11/03/2024
Make No Excuses For Aggression
Before we break down the individual types of aggression more closely, give me one more week. Let’s look at excuses. When a client tells me the dog isn’t aggressive it’s just protective, I cringe. There is a very clear difference between aggression and protection.
Aggression : a forceful action or procedure (as an unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master.
Protection: the state of being kept from harm, loss, etc.: the state of being protected. Something that keeps a person or thing from being harmed, lost, etc.: something that protects someone or something.
Dogs that are taught rules, learn to obey ‘their people’ and are expected to behave will be protective without fail. You do not need to teach protection. Your family is his alpha or pack leader. A dog who knows these facts because of the nature of a canine and the loyalty I just mentioned will place himself in peril to protect his pack.
Aggressive dogs will growl at, snap at or bite anyone, even their own pack members, with little or no provocation. Here is a list of behaviors that are aggressive, even some subtle ones that should be corrected and stopped. And, if you are unsure how to do so, call a trainer. Note: there are no exceptions, excuses, or explanations for aggression. Do not try to rationalize any of these you recognize.
*Your dog growls, barks back, or snaps when told to drop anything.
*Your dog will not stop growling or barking and sit calmly when he meets someone.
*Your dog will not go into a DOWN position on your command. And, especially, if he growls or snaps when you try to enforce the command.
*Your dog places his chin on your lap and presses down.
*Your dog stands beside you and presses his side into you.
*Your dog jumps up at your lap and either wraps his front paws around your leg or pushes down on your lap with his paws.
*Your dog will not get off the bed, sofa, or anything on your command.
*Your dog turns and mouths a snap at you when you give him a leash correction on a walk or to stop wrong behavior.
*Your dog lunges at people, other animals, barking and snarling and will not stop when you tell him to.
That is an abbreviated list, but enough to make the point. PLEASE do not excuse aggression away by calling it protection. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. Uncorrected aggression becomes dangerous and a major liability for you. Be honest with yourself about your dog’s behaviors.
Send a message to learn more