New Delhi: Aggression is the most typical and serious behaviour problem in small animals. Dealing with aggressive dog behaviour can be a challenging and stressful experience for both pet owners and their furry friends. Understanding the root causes and employing effective training techniques is essential for fostering a calm and harmonious relationship. The aggression in dogs is mainly associated with an imminent attack, which can be due to snarling, growling, teeth-baring, lunging and biting.
The primary step towards putting a stop to or correcting the behaviour is to find out the root cause of the dog’s aggression.
Dr Jitesh Kumar Chetiwal, a Veterinary Surgeon shares with News9live that the most common types of aggression in dogs are:
1. Territorial: Defending their own space or home.
2. Possessive: Protection of food, bones, and toys (Resource Guarding)
3. Protective: Protection of members of a pack or humans from another animal or person.
4. Defensive: Dog attacks in defence of something, they tend to give subtle indications of minor aggression in this, if continued then the situation gets aggravated.
5. Fearful: The dog is just scared and attacks only when cornered.
6. Social: The dogs that have not been socialised with other dogs and people.
7. Intimacy: During the heat season male and female dogs tend to show aggression to get the attention of the opposite gender.
8. Pain: The dog shows aggression when is in pain or is injured.
Dr Jitesh suggests that it can be critical to deal with this behaviour without knowing the root cause.
There are several ways to manage the hostility and make the dog calm, but it requires patience, consistency and the help of a professional trainer and most importantly tour vet. There are a few medical issues that may cause aggression like hypothyroidism, painful injuries and neurological issues such as encephalitis, epilepsy and brain tumours. Treatment and medications along with management in such cases yield major improvements in your dog’s behavior.
If your veterinarian has ruled out a medical problem, then an animal behaviourist or a dog trainer needs to be called in, as an owner you should not attempt to fix it on your own. A behaviourist or a trainer can help you find the best path for managing your dog’s aggression. In most scenarios, positive reinforcement aids, benefit the most.
Consider medication as the last resort as in some cases, training alone is not enough. Just think of medicines, as an aid to help your dog overcome the obstacles of fear, anxiety and aggression. Talk to your veterinarian for the safest and effective also appropriate option for your pet.
Addressing aggressive behaviour in dogs requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of your furry friend’s needs. By identifying triggers, and seeking professional guidance one can create a loving and secure environment that encourages positive behaviour.
