A number of concerning stories have crossed my path recently, primarily on the topic of aggression. Aggression comes in many forms, and can take shape many different ways, but the majority of aggression cases have their root in fear. There are simple measures we can take to reduce the chances that our dog will ever feel the need to react or respond with aggression. I hope to outline some of the more common problem areas that I encounter as a trainer and how to prevent problems from arising.
Anyone see this problem coming?
1. Supervision in the Yard
In today’s society, zoning ordinances have reduced how common privacy fences are. Many of those reading this may be affected by ordinances that do not allow such fences to be built in their neighborhood. Chain link fences may be next in line as a “second best” option, but don’t fully protect our dogs from the outside world. The last, but “better than nothing” option is the invisible fence. While it contains our dog, it provides them little shelter from the outside world. At first, we think if our dog is contained it is safe. This is hardly the case. These fences don’t protect our dogs from perhaps the cruelest of creatures, neighbors and neighborhood children. We have all seen the young child that antagonizes the contained dog. Some will throw stuff, like sticks and rocks, especially if the dog gets aroused or excited and barks and charges up to the fence. Over time, a dog in this situation learns to fear these children. But for some reason, we blame the dog when it bites a child. Eventually, the dog learns that acting aggressive will often get them to leave it alone. Now we have a serious problem. Aggression towards children is never taken lightly, and the dog is who pays dearly for this, despite that it was the victim. Who is to blame, the parents, the children, the dog for being a dog, or the owners of the dog, that thought a fence, of some sort, was sufficient as a baby sitter? Children will be children. Dogs will be dogs. Owners however, can take responsibility for the life they have taken willingly under their wing as conscientious adults.
Children are not the only culprits building fear in our yards. This can also be stray, wondering, or uncontained dogs. Physical fences keep out dogs, but if near sidewalks or walking areas can still allow other dogs to antagonize them as they pass. Even if you have done your prevention through socialization, it only takes one traumatic experience to change a dog’s perception. Worse yet, invisible fences don’t keep them out. Wandering dogs can get into the yard and hurt, antagonize, or kill our dog. They might be perfectly friendly, playing with our dog, but when that dog runs through the line, our dog is supplied with a shock as they follow in play. That’s one more component for fear. Suddenly, our dog associates this unpleasant feeling to the other dog. Maybe they were just following the joggers and their dog along the fence line, but that sound means shock, or worse, they get past the warning line. Now we have a dog that is afraid of joggers, dogs, children, etc…and needs a way of relieving the pressure it must endure on a daily basis. This is where aggression seems like their only option.
These problems can often and most easily be avoided by good boundary training and great socialization during early periods, but do not assume that they will free you from facing this problem. The best solution is that no dog should be left unprotected in the yard. By simply being outside with your dog when in the yard, you can help your dog learn to react properly to these common issues, and add an element of protection to intercept unforeseen dangers. Most cruelty from children does not happen in the presence of adults, and most dogs can be run off from the yard (if your neighbor doesn’t like this approach, they need to understand that they’re breaking the law by allowing their dog to roam into your yard, and are endangering both dogs.)
Think that she can stop the dog?
2. Intercepting Strange Dogs In Public (The “Oh, he’s friendly” people)
The next most common problem typically is what I call the “extendable leash” fanatics, or the “ It’s OKAY, he’s friendly” people. These people are truly innocent in their intentions, but can be some of the most dangerous people when it comes to causing aggression. Let me provide a brief description of this situation: A person with a dog that is pulling, or 16-20 ft (the length of an expandable leash) from the owner. Rarely, in this situation, can this owner stop their dog from getting to yours. What they don’t realize is that your dog may be shy, and that sudden confrontation will force your dog into a reactive state (snapping, growling, etc…) The more this happens, the more the reaction will be reinforced, and the more intense the reaction becomes. In some cases, these dogs are everything but friendly, but once again, the owner will not be able to stop them given the distance, leverage, and strength. Most of the public is not educated in dog behavior or body language, and will not see the subtle warning signs. This puts our dogs and us in a bad situation. If your dog reacts, despite who is to blame, it is you who is liable. I suggest intercepting these dogs, or trying to ward them off if they are unfamiliar, or if you are concerned on how your dog will react. Your dog will learn to trust you and your ability to defend it, feeling less like it must defend itself. In many places with leash laws, the retractable leash is not considered a leash, or reasonable control. If you are finding yourself repeatedly being faced with this by someone you may see on a regular basis, it may be wise to check your local laws. They may in fact be breaking the law, which gives you a possible course of action, if you cannot just change where you walk your dog.
Even the little guys can cause serious injury
3. Children And Dogs
Children and dogs can be one of the hardest subjects to face as a trainer. There are many dogs that are what we might call “Childproof.” These are dogs that tolerate just about anything from children. Most these dogs were exposed to children at early ages. However, no dog is truly childproof. Dogs, like us, get tired or irritated. They need places to retreat from the constant onslaught of stress some children can cause them. Dogs also communicate quite well, with other dogs, but children and adults alike often don’t understand their communication. So often, I’ve heard a dog growl and someone say, “that dog’s aggressive.” However, growling is usually an attempt to avoid escalation to even worse reactions and greater stress. This means that as adults, we need to put some basic rules in place to prevent problems in the future. I suggest that no child under the ages of 10 be left unsupervised with dogs. There may be exceptions to this based upon the dog’s tolerance of children’s behaviors, and maturity of the child. It is important that we also give a dog a place to retreat to safety that is off limits to a child (Dog’s need to unwind at times too.) It should be the adult’s job, to learn of, look for, and identify moments the dog is showing stress. If the dog is trying to escape, growling, constantly licking its lips, rolling over, avoiding eye contact, etc….these are ways the dog is trying to say, “Leave me be.” Our children are often not looking for these messages, and may not understand how important it is that they do give the dog space. If the dog is sending these messages, and no one is protecting the dog from the continuation of a stress building, it is likely that they will respond more dramatically. This is where the big problem lies. Dogs correct each other physically, as a normal part of communication. They may snap, or “bite.” Dog’s unfortunately, have tougher skin than children. What may have been meant as a warning or correction can seriously injure a child. Does that make it an aggressive dog? While dogs biting children is never to be taken lightly, we can reduce the chance we have to deal with this problem by supervising.
In case anyone was wondering, this dog is showing warning signs...
4. ABOVE ALL ELSE
There are many other common situations and scenarios that can be problematic similar to these I have outlined. Remember, part of your dog looking to you for leadership, is looking to you for protection. Don’t let your best furry friend become the victim of these vicious cycles of fear and aggression. Many may tell you that they have never followed this advice and never had a problem. The reality is that these cases are all too common, and most owners do not see it happening until it already is taking effect. Often, in these cases, it is too late, and someone is already facing consequences that cannot be undone.
Dogs come in many forms. As dog lovers, we tend to all attract to different qualities in our dogs personalities. Some of us enjoy the fast revved-up marathon runners and pogosticks, others like the confident headstrong brute, and for others the cuddly lap dog. Bear however, was an “everyman’s” dog. The kind of dog that you couldn’t help but love. His calm demeanor, his perpetual good mood, and his gentle approach. Bear was the kind of dog that made people want a big black lab. He was the model lab citizen. I say this, imagining a line of owners and hyperactive labs all looking at Bear and saying, “Pay attention children, this (pointing at Bear) is what you should aspire to be some day.”
