Is your normally sweet and gentle dog suddenly acting out of character and becoming aggressive? If your dog suddenly turns aggressive, there’s a reason for it. If so, what could be causing this sudden change in behavior?
While there could be several reasons for your dog’s aggression, understanding why your dog is acting out can help them feel better and keep your home safe. So, what could be causing your dog’s sudden aggression?
Warning Signs of A Dog’s Aggressive Behavior
It’s important to know what aggression looks like in dogs before we discuss the reasons for this sudden behavior. Aggressive behavior is different from mouthing or biting.
Some dogs can be grumpy sometimes, but this is not always a big problem. So what are the signs of aggression in dogs?
- Tense or rigid body posture
- Intense stare or fixed gaze
- Raised hackles on the neck and back
- Vocalization, such as growling or barking in a deep, threatening tone
- Baring of teeth or snarling
- Muzzle punching, where the dog uses their nose to hit or push against a person or object in an aggressive manner
- Guarding or protecting objects by growling or snapping at anyone who approaches them
- Biting, potentially multiple times, with a possible combination of retreating and continuing the attack
- Dramatically increased energy levels and impulsivity
Types of Sudden Canine Aggression in Dogs
Aggression is a natural response for dogs in certain situations. However, when that aggression is directed toward humans, it can be a problem. There are different types of canine aggression, and dog owners need to be aware of them. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of canine aggression.
Territorial Aggression
Dogs are naturally territorial creatures. They treat their homes as if it’s their kingdom and will become aggressive to anyone or anything they see as a threat. The best way to deal with it is to provide your dog with plenty of exercise and give them a safe space that they can call their own.
Possessive Aggression
Possessive or resource guarding aggression is similar to the territorial type of dog aggressive behavior in that it’s based on the dog’s instinct to protect what they see as theirs. However, possessive aggression is specifically directed towards people or animals that the dog perceives as a threat to their possessions (e.g., food, toys, etc.).
A clear display of your dog’s resource guarding occurs when you walk next to or attempt to touch an item they love. You’ll notice your dog will either hover above the object, cease all movement steal/take the item by force (growl, snap or bite).
This is known as resource guarding in the professional dog training world. Please be mindful that exhibiting such behavior is entirely natural for dogs.
The best way to deal with resource guarding is to provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and bones so that they don’t feel the need to protect their possessions so fiercely. You should also avoid taking away their food or toys without warning, as this can trigger an aggressive response.
Fear-based Aggression
Fear-based aggression is often caused by a traumatic experience or exposure to an unpredictable environment. For example, dogs that are fear-aggressive tend to cower or hide when they’re around people or other animals.
The best way to deal with fear-based aggression is through positive reinforcement training, which helps the dog associate people and other animals with positive experiences (e.g., treats, petting, etc.).
Predatory Aggression
This aggressive behavior is characterized by quick movements, stalking, and a “chase instinct.” This type of aggression is often seen in hunting dogs, but dogs can display predatory behavior if they are not properly trained.
Hunting aggression is often directed at small animals like cats, rabbits, and rodents. If your dog has predatory tendencies, it’s essential to provide adequate exercise and stimulation. A bored dog is more likely to turn to predatory behavior out of boredom or frustration.
Redirected Aggression
Redirected aggression occurs when a dog is agitated or stressed by something (or someone) else but takes its aggression out on a more convenient target. For example, if your dog is barking at the neighbor’s dog and the neighbor’s dog starts barking back, your dog may redirect its aggression toward you instead.
Redirected aggression can also happen if your dog is feeling threatened or frightened by something else and lashes out at you in an attempt to get you to remove the threat. This type of aggression can be dangerous because it can happen without warning and any provocation on your part.
If your dog has a history of redirected aggression, it’s essential to seek professional help from a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Other Reasons for a Dog’s Sudden Aggression Behavior
As pet owners, we often consider our dogs as furry family members and man’s best friend. They provide us with companionship, love, and loyal support. But unfortunately, our furry friends sometimes show aggression towards us or other people and animals.
Pet owners should be aware that there are many reasons why dogs bite. While biting is often seen as aggressive behavior, it’s important to remember that it can also be a defensive reaction to fear or pain.
While it can be alarming and confusing when this happens, it’s important to remember that there are usually underlying reasons for a dog’s sudden aggressive behavior. So, let’s explore more reasons for a dog’s aggression.
Your Dog Is Pushing Their Limits
Just like humans, dogs have their limits too. If they feel like you’re pushing them too far outside their comfort zone—whether it’s with training, socialization, or even asking them to do something they don’t want to do—they may lash out in aggression. So it’s important always to respect your dog’s boundaries and listen to their cues to avoid overwhelming them.
Some dog owners make the mistake of assuming that all dogs are the same. But every dog is unique and has its own individual personality, stimulation threshold, and tolerance level.
Just because your dog is okay with being around other dogs doesn’t mean all dogs are. And if you push your dog into a situation that makes them uncomfortable, such as being around an aggressive dog, they may respond with aggression of their own.
