by Diane Garrod

Created on: May 01, 2009   Last Updated: May 21, 2011

A friend comes over to visit. Your dog greets them at the door and all is well, until your friend gets up to leave and heads for the door. Suddenly your dog leaps up and attacks their leg from behind or starts frenzied nipping at the heels behavior. You are horrified, your friend is terrified. What do you do?

There seems to be minimal research done on this behavior defined as redirected aggression. Actual research on its frequency or common conditions of occurrence are rare, however if you have a dog like this, you are very familiar with the behavior.

Breeds prone to play-biting or nipping are Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Terrier, Chihuahuas and even Labrador Retrievers. Some perceive it to be predatory behavior, however if it is accompanied by barking, this is not the case. With dog's who attack from behind you'll see stalking body language. Is it defined as predatory behavior, or redirected aggression, or is it instinctual or anxiety/stress-related?

Herding dogs are bred to make decisions to move animals and instincts kicking in relative to a human may very well fulfill that instinct and breeding. This presents a problem as herding dogs are often misunderstood in their behaviors and so considered aggressive, or problematic. Usually this behavior is out of fear, even if the dog appears confident. It is much easier for the dog to attack when the eyes of the person are turned away and nonconfrontational. This gives the dog just enough confidence to strike out from behind. It is a scary experience for those who've been attacked from behind and embarrassing for owner's of dogs who have exhibited this behavior.

On the other hand Cattle Dogs are well known for their 'play' in the form of running behind you and nipping at your heels. A Cattle Dog is also known for allowing people on the property, but not letting them off. Australian Shepherds, Pembrook Corgis and mixed breeds with genetics in any of the aforementioned also display this behavior

There are seven reasons a dog may play-bite, or nip from behind.

1. As a form of redirected aggression/respondent aggression.

2. With the goal being to OBTAIN or have "contact".

3. As an underlying fear. Removal of eye contact makes dog feel braver.

4. Continues because it works to move person away. It creates drama.

5. However, there are different types of attacks from behind: those stimulated by instinct (herding); those that wield a "bite" to do harm; those done out of fear and lack of confidence; and those done

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>