Aggression & Reactivity
Display of Aggression
Act of Aggression
Dog Bite Scale
Motivation / Context
Personality & Behavior
Health Considerations
Spay or Neuter?
Drugs?
Probiotics for Behavior
Diet and Protein?
Guidance
“The important fact is that behavior is never wholly inherited or wholly acquired but always developed under the combined influences of hereditary and environmental factors.”
All aggressive behavior is caused by the need to establish control. Occasional aggression toward others in a group of social animals is normal, although most acts of aggression are unacceptable when we are talking about dogs that are members of our household. Aggression can be directed at immediate family members, children, people outside the family, dogs, or other animals. Conflict and aggression is often confused with dominance. Conflict is not necessarily dominance based. People as well as other creatures have conflicts as a normal part of life. Everyone has disagreements… including your dog. People often classify dogs with training or behavior problems as being dominant or having dominant tendencies, when in fact most dogs referred to as dominant often are either confused, fearful, lack etiquette, or simply lack proper training.
Displays of Aggression
Acts of Aggression
With aggression displays (Reactive) it is often for the purpose of increasing the distance between them and the target. Acts of aggression (Intent to do harm) are for the purpose of gaining control of territory, resources, protection of others, protection of position, or protection of self.
Most fearful dogs that I have encountered I would classify as “reactive” and not “aggressive”. I consider “aggressive” as the intent to do harm. Most fear based dogs default to being reactive in order to accomplish what they need; time and distance. If we overwhelm a dog by backing them into a corner or applying to much pressure they may act out of self-defense.
Dog Bite Scale
Another important consideration is a dog’s bite history. If a dog has a serious bite history, or escalating bite history increasing in damage consult with a professional for an assessment. Review the “Dog Bite Scale” here.
Pre-Incident Indicators of Potential Impact
Dogs often start with non-verbal communication that shows they are not comfortable in a given situation. We may observe when a dog is stressed or uncomfortable in a situation the dog may resort to a behavior that is out of context for a given situation; e.g. sniffing the ground, starts to scratch, looks away avoiding eye contact, or flicks its tongue and licks its nose. But not everything a dog does should be interpreted as communication, or that they are uncomfortable in a given situation.
YELLOW LIGHT (CAUTION LIGHT)
Avoidance behaviors
Moves away
Sniffing the ground
Looks away avoiding eye contact
Stress/anxiety behaviors
Starts to scratch
Flicks its tongue and licks its nose
Lowers head
Crouches
High-arousal escalating behaviors (pre-incident indicators)
Exercise caution: a dog may only stiffen and close its mouth before moving to a bite.
Stiffening or freezing
Closes mouth
Whale eye: Turns head slightly to side and whites of the eyes are visible
Hard stare
Lip lift
Snarl
Growl
Snap (air-snap/ warning) if you have ignored/missed the other indications you may not receive this last warning.
Bite
Some people will notice a behavior change when a dog becomes tense/stiffens, mouth closes, or a hard stare long before they move to a lip lift, snarl, growl, or bite. We must be watching for a yellow caution signal so we are aware that the green light is about to turn red. Some dogs have a long yellow light and others have one that flashes quickly before we are confronted with a red light. Car accidents don’t happen in miles-per-hour (MPH) they happen in feet-per-seconds (fps) and it’s the same for dogs that come in contact with people. Incidents happen in feet and seconds. The sooner we see the yellow light the more reaction time we will have to avoid an impact.
Motivation
Dogs can show aggression for many reasons. Aggression can be motivated out of:
Fear
Defense of self
Pain
Self-Protection from pain
Territorial
Defense of territory
Protection
Defense of others
Resource Guarding
Defense of things, places, or persons the dog does not want to share
Dominance
Defense of position
Dog Aggression
Rudeness by Other Dogs
Overstimulation
Attention Seeking (Mislabeled as Aggression)
Successfully changing a dog's behavior depends upon accurately identifying the reason for the behavior. Most of what people focus on when assessing a dog′s behavior, is the dog, and its background. But before any approach can be taken to modify the dog′s behavior, you must determine what function the dog′s behavior serves. Start by looking at the behavior patterns exhibited in a specific circumstance, and look for things which may contribute to that behavior within that environment.
motivation For Acts Of Aggression
Fear-related aggression
Lack of proper socialization
Unpleasant experiences in the past
Learned behavior from the mother
Learned behavior from the owners
Use of aggression displays to keep people away
Pain-related aggression
Dogs that are in pain can act irritable and aggressive when handled.
