If you’re wondering why dogs get angry, here are some reasons. Dogs are highly reactive and may bite nearby targets to vent their anger. They’re in the “fight or flight” mode and can’t think logically. As such, they need an outlet to vent their emotions. Read on to find out the most common causes of dog aggression and how you can stop it before it gets out of control. Here are a few examples of causes:
Body language
One of the first signs of your dog’s anger is its body language. Often times, this body language is accompanied by a lack of self-control. Dogs who display body language that resembles a squat or slumped posture may be displaying fear and aggression, or perhaps they’re trying to appease a higher social status dog. Either way, it’s important to observe this body language carefully and act accordingly.
Generally, aggressive dogs display offensive body language. The most noticeable body language includes an erect head, elevated ears, and raised tail. The mouth may also be raised and the head positioned over the forelegs. In addition, aggressive dogs may also pull their lips up vertically, exposing their teeth. While this may seem harmless, the expression of anger can quickly escalate into aggressive behavior. Listed below are some other body language signals to watch out for when interacting with your dog.
Here are some ways to deal with your dog’s anger.
Fear
A fear of dogs can be a real challenge for many dog owners. Not only do they suffer from frequent separation anxiety, but they may also display problems such as house soiling, barking, destructive chewing, and even fear of fetching and playing with a ball. Fearful dogs can cause a great deal of stress to their owners, and often lead to a vicious cycle of fear. However, fearful dogs can be helped. Here are several ways to help your dog overcome its fear of dogs getting angry:
One way to manage fear aggression is to work on your dog’s physical response to the threat. Fear aggressive dogs will generally assume a cowering posture when confronted. On the other hand, dominant aggressive dogs will stand upright, bare their teeth, and look directly at the threat. In addition, fear aggressive dogs are more likely to react aggressively if they are overstimulated. Fortunately, fear aggression can be successfully managed and overcome with the help of a qualified humane positive trainer.
Pain
If you’ve ever wondered why dogs get angry, you’re not alone. Pain in animals is a common cause of behavior problems. Pain can be a symptom of a range of medical conditions, including diarrhea, vomiting, and limping or stiffness when walking. Pain can also cause animals to react defensively, baring their teeth or growingl to indicate that they need to back off. In addition, your dog may react aggressively to a change in temperature or fear of thunder.
While broken bones and surgery recovery are the most obvious reasons why dogs get angry, many other medical conditions can cause the same kind of behavior. Arthritis, internal injuries, and various tumors and lacerations are all painful for pets. Thyroid disease is another potential cause of aggressive behavior in dogs. Thyroid disease is a malfunction of the thyroid gland, causing increased weight and a lethargy dog. Once diagnosed, a vet can prescribe pain medications to treat the pain.
Redirected aggression
Redirected aggression is a common dog behavior. A dog will direct frustration toward whatever is closest to it, whether it’s a person, a different dog, or an object. For example, a dog may act aggressively towards a neighbor when they are separated by a fence, or when it’s upset about a big leaf in the wind. The best way to prevent redirected aggression is prevention and training.
Another reason dogs get angry is guarding their resources. It’s natural for dogs to show aggressive behavior when they feel their territory is threatened. Taking a dog away from its home, family, or neighborhood can be devastating, but new situations can increase your pet’s stress and anxiety. If your dog is already grumpy, these new experiences will only make their aggression worse. When you see your dog exhibiting aggressive behavior because of a new situation, talk to your vet about comfort measures for your dog. For more tips about your pet stay connected to pet related blogs.
