Aggression in a dog is something, which an owner should not tolerate and should be dealt with as soon as the problem arises. However, in order for an owner to find the right kind of dog aggression training they should be using to control this problem they need to understand the kinds of aggression that dogs suffer from.

Below we look at what kinds of aggression a dog may suffer from either as a puppy or as a mature dog. But what is important to remember is that some dogs may only show one kind of aggression whilst others may show several.

1. Dominant – This kind of aggression occurs in a dog who thinks that they have the status of being the alpha member of the pack and will want to assert themselves more towards others. They will especially assert their dominance if they feel that the interloper is a predator. This kind of aggression more often occurs in male dogs or in particular breeds, and in order for the owner to bring this problem under control they will need to quickly establish themselves as pack leader instead.

2. Fear – A dog who suffers from this kind of aggression will generally find even the slightest noise can trigger an episode. In most cases such dogs will generally only growl, bark, bare their teeth or snap at the thing, which they are afraid or unsure of. However, should a owner choose to ignore the warning signs that their dog is suffering from this form of aggression it could lead to much more serious problems in the future. If left uncontrolled such dogs could end up causing injury to others as they may retaliate to the situation by biting what they feel is a threat to them.

3. Territorial or Over Protective – This type of aggression in a dog could cause them to be a danger to anyone (not just strangers). They will not only feel territorial about the things in your home, but will also feel territorial when they are out walking with you.

4. Possessive – This can make a real Jekyll and Hyde out of your dog, one minute they can loving and playful the next they are baring their teeth or snapping at you. This will normally occur when you approach something that they consider to be theirs. In many cases, a major trigger for this type of aggression is when you approach them when they are eating. If you want to stop this problem, you need to react as soon as you notice it occurring.

5. Punishment – Often this particular type of aggressive behavior will occur in dogs that have been abused by their owners, especially where owners have tried to exert too much dominance over their animal. Normally a dog will not react aggressively towards their owner when being punished, but if an owner punishes the animal too much then over time things can change. One day an owner may suddenly find without any kind of warning their dogs turning on them.

Above we looked at some of the kinds of aggressive behavior that a dog, no matter what age, breed or sex they are can have. However, in order for an owner to know what the right kind of dog aggression training they should be using to control the problem they first need to identify what type of aggressive behavior it is. The internet is a good place to find advice and information on all types of aggressive dog behavior.