Dogs with confident assertive owners may suppress aggressive tendencies toward owners, but may act aggressively toward others when handled. .
Irritability and aggression can continue even after the injury has been healed or when the pain is no longer present due to the dog becoming sensitized to being handled by previously learning that handling was painful.
Territorial aggression
Natural tendency to protect the territory of the pack
Act ferociously aggressive toward people when they are in or near its territory
The territory defended may be the home, car, and common places the dog walks or other locations the dog frequently visits
Can be fear-aggression and/ or both territorial and fear aggression
Can be breed specific
Lack of becoming accustomed to visitors
No supervision and training / lack of control by owner
Not to be confused with watchdog alert barking
Resource Guarding Aggression
Defense of things, places, or persons the dog does not want to share. e.g. food, toys, bed, etc...
Dominance Aggression / Dominance-Related Aggression / Status-Related Aggression
Dominance aggression is frequently directed at immediate family members and/or anyone from the dog′s perspective that represents a threat of control over them or their place in the social hierarchy.
These dogs are easy to identify by the amount of control they have over their owner, and the owners inability to control their dog.
These dogs show an unwillingness to accept the owner′s authority, in at least some circumstances that are important to the dog.
Aggression toward young children
Dogs can show aggression tendencies toward children for many reasons.
Children are unpredictable; they move, sound and act differently than adults.
Motivated by fear due to the lack of proper socialization as a young puppy.
Unpleasant experience with children in the past.
Dog must compete with new baby for attention
Dogs that silently stalk a moving child may be showing predatory behavior in order to control the child
Dog Aggression − Toward Strange Dogs
Aggression tendencies are stronger in some breeds of dogs
Lack of proper socialization
Fearful of strange dogs
Previous unpleasant experience
Never developed proper social etiquette with other dogs
Unable to read another dog′s social signals communication
Territorial aggression at locations the dog frequently visits
Protection of owner, or resource
Unwilling to show submissive gestures
Many dogs are out of control when they see another dog. They will whine, bark, lunge, etc… even when the dog is at a great distance. Dogs can act this way out of frustration, fear, excitement, and sometimes out of aggression. Most of these dogs can learn to be in the presence of other dogs without acting out. For some of these dogs the behavior can be greatly improved but they may always need to be supervised and managed.
Idiopathic Aggression / Episodic / Dysfunctional Rage
No explanation for behavior / Unknown cause
Rare type of aggressive behavior
Unpredictable and unprovoked attacks on people the dog knows well
Typically infrequent and spaced a month or more apart
Possibly a neurotransmitter disorder
Often confused with severe forms of dominance-related aggression
Rudeness by Other Dogs
“Typical symptoms: dog noisily warns or actually bites other dog who has gotten into his space. Key point: Dog was minding his own business and under control at owner's side or where left, did NOT leave handler or place left to attack other dog. Watch for invasion of space by another dog, even one that is friendly (refer to article "He Just Wants To Say HI!"); retrievers & other "non-aggressive" breeds often at fault due to their handler's view of their dog as friendly and harmless. Most likely to trigger response in dogs with bigger personal space (working breeds, terriers).” https://suzanneclothier.com/article/aggression-reasons-behind/
Overstimulation
“Typical symptoms: The excessive stimulation may come from the collar or lead, the handler, corrections, the overall environment, other dogs or animals. Solution: Remove dog to a "cool down zone" that offers a visual barrier and/or much more distance from other dogs/animals; reduce sensory input to the dog with quieter handling, less or no corrections, switch equipment to something milder, or change between equipment as necessary in any given situation (i.e., may need prong collar or slip when in motion but work better on slip or buckle in quieter exercises)”
“Many mouthy dogs respond to over stimulation by grabbing at the handler's arms, hands, legs, feet, clothing, lead, etc. This is often not aggression but a
response to too much stimuli; attempts to use force or corrections only pour fuel on the fire. Work quietly and reward good behavior - careful not to use physical praise, big/fast hand movements or excited voice.” https://suzanneclothier.com/article/aggression-reasons-behind/
Attention Seeking (Mislabeled as Aggression)
Jumping and mouthy dogs can be overzealous and the behavior problematic, but the behavior is playful.
