Potential Causes of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

Dogs can display aggressive behavior towards people, other dogs or even objects. Aggression can have many different causes.

It is rare that aggressive behavior is innate. It is almost always due to the wrong kind of upbringing. Owners were either too strict, too lax or inconsistent with their pet at different points in time, which then instilled the behavior. Other causes may also be possible.

Insecurity and Fear as a Cause of Aggression

Insecurity and fears can make a dog react irrationally and angrily in certain situations. These fears can also be a result of the owner’s insecurity or their upbringing. When the dog does not feel secure at its owner’s side, they may behave in an uncharacteristic manner during playtime, minor fights and other interactions with dogs.

A dog’s fear of other dogs, people or even certain things can be acquired through bad experiences. Adopting a dog at a shelter or from overseas can be traumatic. Who knows what the four-legged friend experienced?

Instinct for protection or guarding against illness

An aggressive dog can develop from a strong instinct to protect and guard. The danger is most likely to occur if the dog hasn’t been properly socialized and trained. In some situations, the dog may feel he must protect its owner and take the lead. This can be dangerous.

Aggression can also be caused by illness or pain. This is more likely to be the case if your dog bites or growls when you touch it in a certain place. If this is the case, you should visit a vet.

Bad housing or food

Aggression can be caused by poor housing conditions. A lack of work, attention or exercise can lead to an animal’s poor health, which could manifest as negative behavior. Mental training is just as important for a dog’s balance as physical exercise. You can find tips on this subject, for example, in the guidebook “Keeping Dogs Busy: Ten Tips against Boredom.”

Dogs who eat the wrong food are also more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. When dogs are given food with too much energy, such as an excessive amount of protein, it can cause liver overload. Excess energy can be expressed through aggression. You should always take your pet to the vet when he displays sudden aggressive behavior.