As Konrad Lorenz, an Austrian zoologist and ethologist, said, aggression in itself is just one more drive that an individual presents and that helps him survive. However, that a dog is aggressive with another dogis a serious problem that generates a poor quality of life and a state of anguish for her guardian. Consequently, it should be considered a Behavior Disorder when a dog exhibits such behavior.
It is in the genetics of a dog, especially if it is male, to attack an unknown congener, even more so if the other animal is male as well. It is also in the genetics of dogs to achieve a hierarchical position within their social group through aggressiveness. However, all of this can be controlled and educated. Keeping this reality in mind, one can clearly glimpse the importance of positive parenting by a dog's guardian, which should be given to a puppy from the start or the newly adopted adult dog. If you want to know more, don't miss this article on our site about why my dog is aggressive towards other dogs, as well as possible solutions.
Why is my dog aggressive towards other dogs?
Canine aggression directed towards other dogs is a very common behavioral alteration in these and other animals and has as its origin:
- Genetics: on the one hand, genetics plays a very important role, since the concept of aggressiveness is incorporated into dogs toward peers outside their social group.
- Bad socialization: on the other hand, poor socialization and/or inadequate management by the tutor, mainly in the first months of life, is practically the main reason why a dog goes crazy when he sees other dogs.
- The breed: it is important to highlight that the characteristics of each canine breed also influence this type of aggressiveness, since it is not the same aggressiveness inherited from a rottweiler or pit bull than from a yorkshire terrier or chihuahua.
However, although some breeds of dog are naturally more dominant than others, the real problem lies in the training given to them. has given the dog.
Once the behavioral disturbance appears and is correctly diagnosed, it should be treated jointly with an animal he alth professional, since this type of disorder can cause injury to third parties, so it must be treated responsibly.
Why is my dog attacking my other dog?
This is a different situation from the previous one in many ways, since in this case the aggressiveness is not directed towards a fellow alien to the social group of the individual in question, but, on the contrary, is addressed to a member of his group This fact totally changes the vision that should be had of the situation.
In the genetics of a dog, especially if it is male and not neutered, the concept of social hierarchy within a group is incorporatedand the only way that dogs know to rank hierarchically within their social group or pack is through aggressiveness. Although this inherited behavior is more deeply rooted among male canines, there is also a need for hierarchical positioning within their social group among females and this positioning is also achieved through aggressiveness.
In domestic dogs that live in the same home, with their same guardians with whom they generate affective bonds, who have to share their resourcescritics such as water, food, resting places, etc., it is very likely that at some point they will seek their social position, with which it is very likely that at some point this position will try to be resolved through one's aggressiveness from the dogs to each other. In this way, if your dog attacks your puppy, your puppy attacks your other dog, or both are adults and one attacks the other, it is very likely that he is doing it to establish his hierarchical position, whether they are male or female.
What to do if my dog becomes aggressive towards other dogs?
After understanding the biological basis of the origin of aggression between dogs that live together or that do not belong to the same social group, a question comes to mind: how to calm my aggressive dog? Regardless of the corresponding pharmacological and/or surgical treatment indicated by the animal he alth professional according to each particular case, it is always necessary to carry out a behavior modification therapy, the active participation of the animal's guardian(s) being essential for the success of said therapy and they should not leave the solution of the problem solely in the hands of third parties.
When dealing with aggression between dogs, two different situations must be identified. The first is when the dog already exhibits aggressiveness towards its peers and the second when the animal is a puppy and has not yet begun to exhibit that behavior.
Aggressiveness in adult dogs
If the dog is already an adult, our best advice is to go to an experienced ethologist, dog educator or trainer so that he can assess the animal and find the best behavior modification techniques for your case, yes, always with positive reinforcement
For the behavior modification sessions, it will be necessary for the tutor(s) to also participate, and not just the animal he alth and behavior professional(s)
Aggressiveness in puppies
The second situation would be ideal, since it is based on the upbringing of the canine puppy, preventing the inherited behaviors of aggressiveness from being exhibited and established. This is achieved by socializing the puppy with other dogs, inhibiting aggressive behavior when it begins to be expressed for the first few times and with the help of positive reinforcement.
In short, paying attention to something as well known as genetics and environment. It is known that the genetics of an individual determines approximately 30% of their behavior, that is, the environment will do so in 70%. This means that no matter how much genetic load of aggressiveness a dog brings with it, if it is raised correctly by its guardian, that animal will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards its peers during the course of its life.