Behavior, personality, temperament, & character
Personality is the combination of temperament and character.
Temperament = pre-disposition (heritable propensities)
Character = disposition, (learned style of coping or navigating the world)
Character develops through the interaction of temperament and environment
Character emerges as one matures and has more life experience
Patterns form habits
Temperament refers to the aspects of the dog’s character or personality that change little over a lifetime due to inherited traits and early life experiences which shapes behavior resulting in strong predispositions.
Character traits develop as a dog matures and are influenced by life experiences, preferences, routines, and practices.
A dog’s personality or temperament is consistent and changes little over a lifetime, although behavior can and does change, personality is generally consistent.
Behavior is influenced by five things. Genetics, inherited traits, early life experiences, the current environment, and the humans they live with.
Genetics determine physical traits such as; size, color, structure, coat type, energy level, and the inherited characteristics of a breed.
Traits such as nervousness, reactivity, body sensitivity, sound sensitivity, may be attributed to genetic factors, or they may be acquired and developed with early life experiences of the puppy in the first 12-weeks when these life experiences can both positively or negatively affect a dog’s confidence, emotional stability, timidity, fear, and phobias. [3]
Early life experiences – see socialization
We cannot change a dog’s temperament (pre-disposition), but we can affect their character (disposition). Character emerges as dogs mature and have more life experiences. We can affect character and our dog’s behavior by helping them learn coping skills and better ways to navigate the world. To what degree and intensity will be influenced to some extent by past experiences and the approach we take moving forward.
Dog will exhibit all types of normal dog behavior and it’s important to understand we can’t fix normal. Genetics give the ability and environment provides the opportunity for these traits to develop to their full potential. But through early learning, training, meeting our dog’s needs and forming the right relationship we can put those instincts under our control. To control those instincts requires ongoing training to keep those skills sharp and under our control. It takes work, time, and consistency to see change. As with many things it will require management, training and lots of patience.
Dogs nor humans “just snap” or have sudden behavior changes unless there is a medical reason or impactful experience. Behavior does not change without a reason. Often times behavior changes gradually but people are not aware of the changes until it has moved further across the continuum. If there is a sudden change in behavior it is advisable that dogs be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Health Considerations
Diseases and physical issues can cause pain and irritability and contribute to reactive / aggressive behavior. A normal physical exam is a good place to start but it will not uncover more difficult to diagnose diseases or physical issues.
When evaluating dogs’ observe how the dog moves and uses its body to assess their physical abilities. When they sit are they slow, fast, tight, sloppy, rolled over on one hip, back onto pelvis, legs tucked or extended? How long before the dog changes positions? Do they prefer to lay down rather then sit? Does there appear to be any pain in the back, knees, hocks, or hips? Dogs like humans will move or shift weight to compensate for pain or discomfort.
GI issues that do not result in diarrhea and/or vomiting (Food Sensitivity)
Since food sensitivities and thyroid problems are common those are two things I would rule out as contributing to irritability or other behavior problems. For both tests I recommend: Hemopet (Dr. Dodds) https://www.hemopet.org/
Drugs?
Behavioral pharmacology with animals differs from other areas of pharmacology because animal behavior seems to be more prone to environmental influences, rather than pathophysiology. There is no reason to believe that a neurotransmitter imbalance is commonly the cause for most problem behaviors. Rather than seek out a drug for a quick fix, the owner should seek out a professional who understands dogs and has the skills to bring about positive results. Using psychotropic drugs to correct behavior should always be a last resort and always under the direct supervision of a veterinary behaviorist.
Since the majority of problem behaviors are not caused by a neurotransmitter imbalance, these problems can be resolved without the necessity for drug treatment. Problems behaviors such as, anxiety, barking, hyperactivity, separation anxiety, whining or any other behavior considered disruptive should first be addressed by a knowledgeable individual who understands a dog′s development and behavior. When drugs are used the common approaches are typically to assist a behavior modification program that theoretically could work alone, or to correct an existing physiological abnormality such as deficiency in a neurotransmitter system.
