An academic Definition of Aggression - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Yorkie Mum · 01-08-2006, 10:53 AM

"" An academic definition of aggression would: With consideration for context and normal species pattern, aggression is behavior or behavior patterns that are used to resolve conflicts, due to threat or Challenge, that are ultimately solved by either contest or defense. "
" We often misunderstand dog aggression because we FAIL to realize that dogs relate to humans and other species just as they would another dog unless WE teach them differently."
" Using dominance as the 'reason' your dog does not come when you call it or doesn't sit when you request is excuse-making.
Regardless of your philosophy, behavior is governed by the Law of learning. Dominance is only one TINY facet of behavior, not the all-consuming trait it s often portrayed to be. If a training technique is working, it is following the principles of learning. A shortcoming of dominance as a 'reason' for behavior it that it does not direct you toward a solution the way that learning theory does."
"Dogs developed assertive and aggressive behaviors to assure their success as social, family-oriented, pack animals. In addition, several other factors are known to influence aggression in Dogs.
These include - Learned Behavior
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Social Development Periods
- Stress and Fear
- Physiological Factors
- Resiliency and Trauma."
"Aggression occurs in otherwise healthy dogs for a number of reason.
- Due to a lack of education and/or socialization when young, the dog never learned the 'language' skills necessary to avoid aggressive behavior by using communication.
- Due to a lack of continuing exposure to novel stimuli, the dog becomes fearful of 'new' or unfamiliar stimuli.
- Incorrect use of punishes caused the dog to learn that approaching dogs and humans are a Predictor of Punishment, without learning that his behavior is what is making thier handler cross.
The other dog or person's approach heralds a ' dangerous' event. (the punisher the dog receives).
- The Humans who interact with the dog fail to understand the dog's language and place the dog in a position where he feels he has no alternative but to resort to aggression because of personal space violations or other unintended threats.
- If past aggression by the dog results in access to a desired resource or personal space, then, in the dog's mind, the behavior made sense' and the dog received reinforcement for using aggression.
- The dog, again due to lack of experience, misinterprets human or dog language as a theat.
- The dog is placed in situations or contexts that encourages aggression, or the dog learns aggression from a dog it lives with or has a lot of contact with.
From Aggression in Dogs Practical Management, Prevention and Behavior Modification. By Brenda Aloof.
Brenda is the proud owner of breeding fox terriers that will kill each other if she would let them.
A rescue German Shepherd and a Border collie all with issues.
She works with dogs that would rather bite her then play.
Lucy is a live because I stopped thinking she wanted to be the boss dog and learned to talk dog. She was and is very scarred of her world and as long as I control it for her and let her know that I got her covered she does not lead life with her teeth.
She does not want to be the boss she want me to be the boss but if I do not lead she will lead and it can be a bad thing to see.

Joy

SnowWa · 01-08-2006, 02:05 PM

Good article.

PLUS - please remember that some aggressive behavior here and there - now and then - is acceptable.

I have a very laid back, docile, little pup that is affectionate, sweet, and loving.

But - when we play with a washcloth (pulling back and forth) ---you'd think he was fighting a tiger. This is the one time he growls his little heart out. He pounces, shakes the rag, and attacks it if it gets away from him. He will run away with it as fast as he can go - and returns in only a few seconds for more. This game is the one time, I work hard to keep my hands away from his mouth because his teeth are working overtime. He is out to win the fight with the rag!!!!

Have to mention -- every pup I have ever had has done this very same thing. And - they are all sweet, laid back, friendly dogs.

I have often had two of my dogs play together with a rag - pulling, growling, running all over the house, chasing each other trying to get the rag back, etc. Such fun to watch.

I guess this would be called aggressive play. And, it's a normal playful activity. Other than this type of aggression - I think the above article is great!

Carol Jean

Yorkie Mum · 01-08-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowWa

Good article.

PLUS - please remember that some aggressive behavior here and there - now and then - is acceptable.

Carol Jean

There is play and rough housing done in normal interaction but it is not and there is to my knowledge not a thing called aggressive play.
It is either play with a proper, play bow and just loud and growls in play with respect to each member playing and switching back and further as to who is the lead dog and who is not.
A dogs in play looks nothing like a dog in attack or aggeressive mode.

It is aggeresion if it is "bully behaviour" by one dog on another to hurt or control the whole of what is going on ,resource and clear the other dog out of it space.
When it switches from kind and gentle to lets hurt the other that is not play it is aggeresion.

Joy

jenmclayton · 01-09-2006, 05:40 AM

I need your help. We have a new 9 week old yorkie. I know he is teething, but much of the time it is one our hands, feet,shoes, pant legs and various others parts of our clothing/bodies. We always tell him no and give him a chew toy or bone. In utter frustration we began putting him in his crate after the "no/toy" processes went on for several minutes without any success. What are we doing wrong?

We would appreciate any help you could give us. I am so afraid of doing something wrong and permanently afecting this dog in the wrong way.

