Symptoms and Types of Aggression in Dogs Depending on the specifics of your problem, here are some effective solutions that will transform a grumpy pooch into a calm pup. Aggression is one of the top reasons dog owners seek the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.And it's not just larger dogs and so-called "dangerous breeds" that are prone to aggression; any breed is capable of becoming aggressive under the right circumstances.
Dog-to-dog aggression is a common occurrence and one that causes extreme stress for dogs and owners.
If you adopted an adult dog with behavioral issues, or missed the symptoms of aggression in your pet’s puppyhood, there are still ways to stop aggression even when it becomes a serious problem.. Multi-dog households frequently experience some kind of 'sibling' rivalry with short squabbles and disagreements, but these are usually mild and happen infrequently enough to maintain a comfort level that allows for everyone to live safely and peacefully. Inter-dog aggression occurs much more frequently in non-neutered male dogs. When your dog regularly growls, snaps, or bites, you have a serious behavior problem on your hands. "Aggression serves a purpose for dogs," says Katherine Miller, PhD, director of anti-cruelty behavior research for the ASPCA.
Situation #1: My dog is aggressive toward strangers Generally, inter-dog aggression is more of a problem between dogs of the same gender. "Dogs respond to real or perceived threats to their body, territory, or resources such as food or toys." Common signs usually start appearing when the dog reaches puberty (between six and nine months old) or becomes socially mature at 18 to 36 months.