We’re all familiar with aggression in dogs. It can strike fear into small children and even adults. Some breeds are more prone to aggression than others but there are usually underlying reasons for excessive aggression in dogs and your training methods will be more efficient if you take these underlying reasons into account. A well-behaved dog that you can trust in most situations is something that most pet owners prefer.

Aggressive reactions can be caused because your dog wants to establish dominance. Dogs are pack animals and there is always a leader within the pack. Your dog may want to be the alpha dog leader. However, you need to be the leader so let your dog know that you are the leader of this pack. He may still act aggressively towards other animals or other dog’s as there is a hierarchy to the pack. This may be one reason why he acts aggressively.

Territorial aggression is also a common form of aggressive behavior. Your dog will fiercely protect the things he perceives to be “his” including you, your home and your family. This can be a good thing but it needs to be contained or it can cause problems with neighbors and visitors. A dog that is excessively aggressive because of territorial issues is challenging to own.

Fear can cause a dog to lash out aggressively. Something happens that frightens him and he does the only thing he knows how to do which is to start growling, pull his ears back, tuck his tail between his legs and act fierce. This is just a protective mechanism that is often misunderstood as being direct aggression but the truth is that something triggered the fear, which in turn started the aggressive behavior.

Aggressive behavior can sometimes happen for no apparent reason. However this aggression is usually misdirected. Something happens that instigages anxiety within the dog but he is not able to react to the actual reason so he lashes out on something else. This may be a reason for some inexplicable dog fights between 2 or more animals. The dog is just not able to act on the real issue.

There may also be medical or biological reasons for aggression. A mother dog will often express aggression when she is protecting her litter of puppies. This type of aggression is understandable however sometimes a medical issue could be causing excessive aggression so it is always wise to have your vet give your dog a thorough examination.

Getting your female dog spayed and your male dog neutered can curb aggressive reactions. This can also contribute greatly to the good health of your dog. If you are not in the business of breeding dogs it is just the responsible thing to do and it will make your aggression training easier.

If you know the reasons why your dog is acting aggressively you can fit your training efforts to fit your dog and you will find success comes easier. There is usually a reason for excessive aggression in dogs.