FirstYorkie · 01-09-2006, 07:30 AM

Hi Jenmclayton & welcome to YT! Glad you found us.

What you describe is perfectly normal behavior for a pup. This isn't aggression, it's normal teething behavior.

You are exactly right to offer him something else to chew on. He will get it evenually, I promise. If he accidentally bites you hard enough that it hurts, I would yelp, immediately break eye contact and turn your back. That may be all he needs. If he's still playing too rough, do the same thing but also walk away and ignore him for a minute or 2. They say anything longer than that is too much because the pup won't remember what he did wrong. After the minute long break, all is forgiven.

fl24019 · 01-09-2006, 09:21 AM

YorkieMum:

Great info! Seems to be a problem with many toy breed owners - they forget they are dogs.

Yorkie Mum · 01-09-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fl24019

YorkieMum:

Great info! Seems to be a problem with many toy breed owners - they forget they are dogs.

I think they kow they are dogs very well.
But to many owners forget ther are all dog and need to be.

Joy

Yorkie Mum · 01-09-2006, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenmclayton

I need your help. We have a new 9 week old yorkie. I know he is teething, but much of the time it is one our hands, feet,shoes, pant legs and various others parts of our clothing/bodies. We always tell him no and give him a chew toy or bone. In utter frustration we began putting him in his crate after the "no/toy" processes went on for several minutes without any success. What are we doing wrong?

We would appreciate any help you could give us. I am so afraid of doing something wrong and permanently afecting this dog in the wrong way.

Ok I have no probelm with a dog chewing hands and feet as a normal part of teething and what you are doing is great I do have some other thoughts though and will get back to you got to pull some stuff to check some facts out.
I do have a probelm with pants and not stopping when asked.So hang in for a bit- I will get back to you.
Joy

livingdustmops · 01-09-2006, 08:04 PM

Joy, this is a great post and helps to clarify what goes on in a dogs mind and why some of them react with fear aggression.

Thank you for taking the time to write it all out.

Yorkie Mum · 01-09-2006, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenmclayton

I need your help. We have a new 9 week old Yorkie. I know he is teething, but much of the time it is one our hands, feet,shoes, pant legs and various others parts of our clothing/bodies. We always tell him no and give him a chew toy or bone. In utter frustration we began putting him in his crate after the "no/toy" processes went on for several minutes without any success. What are we doing wrong?

We would appreciate any help you could give us. I am so afraid of doing something wrong and permanently affecting this dog in the wrong way.

So sorry you did not have my full attention on this the first time.
Was reading it as a clients dog offered up a wonderful piece of info as to why she is the way she is and I had to stop and run with that.
I love it when a piece falls into place.

It is normal for pups to chew and bite on you and lots of things.
I am not happy he is after the cloths and is not stopping. So let us try.
A few things differently.

So no is not working and a time out either.
I am thinking this little guy is finding all of the attention even negative a boat load of fun.
Smart pants.
So let us switch it up.

Try a yelp and pull away gentlly and ignore him.
no toy no attention nothing.
If he continues to bite, you leave he stays.
What you are trying to teach is be nice or I will not play or be with you.
you may need a baby gate to keep him in the room you leave.
Let him cry if you leave and you need not stay out longer then a minute maybe two.

Then come back and offer a toy and if he takes it to chew on treat that and tell him good boy.
now if he starts again repeat.
Also not sure what you are giving him to chew on.
My girl is fussy she likes thing like budda bones and bully sticks which are not always the best for a Yorkie.
Oh yes and killing tennis balls not great for the teeth. although she does not have them anymore as we have found other things she likes.
So you may want to switch up the toy to find one that is loved more then you hand.
Even a stuffy to kill is good.

My favoutie saying on teething puppies --this to shall pass.

Joy

jenmclayton · 01-11-2006, 07:31 AM

Yorkie Mum,
Thank you for all the help. We are trying all of it. How soon should we start to see a difference in his behaviour. My husband is very concerned because he does not seem to comprehend the word "no". When should we expect him to get that?

Also, he has a rope made of thread, sometimes that interests him, he has one of our nieces rubber ducks and rawhide bones (which I am concerned about). What else would you suggest?

Thanks for your guidance in this journey.

