by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 02, 2011

Aggressive dogs are often fearful and generally diffident dogs. They scrutinize the world through eyes of anxiety. Their bodies reflect their tense sense of mind as they filter the world as a grim place to be. Most of these dogs are constantly in a stressful fight or flight situation. This has become their fist line of defense. Unfortunately, more often than not, these aggressive dogs are the result of negative human interactions. Abusive owners might have stripped these dogs from their confidence, allowing them to grow aloof and uptight.

In other cases, aggressive dogs are the aftermath of a lack of leadership. These dogs have been missing the essential guidance element from their owners. They have unceasingly been allowed to do as they please without considering their need for a pack leader. These dogs may display aggressive behavior over possession of food or toys or may even growl and snap when wakened up from their sleep.

Finally, some dogs may have grown aggressive because of a temperamental issue deep down in their genetic core. Basically, these dogs are "wired" wrong. Among all the forms of aggression, this may be never cured but only managed.

Aggression in dogs in the wild is quite average. If we would observe dogs in the wild, we would acknowledge that they quite often have altercations over rank order. These conflicts seem to mostly generate over food, a female in heat or sleeping areas. It is all about hierarchy. Aggression towards human kind appears to sometimes stem under the same circumstances. When an owner is unable to demonstrate proper leadership skills, an unhealthy upside down relationship is established where the dog is the alpha leader enforcing the rules.

Restoring an aggressive dog requires time, patience and lots of effort. The underlying cause needs to be addressed in order to gain a trustful companion again. In some cases sadly, rehabilitation may not suffix and the dog is ultimately euthanized. These are ordinarily extreme cases where the dog reports no improvement within a reasonable length of time.

Should you rescue, foster or adopt an aggressive dog, there are many guidelines you must follow to ensure your safety and grant an acceptable level of success. Keep in mind, though, that severe cases require professional help,  so do not try to play "good samaritan" if your dog suffers from a severe case of aggression. Below are some common scenarios of aggressive dogs' behaviors.

Food aggression

These are dogs which

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