Review of Dog Aggression, Training, Causes, and Treatments

There are many different dog breeds and they all have different temperaments, which is partly why many dog lovers are sometimes particular to one breed than to others. Although not all seemingly unique breed behaviors are actually breed specific, most importantly aggression. A recent study indicates that dog owners’ conduct, not the dog’s breed, could be key to predicting whether or not a dog will be aggressive. Research which could undeniably stop breed discrimination, and confront strict laws against certain breeds based on the premiss that they are inherently dangerous. According to the study, the type of training an owner uses plays the most significant role in how their dog will interact with humans, stranger or family alike, than the type of breed they are.

There have been very few dog bite risk factor studies conducted. There is veterinary clinic-based retrospective study aimed at identifying human–canine environmental risk factors for non-play bites. Allowing a dog to run free out of the yard, sleeping in the owners bed, and routinely allowing the dog around strangers were all found to habits that promote biting. The study also found that dogs acquired for companionship were more likely to bite than those acquired for protection. Overall, dogs which are not confined in their interactions with humans are at elevated risk for biting.

Another study surveyed an assortment of dog walkers in different areas and asked them questions about their dog’s obedience levels. The overall findings propose that there were significant results supporting positive or reinforcement based training which creates more reliable behaviors than those disciplined or used punishment based methods. The study did note that the audience examined and st...

... middle of paper ...

...Says Human Behavior -- Not Dog Breed -- Predicts Canine Aggression. TD 2014.

2. Messam L, Kass P, Chornel B, Hart L. The human–canine environment: A risk factor for non-play bites? TVJ 2008; 177: 205-215

3. Gaschot I. Review of Research Article on Dog Training Methods. TCTB 2014.

4. Anon. Preventing Canine Behavior Problems : Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. TBC 2014.

5. Shaw L. Study indicates that confrontational or punishment-based dog training linked to aggression and other behavior problems in canines. AAN 2013.

6. Yin S. New Study Finds Popular “Alpha Dog” Training Techniques Can Cause More Harm than Good. ABMB 2009.

7. Case L. Dog Aggression: Thyroid on Trial. TSD 2014.

8. Våge, J., Wade, C., Biagi, T., Fatjó, J., Amat, M., Lindblad-Toh, K. and Lingaas, F. Association of dopamine- and serotonin-related genes with canine aggression. GBB 2010; 9: 372–378.