There are numerous reasons aggressive behavior in dogs and puppies show up. Maybe its caused by a dominance linked problem involving you and your puppy, or it could possibly be a trigger that was never appropriately worked out from when it was a puppy - like an assault by a different dog. No matter what is triggering your dog's aggression, nevertheless, you will need to handle it as quickly as possible. The final results of long term aggression is often not merely frightening, but risky if not promptly taken to task. 

The Source of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

Puppy aggression may start as early as About six weeks old, a critical age when a puppy needs to be socialized with other puppies and provided the essential training that will keep them from starting to bite other people. This time of socialization continues up until the puppy turns 14 weeks old and may extend even further than that. 

What this means is a number of things. First, under no circumstances take a puppy away from its litter before it is 8 weeks old. Under no circumstances use harsh discipline with the puppy when it is between 8 and 10 weeks and, making sure the puppy is treated very gently during that time. Spanking, screaming, or any other severe punitive measures at that early age can cause aggressive behavior in a puppy over time. 

A puppy should have been properly socialized with people as well as other dogs by the time he reached 14 weeks in order to avoid any future aggression issues. 

Actual aggression may be brought about by a variety of factors. Heredity and genetics are surely components - some dog breeds may be more aggressive as opposed to others - however it is certainly not a hard fast rule. In addition, dogs that haven't been neutered or spayed are a lot more at risk of aggressive behaviors. 

Hands down, however, the key component in generating aggressive behavior in puppies will be the environment. A puppy who has very poor living conditions, harsh masters, no socialization, or that was frightened or attacked by another dog is much more likely to end up aggressive as it ages. 

Aggression can develop from the desire to generate a pack pecking order. Biting, posturing, and other aggressive tendencies are often caused by a dog testing for dominance. You'll need to set boundaries and establish your dominance at a puppies young age and keep that position throughout the dog's adolescence to guarantee it doesn't get the opportunity to take control over the household.

Stopping and Controlling Aggressive Behavior in My Dog

If your dog starts to exhibit aggressive behavior after it reaches 14 months of age, after it has already attained sexual maturity, especially once it has been fixed, you must correct the situation right away. First, you will have to have established yourself as the pack leader. Never reward your puppies aggressive behavior, even if it is scared (especially in this case). 

Be sure and train your puppy to respond to your commands, control its feeding and when you are walking it, and make sure the dog has a strong leader in the house. If you defer to the dog or allow it to take liberties in your home, it will exhibit stronger aggression toward others.

If your puppy is defensive-aggressive, they could strike out at a man or woman in fearfulness. These pet dogs may possibly not have been adequately socialized. Don't allow them around small children (which they may see as direct threats) and sign-up and attend a training session or behaviorist who will slowly but surely adjust your dog into a social atmosphere. 

Aggressive tendencies in dogs is a big problem that a great many owners have, but it can be handled, even while your pet ages. Should your dog's aggression ever advances to violence, think about finding a qualified professional to intercede before somebody gets hurt and your pet dog is held responsible