In part one of this article on aggression I posed the question “why would anyone want to own an aggressive dog?” In part two we will take a look at how to avoid this pitfall.
ALSO READ: You and Your Dog: Is this the type of dog you’d like to own?
Part two
Do your research, speak to your vet, to animal behaviourists, your local shelters, to find the best type of dog for your requirements, bearing in mind that you are opening yourself up to many legal costs if you do purchase a dog that is from an aggressive breed type. All puppies, regardless of breed should be trained and socialised at a good training school, the younger they are socialised the less chance of any type of aggression.
Types of aggression that might be encountered:
Resource guarding: many dog owners complain that the dog cannot be approached while it is eating as it becomes aggressive towards them. The dog also becomes aggressive when the owner tries to remove a toy from the dog. This type of aggression is very dangerous where children are involved. The behaviour can be modified depending on the age of the dog, the ability of the owner to control the dog, and the use of a qualified canine behaviourist, (who specialises in working with aggression).
Most times a dog displaying this type of aggression has had no formal training. The dog has usually been allowed to rule the household, and as such, he now regards everything as his and will go into guarding mode when approached. Children are the most likely victims, as they are innocent and trusting. Do NOT put children at risk, seek advice immediately. Parents can be prosecuted if their child is bitten by the family dog!!
ALSO READ: You and Your Dog: Be aware of public behaviour laws
Dog on dog and on leash aggression: Here you can modify the behaviour by walking your dog and observing his body language. If the dog flattens his ears or shows any signs of aggression, move away from the approaching dog, turn around take your dog out of the situation. Do not tense up when you see an approaching dog – your dog is very sensitive to your emotions and you might be the cause of your dog’s aggression. Some dogs have only a leash aggression and if you allow them to approach another dog without any restraint, they will usually either run away (fear aggression), or slowly greet the other dog. NOTE that this method should only be carried out under the strict guidance of a qualified behaviourist. In most cases it is due to lack of socialisation as a puppy. There are various training schools on the South Coast, so please get your puppy to training as soon as the vet has given all the vaccinations, and given you the green light.
Dog on human aggression: These dogs are usually from the guarding breeds, purchased by owners who require a dog for protection. The owners are quite often elderly and therefore the dog is not trained correctly. This is an extremely dangerous situation. Usually the behaviour cannot be modified and the dog is euthanised, a sad situation for both the owner and the dog. These breeds need specialised training, and should never be sold to folk who do not have the necessary knowledge about the breed.
An important factor to bear in mind is that if a dog is in pain, this might cause it to become aggressive.
On being called by an owner who had been bitten by her dog whom she had owned for 12 years, after consulting with the vet it was found that the dog was suffering from an incurable illness. The vet suggested that the dog be euthanised. In this case the owner did the responsible thing – she asked for advice.
In the next article we will take the show on the road, when we go “WALKIES”.
Yvonne Eland
ADIPCBM (with distinction UK)
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