Dealing With Pain
Another common reason for a dog’s sudden aggression is if they’re in pain and feeling threatened by whatever is causing that pain. Suppose your dog is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, and you can’t think of any other explanation. In that case, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet to rule out any possible medical conditions that might be causing pain or discomfort.
Dealing with an aggressive dog can be a difficult and frustrating experience, but understanding the root cause of their behavior is often the first step in finding a solution.
A New Medical Condition
As a dog owner, you know that your dog’s behavior is always an important indicator of its health and well-being. So, if you notice your dog acting out of character, it’s always best to take them to the vet for a checkup. This is especially true if they become aggressive.
Conditions like liver disease, cancer, and even certain types of infections can cause dogs to become agitated and aggressive. If left untreated, these conditions can cause serious harm to your dog and even pose a danger to other dogs and people.
Fortunately, early detection and treatment can often help to resolve the issue. So, if you notice your dog behaving aggressively, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Changes in Your Dog’s Environment
Dogs are creatures of habit, and they like predictability in their lives. So, it’s not surprising that changes in their environment—such as a move to a new home or the arrival of a new baby—can cause stress that manifests in the form of aggression. If your dog is acting aggressively after a significant change in their life, give them time to adjust and make sure they have plenty of outlets for their energy (like walks, runs, or playtime).
Getting Older
As dog’s age, they may become more susceptible to health problems that can cause pain or discomfort—as we mentioned before. But aging can also lead to cognitive decline, making dogs confused or disoriented.
This confusion may manifest as aggression since the dog doesn’t understand what’s happening around them and feels threatened by unfamiliar faces and situations. Talk to your vet about possible treatment options if you think your dog’s aggression may be due to cognitive decline.
Addressing Your Furry Family Member’s Aggression
It’s natural to want to protect your home and family, but when that protection comes from aggression from your furry family member, it’s time to take a step back and address the problem.
There are several ways you can address your dog’s aggression, but it’s essential to find the root of the problem before taking action. Once you know what’s causing your dog to act out, you can seek professional help, speak with a veterinary behaviorist, and take steps to prevent future aggression.
Find the Root of the Problem
The first step in addressing your dog’s aggression is to find out what’s causing it. There are many possible triggers for aggression, such as fear, anxiety, jealousy, resource guarding, or even pain.
If you need to figure out what’s causing your dog to act out, consider keeping a journal of its aggressive behaviors. Note the time, place, and circumstances surrounding each incident. This will help you identify patterns and possible triggers for their aggression.
Seek Professional Training
Once you know what’s causing your dog to be aggressive, you can seek professional help to address the problem. Many types of professional training are available, such as obedience training, behavior modification training, and even dog socialization classes. If you need help determining which kind of training is right for your dog, consult with professional dog trainers or behaviorists.
Speak With a Veterinary Behaviorist
Medication may sometimes be necessary to help address your dog’s aggression. If you’ve tried professional training and behavior modification techniques but have yet to see any improvement, make an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist. They can work with you to create a treatment plan that may include medications or other interventions.
How to Respond When Your Dog Shows Sudden Aggression
No one likes to see their dog act aggressively. It’s scary, it’s confusing, and it can be challenging to know how to best handle the situation. So let’s discuss what you should do—and, just as importantly, what you shouldn’t do if you’re ever faced with sudden dog aggression.
What To Do When Faced With Sudden Dog Aggression
If you find yourself in a situation where your dog is acting aggressively, there are certain things you should do to diffuse the situation.
- First and foremost, stay calm. You must remain level-headed so that you can think clearly and make decisions that are in the best interest of both you and your dog.
- Secondly, remove yourself and your dog from the situation if possible. If you can leave the room or take a step back calmly, do so. This will help lower the tension and give you and your dog a chance to calm down.
What You Shouldn’t Do When Faced With Sudden Dog Aggression
You should also avoid doing certain things when faced with a dog behaving aggressively.
- For starters, don’t yell at or hit your dog. This will only escalate the situation and could worsen the aggression.
- Don’t try to force your dog into submission by holding them down or using physical restraint. This could cause your dog to feel trapped and panicked, leading to an aggressive bite.
Dealing with your dog’s sudden outbreak of aggression can be scary and confusing, however, by remaining calm and removing yourself from the situation if possible.
You can diffuse the situation and help your dog regain their composure. Just be sure to avoid yelling at or hitting your dog, as this will only worsen matters.
Conclusion
While aggression in dogs is usually caused by one of the factors we’ve discussed above, there are other potential causes too. And keep in mind that sometimes aggression is caused by a dog being…well…a dog!
Puppies tend to mouth and nip as part of their playfulness, while adult dogs may huff, growl, lunge, or snap when they feel threatened or want something (like food or attention) that someone else has.
Most importantly, if your dog is exhibiting any aggression—no matter how minor it may seem—it’s important to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
They can help you identify the problem’s root cause and devise a customized plan to address it. By taking these steps now, you’ll help ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy for years to come!
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*photo by dusanpetkovic – depositphotos
