Dog bites can occur for a variety of reasons, but fear and aggression are frequently raised issues. Similar to humans, dogs can inherit a propensity for anxiety, and their environment, experiences, and breed characteristics all contribute. That may cause adult dogs and puppies to react violently to frightening situations.
The likelihood of developing various forms of aggression and other behavioral issues later in life is increased by inadequate socialization. Puppies who did not receive enough exposure to other dogs, common experiences in their environment, such as noises, various types of people (including children), and circumstances (car rides, veterinary visits, etc.), may develop fears of some or all of these circumstances. The window for socialization in puppies is relatively small; it typically lasts from 8 to 14 weeks of age, though it may differ by a few weeks depending on the breed. It takes additional instruction and positive reinforcement to help dogs become desensitized to frightening situations after that window closes.
Fear causes dogs to respond instinctively with “fight or flight.” Different dogs respond to fear in different ways; some may attempt to flee, hide, or freeze, while others may growl, bark, or even bite. Fear biters become so panicked that they are unable to think clearly and believe they must fight their way out of the situation. The dog learns that acting aggressively works when it causes the frightening “thing” to disappear, and uses it repeatedly.
Fear aggression can escalate and become more intense over time. When owners fail to recognize their dog’s early signs of fear, the behavior can worsen if the frightening object is still present. If you punish them for showing less obvious signs, like growling, they might stop growling but transition to a more serious behavior, like biting, as a result of the harsh physical or verbal reprimands.
Can dogs with fear aggression overcome their fears?
While dog aggression can never be fully “cured,” there are many ways to help manage the condition and help your dog overcome their fears. While their fear and aggression may never fully go away, the fears and behaviors can be reduced with proper training.
What are some triggers for fear aggression? Are there things owners might be doing that contribute to or increase the risk for their dog developing fear aggression?
The biggest contributor to fear aggression is a lack of proper socialization. The most important time window for socializing a puppy is from the ages of 3 weeks to 20 weeks old. Puppies this age experience very little fear, so the more they’re exposed to, the less they’ll be afraid of as they get older. This includes new dogs, new people, new objects, new sounds, etc. The more your puppy can see, hear, and do, the less likely they are to develop fear aggression as they get older.
You should still start socializing your puppy even if they are older than 4-5 months old by exposing them to new people, dogs, and objects. Avoid taking your dog on the same route every time so they can explore new areas and things. To lessen the likelihood that your dog will experience separation anxiety, you should teach them to be alone. And you should never punish fear.
Socializing an adult dog is much more difficult. At this point, confronting issues and fears one at a time becomes more important. You may need the help of a professional trainer.
For more information on socializing dogs and puppies, check out the Animal Humane Society.
All that being said, dogs have many different triggers that can cause a fear response. Unfamiliar dogs and people are common triggers. Children can be a big trigger for fear aggression, because they haven’t learned how to approach dogs, and small children don’t quite have full control of their limbs yet, posing an intimidating figure to a dog. Kids can also poke eyes or pull ears and tails. Having been hurt by a child, even unintentionally, can have lasting consequences for your dog.
Loud noises can also be very problematic for fearful dogs. Fireworks are especially terrifying. From July 4 through July 6, there is a 30–60% increase in lost pets, claim animal control officials across the United States. July 5 is among the busiest days of the year for shelters. Click here for fantastic advice on how to keep your dog safe on July 4th.
What are the different kinds of aggression?
There are many different categories or types of canine aggression. The motivation behind the dog’s aggressive behavior, the environment in which the behavior takes place, or the intended victim of the aggression can all be used to classify aggression. Here are examples of some common types of aggression.
Territorial Aggression. aggression directed at someone or something that approaches or enters the dog’s perceived territory, which is typically the owner’s house or property.
Possessive Aggression. When a dog feels threatened that a person or another animal will take away valuable resources, typically food or toys, the dog may attack, a behavior known as resource guarding.
Maternal or Protective Aggression. Attacking someone or another animal, usually a female dog defending her young or puppies
Pain-Related or Irritable Aggression. aggression that is motivated by pain or discomfort and is directed toward a person or animal.
Predatory Aggression. Aggression that is usually directed at another animal but can occasionally involve a human and is driven by the urge to hunt, catch, kill, and eat species that are considered to be prey Predatory aggression is typically silent or voiceless, and the bite is frequently harmful or unrestrained.
Frustration or Redirected Aggression. Aggression incidental to another form of aggression or emotional arousal. When a dog’s aggression or arousal is unsuccessful in reaching its target, it switches its attention, out of frustration, to another object, person, or animal.
Social Conflict-Related Aggression. Typically motivated by internal conflict, aggression toward a familiar person or animal is shown during social interactions.
Sexual Aggression. When a male dog fights for a female or a female dog fights for access to a male during mating behavior, there is aggression toward that male or female dog.
Disease-Related Aggression. Infectious or non-infectious diseases may be linked to aggression toward people or animals.
Fear- or Anxiety-Related Aggression. When a dog feels threatened, cornered, or trapped, or when the animal is worried about an uncertain or unpleasant outcome, it may act aggressively toward that person or animal.
FAQ
Can dogs grow out of fear aggression?
Despite the fact that dog aggression can never truly be “cured,” there are many ways to manage the condition and assist your dog in overcoming their fears. Although they might never completely lose their fear and aggression, with the right training, the fears and behaviors can be diminished.
What causes fear based aggression in dogs?
Fear Aggression This is called the flight response. However, most animals will switch to a fight response if fleeing is not an option. They try to defend themselves from the scary thing. So even if a dog is scared of a person or another animal, she may still attack if she feels like it’s her only option.
Can medication help a fear aggressive dog?
Dog aggression can be effectively managed by medication, which is a frequently underused tool, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall.
What does fear aggression look like in dogs?
Fear-aggressive dogs will bark and attempt to intimidate individuals they perceive as a threat, but they frequently do so from a greater distance (or from behind an object like a table) and will put weight on their back foot to indicate they would rather flee than engage in combat.