Dogs often show aggression towards their fellow creatures. Sometimes even the sweetest and most socialized pets, who never bark at people, become uncontrollable in the company of other animals. Today we will examine the reasons for this behavior, as well as methods for correcting it.
Why do dogs show aggression towards their fellow dogs?
Ethologists suggest that the reason for aggressive behavior in pets may lie in their childhood. According to their observations, individuals who were isolated from other puppies at an early age experience difficulties in communication.
Dogs that were separated from their litter at six weeks of age simply experience difficulties later on. Puppies that find themselves in this situation even earlier become very aggressive towards other dogs as they grow older. They are unable to communicate with them in an acceptable manner and focus their social behavior entirely on humans. At the same time, it is almost impossible to retrain such a pet. The experience gained in childhood is stored and forms habits for the rest of their life.
The fact is that, according to one theory, a dog that is separated from its fellow creatures at an early age ceases to identify with its own species. Growing up among humans, it considers itself a representative of their species.
However, there are other approaches. Some scientists believe that puppies raised in isolation from other dogs correctly identify their species. But the reason for their aggression towards other members of their species lies in the lack of important communication experience. Without this experience in childhood, the pet cannot correctly interpret the behavior of its fellow creatures. Therefore, their reaction to it is atypical, which in turn causes irritation. As a result, the pet exhibits defensive aggression.
How to correct your pet's behavior?
Whichever theory turns out to be correct, the main task of the dog owner remains to correct the behavior of their pet. Although it is unlikely that you will be able to change a dog's already established character, there are ways to help correct its behavior.
If your dog is aggressive towards neighboring animals, we recommend using the following technique:
- Reward obedience and calmness. Give your pet a treat when it behaves well in the presence of other animals. Do not use treats at other times.
- Remember that success in the early stages is only possible when the dog is not too excited.
- Watch yourself. It is important not to accidentally encourage aggression. Sometimes this happens unintentionally — when you pet, give a treat, or offer a game to distract the animal and reduce its level of aggression. This is not recommended, as it may reinforce positive motivation in the case of undesirable behavior.
In addition to encouragement, punishment can also be used. Whenever the dog barks or snarls at another dog, it must be scolded or punished. When it calms down, give it a command to lie down or sit, then reinforce the effect with a treat or praise. However, scolding your pet is only recommended if it produces results. If it does not listen to you, you probably do not have enough authority, and raising your voice may only anger it and provoke increased aggression.
What to do if your dog poses a serious danger to others?
In some cases, your pet's hostility can be a serious problem. If you believe your dog poses a serious threat to others, it is worth taking some preventive measures.
First, plan your route so as to avoid encounters with dogs that cause a particularly violent reaction in your pet. Second, use a leash or muzzle. Do not let your pet off the leash until its behavior towards other dogs has been corrected.
If you find yourself in a situation where your pet is off the leash and you see other dogs approaching, call your pet to you before it shows any signs of aggression. After that, you can give it a command and reward it with a treat.
It is also important to consider the gender of your dog. Male dogs may become less hostile if they are neutered. In addition, hormonal drugs are sometimes used to reduce aggression. They are used to medically alter the animal's condition, and then behavioral strategies are applied.
In what cases does a dog need to expand its contact with other dogs?
However, not all cases are severe. Sometimes a dog shows only minor aggression. In this case, its behavior may improve if it expands its communication experience.
In such cases, it is necessary to:
- allow the dog to play with other dogs more often;
- give dogs the opportunity to resolve conflicts on their own.
Regarding the last point: of course, animals cannot always figure things out on their own. However, if the level of aggression is not high, such experience can be useful and help form useful communication skills.
Dogs are animals that can be trained. Therefore, the right approach, perseverance, and persistence on the part of the owner are the key to forming any useful habit. If something does not work out the first time, do not despair. Remember that socialization is one of the most important aspects of a pet's life. Therefore, your efforts will not be in vain, but will bring relief to both you and your pet. You just need to be consistent and strictly follow the chosen behavior correction plan.
