Euthanization is not always the right solution!
We work with Canine Aggression Evaluations which lead to Problem Resolution and or Problem Management.
Mike Dixon specializes in creating individual behavior modification plans to work with and manage many forms of canine aggression. This is a multiple step process that begins with an evaluation that considers all of the environmental, physical, medical and psychological factors.
What are the signs of Canine Aggression?
Biting is the most serious and dangerous sign of aggression, but other less serious threats–including growling, teeth baring, lunging, and snapping–can also be very frightening. Why a dog acts aggressively depends on several factors. And aggression can take a variety of forms, depending on whom or what the dog is reacting to and why.
Statistics reveal canine aggression is a very serious matter and a behavior where owners shouldn’t takes chances. Every year more than 330,000 Americans are treated for dog bites in emergency rooms–that’s more than 900 bites a day!
We work with many types of aggression, call us with any questions, we can set up an In Home or on site consultation to evaluate your dog for aggression. There are many types of canine aggression listed below are some of the most common types broken down into two basic categories Genetic and Environmental:
Environmentally Based Aggression:
- Leash Aggression – This is when your dog only displays aggressive behavior while on their leash.
- Learned – This is when your dog has been in an environment of neglect or abuse where it learned aggressive strategies to survive.
- Socialization – This is when your dog was inadequately socialized and was not exposed to a wide range of experiences as a puppy.
- Aging – This is when a dog displays signs of aging, poor eyesight and hearing, and has difficulty adapting to the change.
- Illness and Trauma – This is when an infection or orthopedic problem causes pain that leads to aggressive outbursts.
- Metabolic Disturbance – An example of this could be an illness such as diabetes which could cause aggressive behavior.
- Seasonal – This is when aggressive behavior is only seen in warm or cold weather.
- Displacement – This is when a dog becomes aggressive when they are frustrated or unable to access the primary offending target.
Genetically Based Aggression:
- Dominance and social status – This is when your dog challenges you for leadership. Your dog stares you and other dogs down, and must always win or be the first.
- Territorial – This is when your dog barks excessively or attacks strangers or territorial intruders, this can include the mail carriers.
- Maternal – This is when a dog becomes protective of their puppies.
- Fear and Anxiety – This is when your dog displays sings of constitutional anxiety, the dog is shy and nervous, frightened, and becomes aggressive when cornered.
- Pain – This is when a dog attacks when touched due to physical pain.
- Competition and Resource Guarding – This is when your dog is possessive of food or toys, and attacks when others attempt to take control or take attention.
- Discipline – This is when a dog attacks smaller or younger animals or children who intrude or annoy.
- Play – This is when a dog becomes aggressive when play gets out of hand.
- Gender – This is when a dog displays dominance aggression or displays maternal defensiveness.
- Rage Syndrome – This is when a dog attacks people or objects spontaneously and violently when unprovoked and then becomes lethargic and disinterested and may suffer memory loss.
