Why would my dog fight with dogs he has never met?
Generally, most well socialized dogs strive to avoid physical or aggressive confrontation. Dogs use body language to communicate desire to interact or desire to avoid an aggressive encounter. Like people, not all dogs are natural or skilled communicators with members of their ow
Aggression between unfamiliar dogs can be due to fear, poor communication, defensive, possessive behavior over resources (including perhaps family members or other pets) or territorial behavior over territory or owner. Aggression between dogs can result in injury to dogs and/or to the people trying to separate them. The behavior can consist of growling, snarling, barking, lunging, snapping, and biting (see Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language).
Should I keep a dog that is aggressive toward family members?
There are many wonderful reasons to share your life with a pet. They provide companionship, share experiences, nurture, amuse and enrich our lives so the decision to share your life with a dog that is aggressive to you cannot be taken lightly. The ability to provide safety for people who will be around the dog has to be an overriding factor in the decision. In some households’ family composition, daily obligations and other issues may make keeping and rehabilitating an aggressive dog unrealistic and dangerous. Placement in another home may sometimes be an option but often a suitable home is not readily available. Euthanasia for aggression is the only guarantee a dog will not be aggressive again.
How to Stop Small Dog Aggression Toward Other Dogs
The good news is that aggressive behaviors associated with small dog syndrome have less to do with the size of the dog than it does with the way most owners treat little dogs.
Here are some ways you can help prevent, or correct/manage, your small dog’s behavior issues.
My Dog is Aggressive towards other dogs! Help! – Dog Training with Americas Canine Educator
Dog-on-dog aggression is one of the more stressful and isolating behavior problems you and your dog can experience.
Not to mention it can feel embarrassing — no one wants to be the owner with the snarling, lunging, barking four-footer at the dog park!
Dog-directed aggression is a relatively common canine challenge that can be improved with a combination of training, hard work, and in some cases, professional help.
Below, we’ll break down the details of dog-on-dog aggression — including why the term “aggression” is rarely the best word to use in these cases. We’ll also outline some of the causes for this canine behavioral quirk and explain how you and your dog can overcome this hurdle together.