References
Canine and Feline Behavior Therapy Second Edition Benjamin L. Hart, Lynette A. Hart, Melissa J. Bain
The Dog : Its Behavior, Nutrition, & Health Second Edition Linda P. Case
Drugs for Dogs
Spay or Neuter
“For most behaviors, spaying/neutering was associated with worse behavior, contrary to conventional wisdom”
Effects on Behavior By Dr. Deborah Duffy
Effects of ovariohysterectomy on reactivity in German Shepherd dogs
Neutering: What’s Behaviour Got To Do With It?
Neutering Risks and benefits: Bitches
The timing of spaying may have an affect on aggression.
“The calming effect of the high level of progesterone is also the reason why it is best to avoid spaying bitches for two months after estrus. Spaying during this time can result in a precipitous drop in progesterone levels with possible accompanying emotional disturbances, irritability, aggression and depression.” The Dog’s Mind By Bruce Fogle, D.V.M., M.R.C.V.S.
“Progesterone has calming influences, and because spaying removes the source of progesterone production, causing a precipitous fall in progesterone may increase irritable tendencies in young females. After a female has gone through some estrus cycles, and possibly been disciplined for aggressive behavior, the spaying may have less of an impact.” Canine and Feline Behavior Therapy Second Edition By Benjamin L. Hart, Lynette A. Hart, Melissa J. Bain
“Hart and Eckstein (1997) point out that female dogs are in a progestational state for 2 months following an estrus period and spaying them during that period creates a sudden removal of the source of progesterone (which tend to have a calming influence on animals). It is postulated that this removal of progesterone may promote irritability or aggression in some individuals.” Aggressive Behavior In Dogs By James O’Heare
For more information on Spay or Neuter!
Probiotics for Behavior & Mood
“Probiotics are beneficial strains of live microorganisms that help maintain healthy levels of gut-friendly bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract”
Each microorganism has its own job to do so for specific purposes be sure to look for the correct strain.
Probiotics for Behavior / Mood
Probiotics for anxiety or behavioral issues.
Bifidobacterium longum BL999
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Lactobacillus casei
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium longum BL999 has been reported to help with behavior and mood. Its easy to find Bifidobacterium longum, but to date I’ve only found the BL999 strain in the “Calming Care” product made by Purina. You may need to inquire of the manufacturer to determine strain.
Genus - Bifidobacterium
Species - longum
Strain - BL999
Stress-Related Gastrointestinal Upsets and Diarrhea in Dogs.
(Bifidobacterium animalis AHC7) may help to prevent stress-related gastrointestinal upsets and diarrhea in dogs.
Probiotics for Dogs and Cats: What Are They and How Do They Help?
Written by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker
Look for CFU (Colony Forming Units) which is a measure of viable microorganisms. Look for a minimum of 1 billion for the primary microorganisms and a capsule or coated powder so the microorganisms are active in digestion. “Choose a probiotic with the highest CFU to make sure that you give your dog a diverse array of beneficial organisms in just one dose.” Written by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker Probiotics for Dogs and Cats: What Are They and How Do They Help?
Sample of rescued dogs shows link between gut microbiome, aggressiveness
Purchasing Probiotics for Dogs and Cats
Probiotics for Dogs and Cats: What Are They and How Do They Help?
For more information on probiotics start here.
Sample of rescued dogs shows link between gut microbiome, aggressiveness
Microbiome Dog & Cat testing and Gut Restoration Supplement
Diet and Protein
There has been some concern that high protein diets are correlated with aggressive behavior. Dogs “do not have a requirement for protein per se but have an amino acid requirement.” [1] Proteins are made up of amino acids and dogs have a requirement for 10 of these essential amino acids in their diet and one of these 10 essential acids is tryptophan. So the issue is not with protein per se but with the tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is found in just about every food that contains protein but in small amounts. (Turkey’s tryptophan context is similar to other meats) Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin and is needed for the steady production of serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for controlling “mood,” and arousal levels, and is thought to be one of the key neurochemicals, modulating impulsivity, aggressive behavior, antisocial behavior, and others.
