Calgary's Dog Squad offers a professional dog training program for puppies and more challenging dogs. For more information on recitfying problematic behavior, aggression and obedience training, visit their website.

1. Why Dogs Can Be Aggressive

2. Dogs, perhaps with the exception of a few
special breeds, are generally very cooperative
animals. Nonetheless, situations may occur that
could result in their aggressive behaviours. The
following are some causes that may trigger the
aggression.

3. Territorial
Genetically speaking, dogs are territorial animals.
Therefore, they seek to establish dominance. This
inborn nature often causes them to react toward
people or other animals that appear to be intruding
on their territories. They tend to snarl, bark, chase,
growl or bite anyone whom they suspect are
intruders. Wherever they know to be their dwelling
or regular occupancy is regarded as their space.
Even in a home where they live, they may become
aggressive toward any household member who
tries to remove them from their favorite spots.

4. Possessive
Dogs have an innate ability to protect their
belongings. This possession may be displayed if
someone approaches their food, toys, water,
puppies or even their owners and persons they
know. If they do not know or recognise
someone, this creates a feeling of uncertainty.
Consequently, they become aggressive by
responding in an unwelcoming manner, which
may include barking or growling.

5. Mistreatment
Canines know when they are being treated well, so
any treatment that violates their comfort and
happiness is met with opposition. If a dog is beaten,
left unfed or abandoned, they may become
unapproachable and difficult to handle as a result.
In a place like Canada where it is likely to snow, for
example, if a dog is left outside in the cold, this can
invoke a feeling of abandonment. An attempt to
rectify the mistreatment could be met with
aggression toward the person.

6. Teasing
Teasing upsets dogs almost immediately. When
their anger is stirred up because of being
teased, they can become vicious. Because of
their animal nature, they cannot readily
distinguish the motive of their teasers.
Therefore, they react to show their displeasure.

7. Fear
Fear is a major factor in dogs' aggression.
Fearfulness due to the unknown, uncertainty
and people's habits and attitudes often initiate
fear in them. Their reactions to these notions
may be aggressive because they do not what to
expect in a given situation.

8. Illness
When dogs seem to be displaying negative
responses for unknown reasons, it could be due
to ill health. Like humans, dogs also experiences
sickness and diseases; among them are rabies,
digestive conditions and brain tumors. Dogs,
particularly the ones that are not known to be
aggressive, should be taken to a veterinarian at
the first sign of aggression.

9. Rough Play
Since dogs cannot clearly determine human
behaviors, they have no way of distinguishing
different types of playfulness. Therefore, it is
natural for dogs to return the same method of
play. If a human's play is aggressive, so will the
dog's reaction. Unfortunately, the rough play
could prompt unintentional aggression.

10. Frustration
Frustration, also known as redirected
aggression, is often displayed by dogs that are
confined. By not being able to maneuver, they
get frustrated and may take it out on anyone
who comes near them.

11. Additional Information
For more information on dog obedience
training, aggression and ways to rectify problem
behaviors, please visit:
Dog Squad
http://www.dogsquad.ca/