Aggression is a forceful action intended to dominate or cause harm. It is displayed by a range of behaviors that could result in an attack. Canine aggression includes body language that displays an intended threat.
Aggressive behavior occurs when a dog is guarding its territory, defending its offspring and protecting itself. These behaviors take place to preserve status or resources. It’s important to remember throughout this article that 60 to 70 percent of dogs bark at new people. Dog bites are the most common cause of non-fatal injury to a child requiring medical attention. Preventing these episodes will result in a healthier relationship with your dog and a safer environment for your family. Learning how to recognize these signs is the key to prevention.
Dogs communicate warning signs when they are feeling uncomfortable or stressed. It is necessary to recognize risk factors leading to an aggressive occurrence. Ignoring warning signs increases the probability of a dog-bite event. These behaviors individually are not necessarily signs of aggression; when combined with one or more signs there is potential for aggressive behavior. Growling, snarling and staring are all examples of threatening behavior. Snapping, lunging and biting are examples of harmful actions.
Signs of aggression
Staring with intense eye contact may be the first warning sign of a potentially aggressive event. Staring alone is not a sign of aggression as dogs stare out of curiosity. This is a sign that should be combined with others to indicate the dog is behaving aggressively. Aggressive staring is combined with a stiff rigid posture. This can occur between dogs or between a dog and a person.
Growling occurs when a dog is stressed or uncomfortable it is used to keep others away.
Barking can be a vocal threat, but dogs also use barking to communicate. It’s the least concerning sign of aggression.
Snarling is considered a lip lift or baring teeth. This is a serious sign that your dog is feeling uncomfortable and should not be ignored.
Lunging toward a trigger, desire to scare away the trigger, communicates discomfort in a particular situation. Commonly seen with a dog on a leash.
Snapping is a form of biting that doesn’t include skin contact, it is a warning that a bite may follow.
Dogs communicate in many ways, one of the main ways they communicate with the outside world is through body language. Learning to recognize changes in posture and expression will help owners understand the intent and identify unwanted behavior.
Types of canine aggression
Offensive aggression is mostly directed toward other dogs. A dog that presents offensive aggression is confident and angry. It can be categorized as lunging, chasing and moving toward an opponent. The dog’s posture is stiff, and the chest and ears are motioning forward. Their tail and hair on their back are raised. They use these methods to intimidate.
Defensive Aggression is more commonly a response toward humans. The dog may feel trapped and have a desire to flee. Their behavior arises from a perceived threat. Defensive aggression is rooted in fear and anxiety.
Territorial aggression is the instinct to protect their environment from intruders. It is directed toward strangers and unfamiliar dogs. It can occur when a guest comes for a visit. An example of territorial aggression is charging.
Owner directed/ dominance is threatening behavior directed toward family members, it can often be unpredictable. Social hierarchy and pack mentality drive this behavior.
Resource guarding– also referred to as possessive aggression is a pattern of defensive behaviors a dog exhibits to gain or maintain access to valuable items such as toys or people.
Pain aggression is the response to pain or discomfort. A dog exhibiting pain aggression is attempting to protect itself. It is common in dogs with an injury or arthritis. This type of aggression does not require training interventions, but owners should be cautious when handling afflicted dogs.
Predatory aggression is a less common form of aggression that stems from excitement and a desire to hunt. Typical targets of predatory aggression are small dogs or children. Fast-moving objects like runners and bicycles can also trigger a predatory response.
An important factor in understanding canine aggression is knowing how aggression is measured. The severity of a bite and the frequency of occurrence is important for assessing the required response. Ninety nine percent of dog bites are classified as levels one and two using the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale. These dogs are not considered dangerous. The bites are most likely caused by fear or excitement. Training is recommended for all levels of occurrence. Let’s look at the scale to identify how the severity of a bite is determined.
| Dunbar Dog Bite Scale | |
| Level 1 | An act of aggression, no teeth to skin contact. Snapping. |
| Level 2 | Contact is made with the skin, but the skin is not punctured, a raking of the teeth on the skin may produce a scratch. |
| Level 3 | A single bite between one to four punctures no deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. |
| Level 4 | A single bite between one to four punctures with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Deep bruising may occur or lacerations. Head shaking is frequently seen in this stage. |
| Level 5 | Multiple bite incidents or an attack with at least two level four bites. The dog is considered dangerous |
| Level 6 | The victim dies as a result of injury from an attack. This dog is dangerous and extreme interventions are recommended for the safety of others. |
Canine aggression is the leading reason pet owners seek help from a trainer. Understanding the motivation and circumstances around aggressive incidents can help prevent them in the future. If you find yourself in one of these situations, ask yourself: What were the triggers? When and where did it happen? How did it stop? Answering these questions will help identify why the incident was initiated. If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior, speak with a veterinarian and trainer to develop a plan of action.