Tryptophan competes with other amino acids in high-protein foods to cross the blood-brain barrier. Increasing the ratio of tryptophan to amino acids can increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Tyrosine is an amino acid like tryptophan. Tyrosine is also found in high-protein foods, but in higher concentrations. Both compete for entry into the brain, so consuming high-protein foods will typically raise brain concentrations of tyrosine but decrease levels of tryptophan because diets rich in protein tend to deplete brain tryptophan levels. Corn is high with the amino acid tyrosine and has a very low level of tryptophan so it has been advised to avoid corn for this reason.
Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman who was involved in two studies is a big believer in switching an aggressive dog’s diet to a low protein diet to see if there is any change. “high protein levels in the diet do not actually cause behavior problems, but they may exacerbate them” In Dr. Dodman’s research a low protein diet was 17%, moderate 25%, and high was 32% protein.
The results of the Dodman studies show that “dominance aggression” was the same on low-protein diets and high-protein diets supplemented with tryptophan. In Dr. Dodman’s studies territorial aggression did show a reduction. Their findings were that high protein diets are not the cause of aggression, but that they “may exacerbate them”. Dodman states that if the diet is going to help it will be quick and almost immediately result in a reduction in dominance and territorial aggression.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
A much larger study then the Dodman studies completed in the Netherlands where dogs were feed diets supplemented with tryptophan showed no difference in behavior with anxiety-related behavior problems even though there was a significant increase of tryptophan levels in the blood.
Important note. Tryptophan should not be taken with SSRI medication (“Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors” e.g. Fluoxetine/Prozac, and others) without consultation with your vet.
Always consult with your vet before giving any supplements.
If I were interested in using tryptophan I would opt for the higher protein diet and supplement with tryptophan since the Dodman study found this was as effective as the low-protein diet. This is also what is recommended by Dr. Jean Dodds in her book “CANINE NUTRIGENOMICS”.
“keep your skeptic cap firmly in place when considering the effectiveness of supplemental L-tryptophan or a tryptophan-enriched food as a treatment for anxiety-related problems. The early study in 2000 reported a modest effect in dogs with dominance-related aggression or territorial behaviors but found no effect in treating hyperactivity. Subsequently, two placebo-controlled studies reported no effect at all and the single study that reported a small degree of behavior change could not discount the possibility of a placebo effect.” Case, Linda. Beware the Straw Man: The Science Dog Explores Dog Training Fact & Fiction. Autumn Gold Publishing
Effect of tryptophan as dietary supplement on dogs with abnormal-repetitive behaviors
Dietary tryptophan supplementation in privately owned mildly anxious dogs
General Guidance:
The first rule is to only do what is safe and things you are completely comfortable doing. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Anytime there are behavioral issues it is always good to rule out any health issues that may be contributing to the problem which can result in irritability or anxiety.
The first place to start is to remove the opportunities for the dog to continue to practice the wrong behavior. Behavior that is practiced becomes stronger and opportunities/patterns create habits and expectations on how to act around others. When a negative behavior is predictable, prepare by limiting the chances of the behavior occurring. It all starts with management not confrontation. Attempting to use physical force on the dog can be seen as a confrontation and the dog may accept your challenge. The goal is to “take control” and not “fight for control”. Taking control steers away from being confrontational but still places you in control.
Aggression towards people
Dominance & Dominant Behavior
Fears, Phobias, & Reactivity (Sound Desensitization)
Guarding Possessions (Resource Guarding)
If you are having challenges with any form of aggression, please consult a professional for assistance.
[1] Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th Edition Hardcover – Michael S. Hand (Editor)
[3] The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health 2nd Edition by Linda Case
Bosch G, Beerda B, Beynen AC, et al. Dietary tryptophan supplementation in privately owned mildly anxious dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour
Kaulfuss P, Hintze S, Wurbel H. Effect of tryptophan as a dietary supplement on dogs with abnormal-repetitive behaviours. Abstract. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 2009; 4:97.
Kato M, Miyaji K, Ohtani N, Ohta M. Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs. Journal
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