Protecting Your Pet and Yourself from Dog Agression
Dogs are the loves of our lives. They can make you joyous and they can break your heart. One of the most anxiety-producing events is the development of dog aggression. Dog aggression is devastating to a family, the people subjected to the dog, and the dog. Here are 12 signs that your dog has aggression issues:
Growling of any kind
Baring teeth
An arched back, (like an animal in the wild)
Raised hackles
Staring that does not stop
Extreme demands for affection
Pushing and body slamming when greeting new people and those known to the dog
Extreme reactions to new people and situations
A stiff body and walk
A low sweeping tail which is a sign a dog is closely assessing the situation
with suspicion
Ears forward or far back
A tail under the legs or raised up over the back – *a low tail indicates panic, a tail raised high is an indication an attack may be imminent
Dogs are not people. They can’t be reasoned with and they DO NOT KNOW BETTER. If this were the case, we could have chats with the animals at the zoo! Dogs are smart, they save lives, they aid the disabled and comfort the sick. But they are still animals. Attributing human thought processes to canine brains is what leads to vicious dog attacks. Accept your dog for who he or she is and get some help.
There are trainers who specialize in aggressive dogs. Make sure you do your research and find a trainer who DOES NOT USE ANY FORM OF PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE. Using physical force to get a dog to comply to commands or to treat aggression is cruel and totally counter-productive.
Ask your neighbors and friends and your vet for a referral. You can also contact your local ASPCA for assistance with this matter.
Never take dog aggression lightly. It is not cute nor funny and even a small dog can cause damage. If a dog has consistent aggression issues and you allow your dog to cause injury multiple times, he or she can be ordered put to sleep. Until you have a handle on the situation, NEVER leave your dog unattended with any humans or other dogs. If necessary, use a soft muzzle to protect others from your aggressive pet. Use extreme caution when walking your dog and never walk a dog you have no control over. This is a disaster waiting to happen. A dog that is aggressive can become very strong in an instant, overpowering his or her doggy mom or dad.
- This is a sensitive issue and many people do not want to admit their baby is aggressive. Hiding your head in the sand will only increase the odds something bad will happen. You can lose your dog, your insurance policy to your home, money, and you could be responsible for extreme injury or even fatal injuries to another human or pet.
