How to Deal with Dogs that are Aggressive towards People

Dogs bite for many reasons. Some snap out of fear. Some may bite if they are in pain. Others may nip if anyone gets too close when they are eating. But whether a dog has bitten a family member or a stranger, out of fear or dominance, the problem is serious. If your dog fits one of the following behavioral profiles, it is recommended that you seek professional help.

A dog exhibiting dominance aggression is most likely to direct his inappropriate behavior to his family members. A dominant canine thinks he is the head of the household. To show this, he may refuse to get off the couch or bed. Should you attempt to remove him, he will growl and bite. Dominance aggression is often seen in guarding breeds such as Rottweilers and Chow Chows.

Diagnosing Behavior Problems

Does your dog growl and snap if you get too close during dinner or when he's playing with his favorite toy? If so, he is displaying possession aggression. Canines suffering from this behavioral problem do not trust anyone with, or even near, their toys or food. Predatory aggression, often seen in herding breeds, stems from an instinct to chase prey and bring it down. Some dogs may go after cats, squirrels, or livestock - especially if these animals are on the move. In the worst cases, dogs exhibiting predatory aggression may go after small children.

Any breed or mixed-breed can exhibit pain-induced aggression. Dogs who are suffering from trauma may bite their owners. If your usually mild-mannered dog has been in an accident, do not trust that he won't bite. To make a quick muzzle, wrap gauze or a nylon stocking around his mouth. Secure it tightly enough that he can't open his mouth.

Dogs who bite and growl out of fear tend to be under-socialized. These canines feel uneasy when approached by strangers or when little children run up to them. Although they'd prefer to run away, they may feel cornered. The only thing they know to do is bite. People who try to break up fights between dogs are often the victims of misdirected aggression. This situation is not all that unusual, resulting in accidental bites from dogs that are otherwise wonderful, loving pets.

A dog that growls, barks and bites at joggers or bikers when in or near his home is exhibiting territorial aggression. This behavior can also be directed at anyone new to the house, such as utility workers or mail carriers. These canines are fine once the potential threat has left their territory, but they can be especially tough on visitors. If you think your dog may have a problem with aggression, seek the advice of a trainer or animal behaviorist. Enroll your puppy in an obedience class or bring him to a well-supervised small group play session. This way, he'll be exposed to other people and other dogs. And, most important, he'll learn to follow the leader - you!