Biting Aggression in Golden Retrievers

So what’s the deal ?

Are Golden Retrievers becoming more aggressive towards their human counterparts ?

Is there some sort of aberrant behavior thing going on due too inferior breeding practices ?

Have Golden’s finally lost their minds ?

Or is it something much more simpler ?

Here’s the scoop, poop or whatever else you like to call it. Golden Retrievers just like every other breed of dog, depend on and need adequate mental and physical stimulation. Along with somebody to spend quality happy time with that animal. Lets not forget a dogs whole life is dependent on us for everything, love, affection, food, health care, mental stimulation which is directly tied to physical activity and playing.

Let me repeat that part, ” a dogs whole life is dependent on us for everything.”

Back to this Golden biting aggression thing, there is a certain segment of the population that will blame any and every type of unwanted behavior on poor breeding or some other type of genetic defect. Well hell, actually most folks in the dog world will explain away behaviors in this manner.

The truth of the matter is, biting is a normal behavior. There are a couple main reasons why this is brought about. Some people the first time their little puppy or dog growls at them will just totally freak out and start spending less time with the animal, this in effect will exacerbate the problem.

Too often dogs are yelled at or disciplined for play behaviors that are not understood, effectively confusing the shit out of the dog. Dogs growl and bite when they play. Another related problem to misunderstanding the dogs mind is when our dog becomes scared at something and he starts growling or barking, we again will yell at the dog to stop it.

Another potential problem ; People with small kids that never really had a dog usually wind up getting a Golden retriever or Labrador retriever. Especially since a lot of people advocate the retrieving breeds as family pets to the less experienced dog families. By doing so, those individuals are unfortunately showing their lack of knowledge when it comes to dogs and people.

Remember if you have a dog that growls and / or barks seemingly ferociously or aggressively at things, he is afraid of that thing. So instead of yelling at him we must know how to make the dog more comfortable through our body language and voice.

Regardless of how much experience we think we may have with dogs if they are displaying any behavior we do not know how to rectify, we do not have as much experience as we think we do.

The Spirit Dog

Copyright © 2009 A.S.Papszycki

Filed under: The Mind Of a Dog Tagged: | aggressive dogs, alpha dogs, dog aggression, Dogs, dogs that bite, dominant dogs, fear aggression, golden retrievers

Why Dog Bites Happen and How to Stop Dog Biting.

Approximately four and a half million people are bitten by dogs in the usa every year and one fifth ones end up needing medical attention for wounds. Children are the most common victims with half of bite wound victims being under the age of thirteen. Children are much almost certainly going to be severely injured by dog bites greatly assist small size and not being aware of how one should act around your dog. Most dog bites occur while reaching familiar dogs thus the need to educate people and their children on steer clear of dog bites. It is important to understand that any dog has the ability to bite and that by understanding the regular reasons why dogs bite it is possible to prevent them.
5 Main Reasons Dogs Bite

1. Dog possessiveness could cause dog bites. Protection of property is a standard issue and “property” in cases like this can be anything from gadget, food, territory or even a human being. Guard dogs and herding breeds usually are the worst offenders but this behavior can arise in different dog. Start training early to minimize these kinds of possessive behavior. Teaching the “Leave it” command is successful in preventing toy aggression. Food aggression may be avoided by teaching your dog to wait while you put their foodstuff down. Teach them to sit or take a nap and then remove their food and put it back. Approach the meal bowl and occasionally add treats towards food so they understand which someone approaching the bowl isn’t a bad thing. Teach children not to bother dogs that are eating or enjoying a treat say for example a bone.

2. Dog fear could cause dog bites. Fear is usually directed towards strangers like veterinarians and postal workers as well as in unfamiliar situations. Never approach an unfamiliar dog and teach your children to try and do the same. Fear bites can take place when a dog is startled in your house therefore teach children never to sneak through to a dog or bother any sleeping dog. Early socialization is important in order that the young dog is exposed to many people different people, animals and situations minimizing the risk of a phobia developing. As an example, make your first visit towards vet a simple social visit to obtain a feel for the clinic and fulfill the veterinary staff. Leave some treats and also a note in the mailbox asking your postal worker to provide a treat to your dog.

3. Dog pain can result in dog bites. Pain can result in the friendliest dog to chunk. If your dog has stylish dysplasia, severe otitis or any kind of chronic injury, instruct your children to stay away from the sore areas and be gentle handling the dog. If your dog becomes snippy with regard to no reason consider pain just as one cause and schedule an appointment together with your regular veterinarian for a bodily.

4. Maternal instincts can result in dog bites. The most well trained dog may become a biter when she offers puppies. Be aware of and esteem the maternal instinct around a bitch containing whelped recently. Teach children not to approach a young puppy throughout the mother and use caution oneself when handling puppies. Make sure mom and puppies have a place where they are able to feel safe with minimal distraction.

5. Prey drive could cause dog bites. Another instinct to understand and is sometimes triggered through running or cycling past a dog resulting in a chase. Be aware of your environment if you’re jogging or cycling and in the event you see a roaming dog attempt to avoid crossing paths. If a dog does give chase then the best adventures is stop moving and stand tall facing the dog. Be aware of the dog but tend not to make eye contact which is often seen as a challenge with the dog. They may come up in addition to sniff you but will gradually find you uninteresting and get over it to find something else. If a dog knocks you over then curl up in a ball protecting that person hands and neck and end up being still. Teach children to do the identical and set up a model “stray dog” drill.
Dog Bite Indicators

Knowing the common triggers which cause dog bites will empower you to definitely avoid these situations. Dog bites are always preceded by behavior that the astute observer can use to be a warning and then take steps to scale back the dog’s stress or worry. Ears are typically pinned again, the fur along their again may stand up and you might be able to see the whites of his or her eyes. Yawning is not an attempt with the dog to appear casual but to exhibit off their teeth and should be considered a warning sign as well. Non-social “stand-offish” behavior such as freezing in respond to a touch or look then direct intense eye contact back from the dog is another clear sign that he may bite.
How to Halt Dog Biting From Happening

Dog bite prevention begins acquainted with your own dog by as a responsible dog owner. If you can’t intend to breed your puppy then having them spayed or neutered might help decrease the risk of chunk related behaviors. Exercise and play with your dog frequently to reinforce the human-animal bond in order to expend excess energy that may otherwise be directed towards tense energy. However, avoid aggressive games such because wrestling and tug of war which may result in dominance issues. Train your puppy well, they should know principle commands such as sit, stay, come and leave it. Don’t allow your dog to roam free where they could be a danger to other men and women. Do try to socialize your pet dog and expose him to various people and situations but be cautious not to overwhelm him. Keep your vaccinations up to date for a worst case predicament. In most states a dog may be destroyed if they bite someone and they’re not up to date with vaccines. Seek professional help from a veterinarian if your dog exhibits any signs of aggression. If you have children take the time to educate them on how to behave around dogs, what to watch for and what direction to go if a dog attacks.