 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 |