The Ultimate Guide to Stopping Dog Aggression Towards Other Dogs
Dog aggression towards other dogs can be a frustrating and concerning issue for pet owners. It's not uncommon for dogs to become aggressive towards their counterparts, especially when they feel threatened or territorial.
From socialisation to positive reinforcement training, we'll cover everything you need to know in order to keep your furry friend calm and well-behaved around others.
So whether you're dealing with mild growling or full-blown attacks, read on for our expert tips on how to prevent further incidents of aggression.
What Is Dog-On-Dog Aggression?
Dog aggression is on the rise with a 34% record increase of dog attacks as reported by police in 2022. It has become more pertinent than ever to prioritise our dog’s safety and socialisation.
Dog-on-dog aggression refers to aggressive behaviour displayed by one dog towards another dog. It occurs when one dog exhibits hostile or aggressive actions, such as growling, snapping, lunging, or biting, directed towards another dog. This behaviour can happen between dogs living in the same household or social settings outside the home, such as parks or public areas.
Dog-on-dog aggression can vary in intensity and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, socialisation, past experiences, fear, territoriality, resource guarding, and the individual temperament of the dogs involved. Some dogs may display aggression towards all other dogs, while others may only show aggression towards certain types or sizes of dogs.
It's important to note that dog aggression is different from normal, appropriate canine social behaviour, such as play-fighting or establishing boundaries through body language. Aggression involves an intent to harm or intimidate another dog.
Dog-on-dog aggression can lead to fights, injuries, and potentially dangerous situations. It is crucial for dog owners to recognise the signs of aggression and take appropriate measures to manage and address the behaviour.
Seeking professional help from a qualified dog behaviourist such as certified clinical animal behaviourist, is highly recommended to assess the underlying causes of the aggression and develop a behaviour modification plan to address it effectively.
Animal Wellbeing Centre is one of the go-tos when it comes to this concern. Make sure to contact us without delay if you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour.
Factors On Why Dogs Become Aggressive With Each Other
There can be several reasons why dogs may become aggressive towards other dogs. Here are some common factors that can contribute to dog-on-dog aggression:
Lack of socialisation: Insufficient exposure to other dogs during the critical socialisation period in a dog's early life can lead to fear or anxiety around unfamiliar dogs, which may manifest as aggression.
Fear and insecurity: Dogs that feel threatened or fearful may respond aggressively as a defensive mechanism. Past negative experiences with other dogs, such as attacks or bullying, can contribute to fear-based aggression.
Resource guarding: Dogs may exhibit aggression when they perceive a valuable resource (such as food, toys, or location) being threatened or their personal space invaded by another dog.
Medical issues: Pain, discomfort, or underlying health problems can trigger aggressive behaviour in dogs. It's essential to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to the aggression.
Dominance or territorial behaviour: Some dogs may display aggression to assert dominance or protect their territory. This behaviour is more common in intact males but can occur in any dog. This type of aggression though has nothing to do with the Dominance Theory, which has been debunked by many studies. There is no such thing as the “top dog” or “pack leader”.
Types Of Aggression
There are several types of aggression that dogs can display. Understanding these types can help in identifying the underlying causes and implementing appropriate training and behaviour modification techniques. Here are some common types of aggression seen in dogs:
Fear aggression: Dogs exhibit fear aggression when they feel threatened or scared. They may growl, bark, snarl, or bite in an attempt to defend themselves. Fear aggression is often triggered by specific situations or stimuli that the dog perceives as threatening.
Territorial aggression: Dogs may display territorial aggression when they perceive a threat to their territory or resources. They may become protective of their home, garden, or possessions and display aggressive behaviours towards intruders, whether human or animal.
Leash reactivity: Leash reactivity occurs when a dog exhibits an undesirable response to a specific trigger while being restrained on a leash. A common scenario is when a dog on a leash barks or growls upon the approach of another dog. When a fearful dog perceives a threat in its environment, its body undergoes a physiological response known as "fight or flight." However, when a leash is involved, the dog is unable to flee, leading to the manifestation of "fight" behaviours such as snarling and growling as a means to create distance.
Possessive aggression: Dogs with possessive aggression, AKA resource guarding, exhibit aggressive behaviours when they feel their resources, such as food, toys, or attention, are being threatened or taken away. They may growl, snap, or bite to protect their belongings.
How To Deal With Your Dog's Aggression
Dealing with your dog's aggression requires a careful approach and should be done with the guidance of a qualified professional dog behaviourist. Here are some general guidelines to help manage and address your dog's aggression:
Ensure safety: Prioritise safety for yourself, your dog, and others. If your dog poses a risk of causing harm, take precautions such as keeping your dog on a leash or in a securely fenced area, and avoiding situations that trigger aggression.
In addition, you can improve safety measures for your dog by ensuring they wear a muzzle that allows for panting, drinking, and eating comfortably. When out in public, consider attaching a sign or using a dog vest that clearly indicates to others not to approach. One recommended option is the "I need space" vest from Yellow Dog UK.
Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward and reinforce desired behaviours. Reward your dog for calm and non-aggressive behaviour, and avoid punishment or harsh training methods that may escalate aggression. When a dog experiences fear, it may become defensive or aggressive as a means of self-protection. This can result in an escalation of aggressive behaviour, making the situation worse rather than better.
Identify triggers: Determine the specific situations, stimuli, or factors that trigger your dog's aggression. This knowledge will help you avoid or manage those triggers and gradually desensitise and counter-condition your dog to them.
Counter-conditioning: Gradual exposure to the triggers of aggression in a controlled and positive manner can help your dog develop new associations and reduce their fear or aggression. This process should be done under the guidance of a clinical animal behaviourist registered with the ABTC.
Consult with a professional: It is crucial to seek the help of a qualified professional who specialises in dog behaviour, such as Animal Wellbeing Centre. They can assess your dog's aggression, identify the underlying causes, and create a customised behaviour modification plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stopping dog aggression towards other dogs requires management, consistency, and understanding of your dog's body language and behaviour. Start by identifying the triggers and avoiding situations that may cause your dog to act aggressively.
With time and effort, you can help your dog overcome their aggressive tendencies and have safe interactions with other dogs.
Remember, it's up to us, as responsible pet owners, to prevent incidents of aggression and promote a safe environment for all dogs. Take action today and make a positive difference in your furry friend's life.
FAQs
How can an aggressive dog be remedied?
Under the supervision of a qualified professional, behaviour modification is the appropriate and most effective method for treating an aggression problem. Dogs must be rewarded for good behaviour in order to change their behaviour, therefore, your chances of success will be higher if your dog enjoys praise, treats, and toys.
Can antagonism between dogs be treated?
Aggression is a natural aspect of how dogs communicate emotions such as fear, pain, territorial instincts, and resource guarding. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate aggressive behaviour, it can be effectively managed by understanding the underlying reasons behind the dog's need to display such behaviour. Seeking assistance from professionals like the Animal Wellbeing Centre can greatly facilitate this process, making it much more manageable. The key is for owners to understand how to anticipate situations that may trigger their dog's aggressive behaviour.
Can an aggressive dog be saved?
Aggression can be effectively managed and prevented. However, genuine behaviour modification requires dedication and time, typically months or more. And while implementing a training plan, one must employ strict management to prevent repetition or regression.