Dog Aggression: Don’t Blame the Breed

There are many, many misunderstandings about dogs and breeds. The myths abound and the truth is that dog behavior is largely down to the owner. That’s right. Your beloved Sammy the golden retriever snarls and bites at the mailman because of you. And your neighbor’s gentle and docile Rottweiler, Lolita lets the mailman pet her thanks to her owner.

You have probably been wondering how Sammy could be so vicious sometimes. Aren’t golden retrievers bred to be sweet and even-tempered? And aren’t Rottweilers bred to be guard dogs? The answer is yes, but the truth is nurture trumps nature when it comes to dog behavior. Sure, breed guidelines can give you some indication of what a dog’s behavior can be like. But it is not set in stone. How a dog is raised, trained, and socialized makes more difference than anything else.

Not to worry, though. It is not too late for Sammy to become more like Lolita. With proper training from a professional and in extreme cases, work with a behavior specialist, Sammy can become the mailman’s best friend.

How do Dogs Get to be Aggressive?
Aggressive behavior is not natural in a dog unless it is feeling threatened or feels its owners are threatened. Otherwise, there is no reason for any dog to snarl, snap, or bite. Something external has to make Sammy feel like he needs to bite the mailman.

There are many possible ways in which a dog might become aggressive.
• Bad or non-existent socialization. When a puppy does not get out of the house and meet new people, they can become fearful of strangers. They may be perfectly calm and easy-going around their owners, but strangers may make them very nervous. Dogs need to be exposed to lots of different people and different dogs to learn how to behave appropriately around others and to learn to be comfortable in a variety of situations.
• Abuse. Obviously this is not the case with your beloved Sammy. But, many dogs that have been abused physically naturally become aggressive towards people. Their aggression is a defense mechanism to keep from getting hurt again.
• Inappropriate Training. Some dog trainers still use pain and fear as motivation. Choke collars, shock collars, and other sorts of deterrents during training can lead a dog to become aggressive.
• Isolation and boredom. Dogs that are left alone for long stretches of time can become aggressive out of frustration. If you work long hours and Sammy stays alone in the house all day, the mailman coming to the door may be the most exciting part of his day. He is frustrated, bored, and lonely and this makes him lash out. Aggression born of frustration can also result from lack of exercise. All dogs, no matter their size or breed, need a walk or two each day to release energy and to get out and see the world. Imagine how you would feel if you never left the boundaries of your yard.

How do You Correct Aggression?
An aggressive dog is a serious matter. Before attempting to retrain Sammy yourself, consult with a trainer or behaviorist who has experience working with aggressive dogs. The best way to beat aggression, however, is to start early. When taking in a new dog, you should establish yourself as a firm, but gentle leader of the pack. You also need to get the dog out into the world to meet new people and dogs, and to get plenty of exercise. If you have long working hours, consider getting a dog walker for a midday break, exercise, and socialization.