We all want the picture-perfect dog that can go anywhere and play peacefully with its other canine friends. Unfortunately, some dogs just don’t get along with other dogs. The pandemic didn’t help with this. Quarantine caused and increased the likelihood that adopted puppies didn’t get the socialization they needed in their first few months of life. Because we are a professional Connecticut dog training facility, we have heard many stories of dogs that are or have become aggressive towards other dogs during the pandemic. Dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs can cause many problems for themselves and their owners. Our article this week will focus on these dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs.
Dogs that are Aggressive Towards Other Dogs
How to recognize the signs of aggression towards other dogs.
The most common signs of aggression towards other dogs are growling, biting, and lunging. After these behaviors, the dog may exhibit fearful body postures and expressions. These may include crouching, tucking the tail in, and backing away in fear. Fortunately, these signs are usually an indication that an attack or a more serious attack will occur. Use the signs to keep a serious incident from occurring.
The main reason dogs become aggressive towards other dogs.
One of the most common causes of fear and aggression towards other dogs is a lack of socialization when they were younger. During puppyhood, some dogs may have been deprived of the socialization they so desperately need. As a result, under-socialized dogs may be unable to communicate effectively with other dogs. This can disrupt canine communication and can lead to the dog developing poor social skills. If you are concerned about your puppy’s socialization, check out our Puppy Daycare or Play and Train Day Camp.
The different types of dog aggression.
There are several types of aggression that go along with a dog that is aggressive towards its own species. Read about the different types of aggression below.
• Food Aggression
Food Aggression is also known as resource guarding. If a dog becomes aggressive when another dog approaches their food, they will immediately react. These reactions may include everything from growling to a vicious attack that includes biting.
• Fear Aggression
Fear is a powerful motivation for dogs. When put in a situation that is frightening, they will turn to fight or flight. Most dogs that are fear aggressive towards other dogs choose to fight. Fear-related aggression is the most volatile because it usually has no warning signs. Fearful dogs only react when they think there is no other option than to defend themselves.
• Social Aggression
Dogs are pack animals and have a strict hierarchy. If your normally sweet household dog is suddenly lashing out at your new pet, they might be trying to remind the newcomer of who is boss.
• Pain Induced Aggression
Dogs and other animals are good at hiding pain. Unfortunately, this may make your other dog think that his friend is fine and can play. If your dog is suddenly lashing out at its companion, it might be time for a vet visit. Check out our other article on Subtle Signs of Illness in Dogs.
How can I prevent and deal with my dog being aggressive towards other dogs?
The number one way to keep a puppy from becoming aggressive is to socialize them as early as you can. Create a neutral meeting space where your puppy or dog can meet with other well-behaved canines. Focus on frequent but small meetings a few times a week. Another easy way to stop aggression is to keep your dog entertained and exercised. A dog that is preoccupied and focused means they are content with themselves and less likely to become frustrated and aggressive towards other dogs. This training may take a while, but perseverance is key. Remember if the behavior is sudden, seek veterinary advice.