Posted on 18 August 2010. Tags: aggression, aggressive dogs, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog aggression, Dog Behavior, dog behaviour, dog breeding, Dog Training, good dog, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog
Owners of aggressive dogs have a very real, serious issue that they have to deal with either through training or ongoing modification of this potentially serious dog behavior. There are literally hundreds of dogs that are seized and destroyed every year in most major cities because they became aggressive and either injured or killed another animal or even more serious a child or adult. While there are breeds that are known to be more aggressive, it is really a case of inappropriate training or lack of training that results in these types of attacks.
Aggressive Dog Breeds
There is no doubt that some dog breeds are more closely associated with dog aggression than others. It is interesting to note that there are just as many if not more smaller breeds that are considered to be dog aggressive or generally aggressive than the larger breeds, however it is the bigger dogs that tend to carry the negative stereotype. This is because a larger dog breed such as a Pit Bull or a Rottweiler is much more likely to cause serious damage when it becomes aggressive than a smaller breed.
In reality any dog that is mistreated or not properly socialized and trained can become aggressive. Many of the breeds of so called aggressive dogs are excellent family pets when properly trained and socialized and are routinely worked with by someone that is knowledgeable about the breed. Unfortunately irresponsible owners that have encouraged aggression or simply failed to control and train their dogs have resulted ruining the reputation of many breeds and breed bans in some cities and urban areas around the world.
Training and Managing Aggressive Dogs
One of the most important factors in managing aggressive dog behavior is to start training very early. If you are working with a breed that is known to have some aggressive tendencies be sure to get the puppy into a puppy obedience class at approximately the 12 week mark. This will help with early socialization as well as help the owner learn about how to work with the breed.
Often aggressive breeds also tend to be dominant dogs in training, meaning that a person that is planning on owning these dogs needs to have some experience or knowledge of how to correctly train and manage these dogs. Since these dogs also have their wonderful, loving and playful sides, finding a balance between companion and leader is absolutely essential in the relationship.
Spaying and Neutering Dogs
As with non-aggressive breeds, it is absolutely essential to neuter or spay aggressive breeds as soon as possible. Dog behavior will become more pronounced in both males and females during the reproductive cycle, so early spaying or neutering will prevent issues of aggression related to hormonal changes.
There are many examples of aggressive dogs in any breed or hybrid mix. In most cases the dog behavior that is problematic is caused by inexperienced or ineffective owners. As a prospective owner of a breed that is known to be aggressive, it is essential to get help in managing dog behavior in a proactive and responsible manner. This will include early and ongoing socialization and training as well as spending lots of time in developing a great relationship with your dog.
Posted in Psychology & Training
Posted on 27 December 2009. Tags: Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds, dog, Dog Behavior, doggy, dogs, Estrus, Female, female dog behavior, good dog, Managing Female Dog Behavior, Managing Female Dog Behavior During Estrus, tips, Tips and Advice
Female dogs will start to show signs of estrus between seven months to around a year old and owners will notice different types of dog behavior during this cycle. A female of a small or medium sized breed tends to come into heat (estrus), younger than a female of a large or giant breed, although there are individual differences. Regardless of the exact month the female will first come into heat, it is important for owners to understand the changes in dog behavior they will see and plan how to handle the situation.
Stages of Estrus
There are three distinct phases or stages to dog behavior during the estrus cycle. Females will come into heat one or two times per year, often in the spring and in the late summer or fall, however each individual dog will have her own cycle. The different stages may bring about more aggression, more submission and more abnormal behaviors, especially if owners are not aware of what is going on. The general female dog behaviors that are noted in the three stages include:
- Proestrus
Literally the pre-estrus stage. This can last from a few days to up to two weeks. During this stage the female will engage in dog behaviors that include frequent urination, licking of the genitals, clear discharge then a somewhat bloody discharge, increased need for attention and increased attention in other dogs, both male and female. If other intact females are in the same area, your female dog may begin to be more aggressive towards the females but more playful towards neutered or intact males. Some females become very submissive in this stage and may need to be isolated from other more aggressive females and males.
- Estrus
This is the stage where the female dog behavior will often become the most dramatic in its differences. She will be more aggressive towards females and possibly even males that are trying to mount her. There will be a stop to the discharge, however the vulva will remain swollen and she will continue to lick the area. During this time the female is actively trying to be bred so she will attempt to escape, become very excited around male dogs and present herself for breeding to males that she is interested in. She may become slightly more aggressive towards her owners, particularly over grooming, possessions and food. Generally children should not be left unsupervised with females in this stage, which lasts up to 8 days, as she is more likely to snap or become possessive. If males are present they may also respond much more aggressively at this time.
- Diestrus
The last actual stage of the estrus cycle, this is where the female adjusts either to a pregnancy or to the fact she is not pregnant. Even a female that has not been bred may exhibit the same dog behavior as a pregnant female including swollen milk glands and nipples, depressed behavior and even "nesting" with her toys. She may need lots of attention or may want to be by herself more than usual. This is called false pregnancy and you should have her checked by the vet if she becomes despondent or there are any dramatic changes from her normal dog behavior.
Finally, after 6-10 weeks the diestrus stage will be over. At this point her hormonal system basically shuts down for about 4 months or more, after which she will enter into proestrus again.
Talk to other owners, breeders and your vet or do some research to prepare yourself for the changes you will see in your female as she matures. If you want to avoid dealing with these issues and help your female stay healthy, have her spayed prior to her first estrus cycle. Most vets recommend spaying anytime after six months of age. Keep in mind that female dog behavior in estrus is like any other type of dog behavior, it will be expressed differently between each dog and each breed.
Posted in Puppies/Breeding/Pregnancy
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