Dog aggression
[4] Aggression in canines is particularly important because a dog's sharp teeth can result in serious injuries,[4] or even fatalities in the young or frail.
The dog might first try to flee, but may resort to aggressive behavior if cornered, as a means to try to defend itself from a real or perceived threat.
[9] Predatory aggression is usually seen as part of the prey drive sequence starting with a visual or auditory trigger followed by chase, capture and kill.
[12] Maternal dogs are very protective of their puppies and their aggressive tendencies decreases as their offspring grow up and they are able to defend themselves.
[12] The gut microbiome is linked to numerous health problems such as diarrhea and bowel disease, which results in pain and can possibly lead to aggression.
[13] Based on a study carried out by Kirchoff and colleagues, the composition of gut microbiome differs on the basis of aggressive and non-aggressive assessments.
[13] The dogs were tested in the same environment, ate the same diet, and were consistent breed type, but variation was still present in the gut microbiome.
[13] However, Fusobacterium is present in the stool sample of dogs that display non-aggressive behavior, even though it is known to evoke pro-inflammatory effects of gut microbiome.
Some signs of anxiety include dilated pupils, constant yawning and lip licking, ears pulled back, trembling, tail tucked and lowered body or head.
[14] Aggressive behavior in dogs is often associated with fear, the separation from their owner, or noise sensitivity, all of which may result in or contribute to anxiety disorder.
[15] Based on this study, there was an increase in bites towards strangers and familiar people when the self-defense response was not heeded, such as by cornering an avoidant dog.
[1] According to Roll and Unshelm, German Shepherd dogs and Bull Terriers are more likely to display violent behavior to others.
[1] In other words, as a result of missed early socialization, a dog will not know how to interact with others, how to follow rules or how to adapt to new environments.
[1] Neoplasia of the central nervous system, infectious diseases, developmental and metabolic disorders may impact aggression in dogs.
[18] Based on McMillan and colleagues’ research, aggressive behavior was prominent in dogs obtained from pet stores.
[20] For instance, a dog that lives in a home with an adolescent or has a skin disorder is more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior to familiar people and strangers.
[20] Roll and Unshelm believed that the reason for buying or adopting a dog was a significant factor that correlated with aggression.
[23] Based on Judith Blackshaw's study, dogs exhibited dominance aggression towards familiar people and therefore suggested obedience training as the proper treatment.
Studies show that exposing puppies to their new owners and homing before 8 weeks can drastically reduce aggression later in life.
[23] Some studies suggest that aversive means of control and training contribute to new and increased aggression rather than reduce it.
