Dangerous and aggressive behaviour from dogs tends to be overlooked or sugar-coated. Some might argue that a dog will “grow out of it” or is “undergoing a phase”. But in reality, even trained dogs can show aggressive and dangerous behaviour given the circumstances. And this could potentially put you and your loved ones’ safety at risk.
Common Warning Signs
Now that we have established the safety risks of excusing aggressive behaviour by dogs, we need to know the most prominent and common warning signs. We will also be breaking down these warning signs into categories and situations.
Growling
Growling works two ways. It can warn you of potential danger from others, but it can also be a sign of aggressive behaviour from your dog. Either way, it poses a threat as it indicates that a dog has a low threshold or is weak-nerved. This means that even small actions or conditions may cause the dog to go on alert mode and protect itself. In most cases, growling can be beneficial. It warns you of the potential danger and aggression rather than having to experience it directly, such as biting.
Air Snapping / Playful Biting
Frequently, air snapping or light biting can be interpreted as playful and harmless. Especially if the bite does not tear through the skin and does not hurt as much. But in some cases, to an experienced eye, it can be a sign of aggression and an early sign that a dog might be uncomfortable in situations. Because owners excuse their dog’s aggressive behaviour, they only seek help when it is too late. Either they or their loved ones have been bitten by their own dog without real intentions of threatening their dog. If left ignored, this behaviour could escalate into aggressive biting and even mauling.
Tense feeling
When a dog has a tense look or feel, it can be precarious because it may react in a certain number of ways. When dogs are in this situation, they usually go into a defensive position with their tail tucked under, head low, jaw closed, and ears pointed down. They decide whether someone or something is a threat to them. In times like this, it is essential to remain calm and do slow movements. Try to talk to your dog to keep them relaxed before coming close or engaging in touch. If done oppositely, it could lead to safety risks such as biting.
A Breakdown of Each Warning Sign in Relation to Certain Situations
These warning signs can be broken down into specific situations and environments. We must know this to address it as early as possible before it escalates.
Situation #1 Feeding and Eating
Some dogs can be very territorial when eating. This is especially true for dogs not used to being touched and having other dogs close to them while eating. Dogs will usually show aggressive behaviour by growling when a person comes close and tries to touch them or when other dogs come close. They also tend to growl while chewing a bone. Lifting their lips and snarling is also an aggressive behaviour they express while eating.
Situation #2 Playing and Being Touched
As a dog owner, you must be able to touch your companion. This signifies trust and respect for each other. And often, it is also a necessity. But for some dogs, may show aggressive behaviour when being touched. In cases where a dog is due for a groom, they may respond to aggressive behaviour while being groomed. To give you an example, they may growl when you try to clip their nails. They may also become aggressive when given medicine or shots. In terms of playing, they usually growl and run away when you try to touch their toys or when children try to touch them. You must take note of these warning signs before having your children play close to or with them.
Situation #3 Sleeping and Waking Up
You would think that since they are asleep that they would not show any sign of aggression. But dogs with significant trust and behavioural issues also become aggressive even during their sleep and wake up. Dogs that have aggressive and dangerous behaviour may growl at you when you force them off the bed. Even in situations where you do allow them to sleep on your bed with you, they would also growl if you move too much. Waking them up is no different. They get grumpy and growl when you wake them up from their slumber.
Situation #4 Being Disciplined
Trying to discipline an aggressive dog can be very difficult, especially for first-time dog owners. They tend to fight back by growling and even charging at you if you try to discipline them as they may interpret it as a threat. Even a simple reprimanding may agitate them and trigger their aggressive behaviour. This may be caused by traumatic experiences towards being disciplined in the past. It is recommended that you seek professional help from a trainer if your dog shows signs of aggression when you train them.
Other Causes of Aggressive and Dangerous Behaviour
Aggressive behaviour from dogs can also be caused by other factors. These include painful medical conditions, hyperthyroidism, and hormones. These are considered as direct and internal triggers as these happen inside of the dog’s body.
Medical Conditions That Cause Pain
Underlying medical conditions that cause a lot of pain to dogs can trigger aggressive behaviour even among the most docile breeds. Much like when we experience pain, we also become angry and a bit confrontational sometimes. But the difference with dogs is that they can ultimately result in biting. A veterinarian must look at your dog and have a thorough diagnosis of what might be causing the pain. Especially if your dog is behaving aggressively randomly and suddenly. The medical condition could be severe and could be consequential if not treated as soon as possible. For a more specific look at some of these medical conditions, check out our blog “Painful Medical Conditions That Cause Aggression”.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition that can cause changes in a dog’s behaviour from docile to aggressive really quick. A thyroid blood panel can be performed by a veterinarian to rule out hyperthyroidism. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep track of these things, especially if you notice warning signs of aggression. It is to ensure the health of your dog and the safety of people that are constantly around your dog.
Hormones
Hormones play a significant role in the aggressive behaviour of dogs. Female dogs usually experience this during pregnancy and labour. This is especially true if the dog is not used to being around strangers or people in general. They are also in alert mode during this phase. On the other hand, male dogs tend to get aggressive when they sense a female dog in the vicinity is in heat.
Bottomline
Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. They are more than just a pet; they are a part of the family. But it does not give us a reason to excuse their aggressive and dangerous behaviours. But it also does not mean that we cast them out because of it. As dog owners, we must be vigilant with these things. Because for all we know, it might be more than just repercussions of a traumatic experience from the past. They could have an underlying medical condition that could potentially kill them.
It is also essential to take note of the safety of the people around our furry companions. Whether it be our family, friends, or even strangers, we must take into account the safety of others while also ensuring the security of our dogs.
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