Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” and for good reason. Their loyalty, companionship, and affection bring joy to millions of households around the world. Yet, even the most well-loved and cared-for dogs can display aggressive behaviors when they feel threatened, anxious, or provoked.
In this blog, we’ll explore the various undesirable behaviors and signs that dogs may exhibit when they are feeling uncomfortable, stressed, or aggressive. Understanding these signs can help you avoid situations that could lead to dog bites and ensure that your interactions with dogs are safe and positive for all parties involved.
What are Aggressive Dog Behaviors?
Dog aggression refers to the display of aggressive behavior by dogs towards humans or other animals. [1]
Aggressive Dog Behaviors
- Fear Aggression: Fear aggression in dogs occurs when they feel threatened or fearful in certain situations. Common symptoms include growling, barking, biting, and defensive body language such as crouching or tail tucking.
- Territorial Aggression: This type of aggression arises when dogs protect their perceived territory, which could be their home, yard, or even specific areas within their home. Signs of territorial aggression include aggressive barking, lunging, and biting towards perceived intruders.
- Idiopathic Aggression: Idiopathic aggression refers to aggressive behavior without an obvious trigger or cause. Dogs displaying this type of aggression may suddenly and unpredictably become aggressive towards people or other animals. The exact cause of idiopathic aggression is often unknown. [2]
- Predatory Aggression: Predatory aggression is seen when dogs exhibit chasing and attacking behaviors towards smaller animals or objects that resemble prey. Signs include intense focus, stalking, and a strong desire to pursue and capture the target.
- Intra-Household Aggression: Intra-household aggression occurs between dogs living in the same household and can stem from various factors like resource guarding, status conflicts, or competition. Signs may include aggressive displays during feeding, fighting over toys or attention, and escalating conflicts.
- Social Aggression: Social aggression is seen when dogs display aggressive behaviors towards other dogs during social interactions. Manifestations of social aggression can include growling, snarling, snapping, and even fighting.
- Possessive Aggression: Possessive aggression is characterized by dogs guarding resources such as food, toys, or territory. Warning signs can include growling, snarling, biting, and exhibiting stiff body posture when approached near their valued possessions.
Common Aggressive Dog Behaviors
These types of aggression are warning signals and are typically displayed when a dog feels threatened, fearful, or is trying to establish dominance:
- Growling: Growling is a common warning sign that a dog is feeling threatened or aggressive. It can be accompanied by other body language cues, such as a stiff posture, bared teeth, and hackles raised.
- Snapping: Snapping is a more serious warning sign than growling. It is a quick, biting motion that a dog uses to communicate that it is willing to bite.
- Biting: Biting is the most serious form of aggression. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear, anxiety, and pain.
- Lungeing: Lungeing is a sudden forward movement that a dog makes in an attempt to bite. It is often accompanied by growling or snapping.
- Mounting: Mounting can be a sign of dominance or aggression. However, it can also be a sign of playfulness or excitement.
- Chasing: Chasing is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become aggressive if the dog is fixated on the target.
- Resource guarding: Resource guarding is a type of aggression that occurs when a dog feels threatened or insecure about its resources, such as food, toys, people (jealousy), or territory.
- Stranger-directed aggression: Stranger-directed aggression is a type of aggression that is directed at people or animals that are unfamiliar to the dog.
- Fear-based aggression: Fear-based aggression is a type of aggression that is caused by fear or anxiety. It is often triggered by certain stimuli, such as loud noises, crowds, or children.
- Pain-related aggression: Pain-related aggression is a type of aggression that is caused by pain or discomfort. Even a gentle dog may become aggressive if it is in pain.
Caution Tips To Avoid Dog Bites
Whether you’re a pet owner or not, recognize the wide variety of caution signs of aggression in dogs in order to avoid dog bite injuries and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
- Respect a Dog's Space: Never approach an unfamiliar dog without the owner's permission. Even with permission, approach slowly and allow the dog to come to you if it feels comfortable.
- Observe Body Language: Pay close attention to a dog's body language. Signs of stress, fear, or aggression include growling, raised hackles, bared teeth, stiff body, and pinned-back ears.
- Do Not Disturb a Dog While Eating: Avoid approaching or petting a dog when it is eating, chewing on a bone, or interacting with its food. Dogs can be protective of their meals.
- Do Not Startle a Sleeping Dog: Dogs may react defensively if suddenly woken from sleep. Approach gently and make your presence known.
- Teach Children Safe Interaction: Educate children about safe ways to approach and interact with dogs. They should avoid sudden movements, loud noises, and should not disturb a dog that is resting or eating.
- Do Not Tease or Provoke Dogs: Avoid teasing, taunting, or provoking dogs, as this can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Avoid Eye Contact: Staring directly into a dog's eyes can be perceived as a threat. It's generally better to avoid prolonged eye contact with unfamiliar dogs.
- Allow Dogs to Sniff You: When approaching a dog, extend your hand for the dog to sniff before attempting to pet it. This allows the dog to become familiar with your scent.
- Use Caution with Stray Dogs: Be especially cautious around stray or feral dogs, as their behavior can be unpredictable. Avoid approaching them.
- Refrain from Sudden Movements: Quick, abrupt movements can startle or agitate dogs. Move slowly and calmly around dogs.
- Maintain Control of Your Dog: If you have a dog, ensure it is well-trained and under control in public spaces. Use a leash when required by local laws.
- Respect Boundaries: Pay attention to warning signs, and respect a dog's boundaries. If a dog is showing signs of discomfort or aggression, back away slowly.
- Avoid Crowded or Stressful Environments: Dogs may become anxious or aggressive in crowded, noisy, or stressful environments. Be mindful of the dog's comfort level in such situations.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about a dog's behavior or if you need to address aggression or behavioral issues in your own dog, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist.
- Spay/Neuter Dogs: Spaying or neutering dogs can reduce aggressive tendencies, especially in unaltered males.
- Vaccinate and Regularly Vet Check: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and receives regular veterinary check-ups to address any potential health or medical issues.
By understanding the signs of aggression and practicing responsible behavior around dogs, we can create a safer and more harmonious coexistence between humans and our furry friends. Ultimately, our goal should be to prevent dog bites and ensure that both dogs and people can enjoy a peaceful and loving relationship.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, contact Goldberg & Loren’s dog bite lawyers for hard-hitting legal representation.
Sources:
[1] Dog aggression. (2023, August 24). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_aggression
[2] Landsberg, G. M. (2023, October 5). Behavior Problems in Dogs. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/behavior-of-dogs/behavior-problems-in-dogs
