Aggression and Emotions

Often one of the most common reasons why animals show aggression is due to fear, however there can be other reasons too such as frustration. Dogs do not show aggression because they are trying to be naughty or stubborn, they often have very good reasons. If your dog is showing aggression ask yourself why s/he maybe doing this in terms of emotions such as anxiety, fear, frustration, panic, play... Don't think in terms of labels such as naughty or dominant. Dogs that often growl when people try to remove bones or walk towards them when they are eating do so because they do not feel comfortable with that person near their valuables. Telling your dog off, punishing him/her for it or taking the things away from the dog is not going to teach your dog to like 'sharing' with you any more, if any thing it is likely to make them more defensive and damage the trust and confidence that s/he may have in you.

Also many people will often comment on how the aggression came from nowhere with minimal warnings, again this is not often true. The 'warning' signs are often misunderstood or punished out of the dog. I discuss this using Kendal Shepherds Ladder of Aggression illustration. 

Having a relationship with an animal involves 'listening' as well as 'talking' and we have to 'listen' to our dogs more and understand what they are 'saying'.

Also many people will often comment on how the aggression came from nowhere with minimal warnings, again this is not often true. The 'warning' signs are often misunderstood or punished out of the dog. I discuss this using Kendal Shepherds Ladder of Aggression illistartion. 

Having a relationship with an animal involves 'listening' as well as 'talking' and we have to 'listen' to our dogs more and understand what they are 'saying'.

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