Canine Aggression - commonly asked questions:

Q) What factors influence Canine aggression? 
A] Genetics, breeding, over- breeding, lack of socialization, chemical imbalance of serotonin can induce aggressive behavior.
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Q) What types of Canine aggression are the most common?
A] Dominance aggression is most common, and then usually fear aggression.

The 5 types of Canine aggression are Dominance related, territorial, fear induced, predatory, aggression towards children and aggression toward other dogs.  Plus there are underlying aggressions that stem from the above 5 which are (but not limited) to food aggression, fear induced aggression and resource guarding [possession aggression].
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Q) How do you know if you have a problem / when to step in / get help?
A] When the dog start acting inappropriately in normal situations.  The time to step in is immediately.
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Q) What signs do we look for?
A)-Excessive barking;   Air snapping, showing of the teeth as a
Forewarning. 

Dog Freezes, seeing the whites crest in their eyes and the opposite of a freeze [eating very fast once approached].


A tendency to snarl, growl, or snap to protect food;

Over- protectiveness of possessions; resource guarding

Fearfulness in new situations or around strangers; Backing up and growling

Severe attacks on other animals, such as cats or livestock could be predatory aggression.

Dominance aggression can be barking or lunging back at you once reprimanded.  Redirecting on another animal or person in a high stress environments.

Dogs with fear aggression sometimes feel the need to control situations in inappropriate ways. Fear aggressive dogs usually back up while barking, growling and show teeth.

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Q) Why is it important to determine which type of Canine aggression it is?
A) - different approach to management of the aggression and obedience training.

All Dog aggression is managed through obedience training.  It is important to diagnose the best you can what the types are due to the different methods you would use to manage the behavior.

 

Q) Ways of preventing / treating these types of Dog aggression
behaviorists vs. medical etc.

 A] Socialization is a great way to expose your puppies to all different circumstances which in the future could prevent aggressive behavior especially fear induced aggression due to all the exposure done in the socialization exercises. 
A] Obedience training as a puppy.  Setting up boundaries at a young age.
A] In some cases, certain medicines will help to calm the dog down enough to make them more comfortable while being rehabilitated.

How to manage Dog aggression.
All aggression is managed through obedience training and reversal of hierarchy.
Muzzle in some situations
Head collar such as a head halter
Avoid ALL physical punishment
Do not disturb while resting
No prolonged physical contact.
No rough play.
Avoid crabbing collar or scruff. Actively supervise while with children.
Down- play greetings and departures avoid specific circumstances that elicit aggression.