Dog expert explains to aggressive German shepherd’s owner why his dog’s behavior is his fault

Most dogs are born good. As innocent puppies, they lack the life experience of older dogs, which can sometimes result in aggression. In a dog’s eyes, their human family is considered their pack, with all of the inherent power struggles that this implies.

According to dog expert Cesar Milan, it is this pack mentality that can lead to bouts of aggression from even the best-behaved dogs.

What can cause a dog to be aggressive?

Needpix.com Source: Needpix.com

People who are dog experts might tell you that abuse, neglect, and other mistreatment causes a dog to be aggressive. Poor training, or the lack thereof, can also cause dogs to be more aggressive because they lack the proper discipline to control their actions.

But, according to Milan, aggressive behavior can also result from a lack of leadership on the dog owner’s part.

Your dog looks to you as the leader of the pack to provide for them, which also includes their feeling of safety. So, when they do not feel safe, they tend to take matters into their own paws to make themselves feel safe.

Each dog is different

Coast Guard Compass Source: Coast Guard Compass

When taking on the responsibility of a dog, keep in mind that each dog is different. Just like a person, a dog has its own personality with its own quirks, including various likes and dislikes. And, just like you, your dog can have varying issues associated with their upbringing, which can affect how they interact with others.

A dog’s behavior also affects the actions of others toward them. So, if your dog constantly barks at people, then the person they are barking at will more than likely act out of fear themselves and avoid the dog, which leads to the dog trying even harder to get attention.

In the case of an aggressive dog interacting with another dog, the situation could lead to a confrontation between the dogs.

Treatment in the past can make a big difference

Flickr/grwepr/CC BY 2.0 Source: Flickr/grwepr/CC BY 2.0

While abuse and neglect by former owners or bad breeders can have a detrimental effect on a pet’s behavior, it is up to a dog’s owner to provide a safe and loving relationship so that the dog doesn’t feel the need to protect itself by acting aggressively.

Trust issues

Pet Rescue Report/Cheryl Hanna Source: Pet Rescue Report/Cheryl Hanna

Because an abandoned or abused dog is likely to develop trust issues, it is imperative that you, as their owner and pack leader, provide them an environment where they can flourish. Then they will not feel the need to take charge of the situation and act aggressively in the first place.

Taking charge

Flickr/Elvert Barnes/CC BY-SA 2.0 Source: Flickr/Elvert Barnes/CC BY-SA 2.0

A dog owner can develop this relationship with their pet by exhibiting confidence and leadership. This makes the dog feel safe so they don’t feel like they must take control of the situation by showing aggression. The plus side of this is that your dog will better be able to socialize with others and live a happier and more fulfilling life where they feel safe.

See Milan help an aggressive dog’s owner in the video below.

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Source: Dabl

H/T: AwesomeDogs, Cesar’s Way

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