How to Recognize Aggressive Body Language in Dogs

Aggressive behavior in dogs is usually motivated by fear, dominance, or guarding of territory.

Some aggressive behaviors are very subtle and some are quite obvious. Learning to read aggressive body language takes time and sharp observation skills. If your dog consistently displays aggressive behaviors and postures in certain situations, consult a professional. Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns and have your dog checked for possible health issues. If your dog is physically sound, consult with an animal behaviorist. Aggressive behavior can grow if it is not addressed.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 

   Dogs bare their teeth to warn others to stay away.

2. 

   A wagging tail does not necessarily mean a dog is being friendly. How high the tail is being carried and the type of wag is an indication of the message a dog is trying to send. A dog who is holding his tail high and wagging it rapidly is feeling confident and possibly aggressive. Be sure to also observe what the other end of the dog is doing. If his head is high, and ears erect this can also indicate an aggressive stance.

3. 

   A dog that is aroused and possibly aggressive will do things to make herself seem larger. The carriage of the ears, head, and tail is high and she may go up on her toes and lean forward.

4. 

   Stiffening of the body. This freezing behavior is often accompanied by raising of the fur on the back, an erect neck, and the rear legs slightly out behind the body. This perpendicular stance is an early sign of aggressive behavior.

5. 

   Going up on the back legs to get above the other dog.

6. 

   Dogs standing in a "T". This posture is usually seen with one dog's head above another dog's shoulders. Dogs approaching each other in a friendly way curve their bodies and stand at indirect angles to one another.

7. 

   Hard eyes, fixed stare, tightening of the skin around the lips and eyes.

8. 

   Whites of eyes showing can be a sign of concern or a widening of the eyes. This is also a warning signal.

9. 

   Mounting. Mounting can mean many things. Sometimes it is a sexual behavior, it may be a play behavior, and it can be an assertion of dominance.

10. 

    Barking and snapping at the face and neck.

11. 

    Even puppies display aggressive behavior. This is the easiest time to put a stop to inappropriate play and undesirable habits. Train and socialize your puppy early.

Tips & Warnings

• Aggressive behavior does not make a dog "bad"
• Address aggressive behaviors in a calm manner. Do not push the situation.
• Play behaviors cause arousal in dogs, this can sometimes escalate into aggression. Keep your dog's playtimes brief.
• If you see your dog snapping, barking, mounting, or growling repeatedly while playing with dogs or people take a friendly time out to walk with him, relax and get him a drink of water.
• Aggression problems should be addressed with the help of a professional who understands aggression. Information from brief articles and half hour television shows cannot give anyone enough information to fix a problem.
• Do not respond to your dog's aggressive behavior with your own aggressive behavior. This will escalate the issue.

Resources

• On Talking Terms With Dogs
• Dog Body Postures
• Understanding Aggression

[WendyD]

on 11/26/2007 Excellent article! As I was reading it, my husband was playing tug with our puppy - and suddenly got nipped. I read aloud the "Keep playtime brief" suggestion, and he agreed. Talk about timely!

[WendyD]

on 11/26/2007 Excellent article! As I was reading it, my husband was playing tug with our puppy - and suddenly got nipped. I read aloud the "Keep playtime brief" suggestion, and he agreed. Talk about timely!