Aggression by Michele Forto

Aggression
By Michele Forto

Aggression is defined as follows:

1 : a forceful action or procedure (as an unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master
2 : the practice of making attacks or encroachments; especially : unprovoked violation by one country of the territorial integrity of another
3 : hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook especially when caused by frustration
citation: Merriam-Webster

Aggression is defined as behavior aimed at causing harm or pain, psychological harm, or personal injury or physical distraction. An important aspect of aggressive behavior is the intention underlying the actor's behavior. Not all behaviors resulting in harm are considered aggression. For example, a doctor who makes an injection that harms people, but who did so with the intent of preventing the further spread of illness, is not considered to have committed an aggressive act.
Aggression can be direct or indirect, active or passive, and physical or verbal. Using these categories, human aggression can be grouped into eight classes of behavior:

Punching the victim (direct, active, physical)
Insulting the victim (direct, active, verbal)
Performing a practical joke, setting a booby trap (direct, passive, physical)
Spreading malicious gossip (direct, passive, verbal)
Obstructing passage, participating in a sit-in (indirect, active, physical)
Refusing to speak (indirect, active, verbal)
Refusing to perform a necessary task (indirect, passive, physical)

Direct aggression, especially physically active aggression, is more common among animals. Actors who express indirect aggression usually feel less satisfaction, but they are also less concerned about retaliation. Passive and indirect aggression is the least noxious form. Subordinates rebelling against authority figures often use it. In the family relation it is often used by children against their parents. http://social.jrank.org

The above refer to aggression as defined by humans and in human behavior. We are consulting with more and more clients who describe their dogs as being aggressive solely based on the definitions listed above. This is dangerous ground to be on. Working with your veterinarian as well as a behaviorist can reduce the labeling effects humans place onto their animals. Aggressiveness in dogs is a multi-faceted complex diagnosis.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual behavior problems in dogs and aggressive behaviors lists thirteen types of aggression as well as explanations and treatments. Simply identifying your dog with a behavioral problem such as the most common we hear of; fear aggression gives the owner and society the impression that the dog has had something terrible occur in its lifetime and therefore should be protected. When other factors play into the fear that cannot be recognized by the owner. For instance, a general lack of proper socialization at key periods in the dogs life can severely affect how that dog will react to new situations, people, and other dogs/animals. This does not automatically mean that the dog is fear aggressive.
This article is being written today to give you a bit of insight into the world of canine behavior. Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. is the canine behaviorist for Denver Dog Works and oversees all of our behavioral modification clients. He has written more in-depth articles regarding this subject.

Again, this article is being written to peak your interest and help you in researching proper routes of action for your dog. Always consult with a canine behaviorist and your veterinarian if you experience any signs of aggressive behavior.

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Michele Forto is a certified canine trainer and the business manager for Denver Dog Works. Michele also co-hosts a weekly radio program, The Dog Doctor Radio Show. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com