Jenmclayton

01-08-2006, 10:53 AM	#1
Yorkie Mum YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Somewhere land Posts: 364	An academic Definition of Aggression "" An academic definition of aggression would: With consideration for context and normal species pattern, aggression is behavior or behavior patterns that are used to resolve conflicts, due to threat or Challenge, that are ultimately solved by either contest or defense. " " We often misunderstand dog aggression because we FAIL to realize that dogs relate to humans and other species just as they would another dog unless WE teach them differently." " Using dominance as the 'reason' your dog does not come when you call it or doesn't sit when you request is excuse-making. Regardless of your philosophy, behavior is governed by the Law of learning. Dominance is only one TINY facet of behavior, not the all-consuming trait it s often portrayed to be. If a training technique is working, it is following the principles of learning. A shortcoming of dominance as a 'reason' for behavior it that it does not direct you toward a solution the way that learning theory does." "Dogs developed assertive and aggressive behaviors to assure their success as social, family-oriented, pack animals. In addition, several other factors are known to influence aggression in Dogs. These include - Learned Behavior - Genetics - Hormones - Social Development Periods - Stress and Fear - Physiological Factors - Resiliency and Trauma." "Aggression occurs in otherwise healthy dogs for a number of reason. - Due to a lack of education and/or socialization when young, the dog never learned the 'language' skills necessary to avoid aggressive behavior by using communication. - Due to a lack of continuing exposure to novel stimuli, the dog becomes fearful of 'new' or unfamiliar stimuli. - Incorrect use of punishes caused the dog to learn that approaching dogs and humans are a Predictor of Punishment, without learning that his behavior is what is making thier handler cross. The other dog or person's approach heralds a ' dangerous' event. (the punisher the dog receives). - The Humans who interact with the dog fail to understand the dog's language and place the dog in a position where he feels he has no alternative but to resort to aggression because of personal space violations or other unintended threats. - If past aggression by the dog results in access to a desired resource or personal space, then, in the dog's mind, the behavior made sense' and the dog received reinforcement for using aggression. - The dog, again due to lack of experience, misinterprets human or dog language as a theat. - The dog is placed in situations or contexts that encourages aggression, or the dog learns aggression from a dog it lives with or has a lot of contact with. From Aggression in Dogs Practical Management, Prevention and Behavior Modification. By Brenda Aloof. Brenda is the proud owner of breeding fox terriers that will kill each other if she would let them. A rescue German Shepherd and a Border collie all with issues. She works with dogs that would rather bite her then play. Lucy is a live because I stopped thinking she wanted to be the boss dog and learned to talk dog. She was and is very scarred of her world and as long as I control it for her and let her know that I got her covered she does not lead life with her teeth. She does not want to be the boss she want me to be the boss but if I do not lead she will lead and it can be a bad thing to see. Joy

01-08-2006, 02:05 PM	#2
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Good article. PLUS - please remember that some aggressive behavior here and there - now and then - is acceptable. I have a very laid back, docile, little pup that is affectionate, sweet, and loving. But - when we play with a washcloth (pulling back and forth) ---you'd think he was fighting a tiger. This is the one time he growls his little heart out. He pounces, shakes the rag, and attacks it if it gets away from him. He will run away with it as fast as he can go - and returns in only a few seconds for more. This game is the one time, I work hard to keep my hands away from his mouth because his teeth are working overtime. He is out to win the fight with the rag!!!! Have to mention -- every pup I have ever had has done this very same thing. And - they are all sweet, laid back, friendly dogs. I have often had two of my dogs play together with a rag - pulling, growling, running all over the house, chasing each other trying to get the rag back, etc. Such fun to watch. I guess this would be called aggressive play. And, it's a normal playful activity. Other than this type of aggression - I think the above article is great! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

01-09-2006, 05:40 AM	#4
jenmclayton YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: texas Posts: 3	Aggression Help! Please! I need your help. We have a new 9 week old yorkie. I know he is teething, but much of the time it is one our hands, feet,shoes, pant legs and various others parts of our clothing/bodies. We always tell him no and give him a chew toy or bone. In utter frustration we began putting him in his crate after the "no/toy" processes went on for several minutes without any success. What are we doing wrong? We would appreciate any help you could give us. I am so afraid of doing something wrong and permanently afecting this dog in the wrong way.

01-09-2006, 07:30 AM	#5
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	Hi Jenmclayton & welcome to YT! Glad you found us. What you describe is perfectly normal behavior for a pup. This isn't aggression, it's normal teething behavior. You are exactly right to offer him something else to chew on. He will get it evenually, I promise. If he accidentally bites you hard enough that it hurts, I would yelp, immediately break eye contact and turn your back. That may be all he needs. If he's still playing too rough, do the same thing but also walk away and ignore him for a minute or 2. They say anything longer than that is too much because the pup won't remember what he did wrong. After the minute long break, all is forgiven. __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!

01-09-2006, 08:04 PM	#9
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Joy, this is a great post and helps to clarify what goes on in a dogs mind and why some of them react with fear aggression. Thank you for taking the time to write it all out. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

01-09-2006, 09:21 AM	#6
fl24019 BANNED! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Creola, Alabama Posts: 86	YorkieMum: Great info! Seems to be a problem with many toy breed owners - they forget they are dogs.

01-11-2006, 07:31 AM	#11
jenmclayton YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: texas Posts: 3	Help! Yorkie Mum, Thank you for all the help. We are trying all of it. How soon should we start to see a difference in his behaviour. My husband is very concerned because he does not seem to comprehend the word "no". When should we expect him to get that? Also, he has a rope made of thread, sometimes that interests him, he has one of our nieces rubber ducks and rawhide bones (which I am concerned about). What else would you suggest? Thanks for your guidance in this journey. Jenmclayton