The Solution to Aggression

We have integrated the dog into our family not only as an equal member but in many cases even as a privileged member. Why, by all means, are our dogs responding to their so much improved, human-like living conditions with aggressiveness ?

Why do they bite the well meaning hands that spoil them with special food, comfortable shelter, and the gift of an idle life ?

Unfortunately, the dog literature does not dedicate much room to  pose or answer this question. Instead there is ready advise of what should be done if a dog starts biting. The essence of such recommended quick-fixes consists of scaring, physically dominating, and severly punishing the biting dog.

In our opinion, the biting behavior of a dog is a natural response to certain trigger situations. It is an effect which in most cases cannot be eradicated with punishment but only be suppressed, manifesting in another negative behavior. However, by anaylzing and understanding how a dog's mind works we can isolate and eliminate the causes for biting, and thus effectively prevent it all together.

Prevention of dog bites

The key to preventing dogs from biting people is to teach them to control their instinctive behaviors, even in trigger situations. This involves abstaining from all concepts of fear conditioning based on physical domination, punishment and pain. Also, every dog owner should focus more on fulfilling his dog's emotional and psychological needs by:

a) Assuming the position of the respected - not feared-master, who is consistent  in his or her interrelation with the pet, which gives the dog a sense of security ;

b) Establing territorial and behavioral boundaries for the dog and a system of communication with consistent commands and words which the dog can understand ;

c) Giving the dog the opportunity of serving and pleasing and by rewarding him/her for devotion and obedience with praise and affection ;

d) Training the dog in a pleasant and efficient way based on the psychological concepts of mutual respect and trust.

If we structure the mind of our dogs in a positive way and support their unique, innate will-to-serve and please mankind, dogs will respect us and have no reason to bite. 

The full article is available by request. rhonda@thehigherleash.net

Written by C.W. Meisterfeld, the pioneer of canine psychology.