The 12 ways in which a dog can attack and how to anticipate

Dogs almost always warn before attacking. Aggression in a dog is hardly triggered without any prior warning of what can happen. They anticipate it, expressing it increasingly and progressively.

At first, the dog is tense, still and stiff, making threatening sounds. Then he throws himself towards the origin of aggression, without taking contact, making grunts and showing his teeth.

Then, he bites first with a simple bite and then does so with enough pressure to cause a bruise and cause injury. Finally, it holds the bite and shakes.

Dogs do not always strictly follow this sequence, but they do apply it most of the time, even if it is simultaneously.

Determining the cause of aggressive behavior is essential to understanding the situation and finding an appropriate solution.

Dogs can show various types of aggression depending on the circumstance that causes it:

1. Defensive aggression or fear

Sometimes the best defense is a good attack and that is the case with these animals. They are fearful or anxious dogs that can become aggressive if they feel insecure, cornered or trapped.

Usually this type of dog bites and runs out of fear.

2. Aggression for pain

A good-natured dog can be aggressive motivated by pain, so it is very important when it comes to discerning an episode of aggression to rule out any physical injury that causes it as a reaction.

3. Redirected aggression

It occurs when a dog cannot attack the target it wants (for example, a person or animal) and redirects its aggression towards another person, animal or object.

4. Aggression due to dominance

It happens when a dog, self-perceived as dominant in hierarchy, is aggressive trying to maintain its social position.

5. Territoriality aggression

They attack and bite an intruder, if they perceive that their territory is being invaded.

6. Assault due to sexual or intrasexual competence

Male dogs can compete with each other for the attention of females in heat, and likewise females can compete for access to a male.

7. Aggression for protection

Dogs may show aggressive behavior when they think that one of their family members or friends is in danger.

8. Possessive aggression

It occurs to protect toys or inedible objects from the possible outburst of people or animals.

9. Maternal aggression

It happens when a mother dog feels that people or other animals are a threat to her puppies. He often channels her into her own puppies in a way of cannibalism.

10. Gambling aggression

It occurs during gambling behaviors such as persecution. It is good to note that pulling a rope or a rag does not necessarily lead to aggressive behavior in dogs.

11. Predatory aggression

It is linked to hunting attitudes, such as stalking or catching small animals. Sudden attacks occur with severe bites and shaking of the dam.

12. Aggression against other dogs

This behavior expresses that he wants to establish his human companion as the leader of the pack and does not find the clear demonstration to do so. On the other hand, if our dog is aggressive towards other dogs, it does not mean that it is aggressive towards people.

*Prof. Dr. Juan Enrique Romero @drromerook is a veterinary physician. Specialist in University Education. Master's Degree in Psychoimmunoneuroendocrinology. Former Director of the Small Animal School Hospital (UNLPAM). University Professor at several Argentine universities. International lecturer.

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