The subject of aggression in dogs is one of much debate among dog owners. At the crux of the argument is the nature vs nurture question; are some dog breeds more prone to aggression or is it purely down to how they are raised and trained?
The true answer is likely that both nature and nurture come into play. While there are some aggressive dog breeds, the majority of problematic aggressive behaviour comes from improper care and training. Let’s take a closer look at aggressive dog breeds and discuss how aggression can be controlled.
What causes aggression in dogs?
There are various factors that can cause aggression in dogs, many of which can be easily identified and addressed.
One of the most common types is resource aggression, which is the display of aggressive behaviour when guarding food or toys. Territorial aggression is also common, this is when a dog will act aggressively towards strangers or visitors in the home. Fear can also cause aggression in dogs, with other dogs, people, or loud noises as common triggers.