Most people have seen the signs of aggressive dogs like bared teeth, growling, and biting, yet often people do not understand the reasons for aggressive behavior in dogs. Getting a good grasp of the underlying reasons for this aggressive behavior is the first step to learning to curb them in your own dog. A well-behaved dog is often a happier dog, so getting the root of aggressive behavior in dogs is important to you as well as your dog.

Cats may react in a negative or aggressive manner to anyone or anything new or unfamiliar. This is especially true of a cat which is not allowed outdoors. You may not recognize the trigger for this negative behavior; it may be a strange cat outside or something which is insignificant to you.

Survey the situation. Can you determine what caused this behavior?

• A new animal in the house is a common reason.
• A frightening event can lead to an aggressive response.
• Some cats do not like to be touched in certain areas of their body, especially the stomach. They may react in a surprisingly nasty manner.
• A cat may act aggressively towards a certain person. There is usually a reason, such as the smell of other animals on that person.
• Some cats do not tolerate being picked up and will bite or scratch. This same cat may jump up into your lap and be just fine as long as he is not disturbed.
• Cats often chew and scratch their toys while playing. If you get involved in the play, this behavior can be turned towards you.

Once you determine the reason for the aggressive behavior, you can avoid this situation with your cat. Learn what your cat will tolerate as far as petting and playing. You may be able to change your cat's negative reaction by repeated exposure in a positive setting. If your cat learns there is nothing to fear, his attitude may improve.

Physical punishment does not usually work and may only make matters worse. The use of a squirt bottle is often an effective tool for stopping an attacking cat.

A mature cat which suddenly becomes aggressive may not feel well. If this unusual behavior continues, have your veterinarian examine your cat.

Types of dogs aggression
There are several types of aggression: defensive or induced by fear, pain, or punishment; dominant; possessive; territorial; intra-sexual (male-to-male or female-to-female); predatory; or parental. A dog may exhibit more than one type of aggression.

Dominant-aggressive dogs are characterized as confident, macho, and "on the muscle." They stand tall, up on their toes, with their ears up and forward. They carry their tails high and wag it slowly and stiffly from side to side. They often have their hackles up, stare menacingly, and emit a low growl with lips pursed and teeth exposed. They will place a paw on the shoulder of another dog, mount people's legs, and push children aside when going through a door. Dominant-aggressive dogs are demanding of attention. They demand to go outside, demand excessive affection, are possessive of their sleeping areas, and stop eating when approached. Many of these dogs will not obey commands, especially submissive commands (such as "down" or "wait"). Males lift their legs on everything, even in the house, even if their bladder is empty. Most dominant-aggressive dogs are purebred males.

Defensive-aggressive dogs are much more ambivalent in their behavior. They display submissive body language (ears back, often flat against the head; avoidance of direct eye contact; lowering of the head and body; tucking tail between the legs; submissive urination) and they lick hands and roll over to expose their bellies. They resist handling, hate to have their feet touched, don't like to be groomed, and often shy away from human hands. These are the fear-biters; they may snap if cornered and will often bite at people who turn and walk away.

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Category:

• Aggression

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