark, growl or even jump up and down. He stands tall and erect. Sudden motion can trigger an attack. Like most forms of aggression, it tends to get worse as the dog matures.
Possessive Aggression
Any dog, any age, male or female may exhibit this behavior which occurs when anyone gets close to anything he considers his, even if it is not — his food dish, a toy, his bed, your bed, the sofa, your shoe, your child’s toy. He will bark, growl, bare his teeth or bite. Touching him or trying to take the object at this time is not a good idea. No wonder this poses such a threat to an unsuspecting child.
Predatory Aggression
This type of aggression is triggered by motion — almost any kind of movement from passing cars, bikes, motorcycles and joggers to people just calmly strolling by. It is stimulated by a strong hunting – preying instinct, present in all dogs to a greater or lesser degree. Predatory Aggressive dogs usually attack people and animals when they are moving away.
Dog on Dog Aggression
If you have ever been witness to a serious dog fight, you know how frightening and devastating the twisting motions and howls of pain can be. It starts with barking, growling, chasing and then lunging and biting. Some of the motions are similar to play behavior among puppies and some older dogs. But there is no mistaking the horror of a real fight. This type of aggression is usually instigated over issues of territory, personal space or possessions among dogs living together or not. It is usually between members of the same sex. Males fight more often with males and females with females. Not always, but more often than not. The primary focus is dominance versus subordination or lack of socialization during puppyhood.
Caution should be taken when training an adult dog with aggressive behaviors. Spay or neuter your dog; in-tact dogs tend to be display more Dominance, Territorial and Protective aggressive behaviors. Avoid situations that will cause your dog to be aggressive. A dog that is food aggressive should not be allowed to eat with humans or animals in the same room. Feed them in their crate. Dogs that become aggressive over a rawhide should not be allowed to have a rawhide, unless locked in their kennel alone.
Do not respond with punishment or it will most likely create more aggression. Attempting to punish Territorial aggression is most likely to elicit the addition of fear aggression. The result may be a bite.
Do not encourage aggressive behaviors. Playing tug-of-war encourages Dominance aggression in dogs that already lean toward this behavior. Encouraging a dog to become excited and bark at outside noises is encouraging Territorial and Possession aggressive reactions.
Teach your children about their actions which can cause a dog to become aggressive. Your family dog may love a hug and accept a child looking into or staring into their eyes, but the dog next door may not respond positively to these behaviors that are interpreted as threatening in the dog world.
Seek a professional Trainer or Animal Behaviorist for help when coping with a severe aggression problems.
Warning Signs
If you see any of these warning signs, you need help from a Professional Trainer or Animal Behaviorist.
- Refusing to lie down on command
- Bumping you or your children
- Mounts you or your children
- Refusing to move or get off the furniture
- Stops eating or chewing as you approach
- Growls for any reason, other than in play
- Bites, even those that do not break the skin.
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