Understanding Dominant, Aggressive And Alpha Behavior In Your Dog Part 3

Have you ever heard of dog fighting? Have you ever had the opportunity to witness a dog fight in either a controlled setting or another setting? Have you wondered why the dogs behave as they do? Well, the answer is actually quite simple but yet not quite so simple. There can be a variety of reasons as to why the dogs will behave this way. The common thought on aggressive behavior is that the animal was abused. This is true in many of these situations. Other reasons for this behavior are the fact that the animal may need to stress his dominance over a weaker animal. This is often called the alpha trait. One of the most important reasons though is that it is about respect or lack there of. He may not respect you, other animals or much of anything for that matter. Your dog does have a mind and a conscious. And he is capable of holding grudges.

When dealing with your dog and his need to feel aggression and exercise his dominance over another animal, then there is a reason behind it. He may feel that the other animal is trying to insert himself into the space of your dog or he can be threatening your dogs? well being. Another reason that your dog may show this form of aggression is if you or another family member is being threatened. Remember, as the love and respect has grown, your dog naturally took on the role of protector for the household. He will do what is in his power to protect the people that have shown him love. But, he is perfectly willing and able to take his aggressions out on you as well.

There are certain key things that you will need to notice when your dog is exercising his dominance and showing aggression. These are:

? The hair bristling on the back of his neck
? Barring his teeth and growling
? Excessive barking
? Circling while maintaining eye contact with the other animal or person
? Lunging

If any of these items happen, then you will need to make sure that you are out of harm?s way. Remember, there is a reason that your dog feels that it is necessary to react this way. Although there are ways that you can divert these situations, it may not always be in the best interest of either you or your dog to do this. You need to respect his judgment as you want him to understand and respect yours. On occasion speaking to your dog in a firm commanding voice can assist in making a volatile situation less dangerous that it could have been. Also, if the situation has not escalated to the point of the dogs tearing at each other, then you can attempt to pull him away, although this is not advisable in most situations, or you can let the dogs find out who the alpha truly is.

From dog training and breaking your dog's bad habits, to serious behavior issues Kevin has successfully trained over 8,000 dogs nationwide. Visit his award-winning website http://www.DogSecrets.com or check out this video and watch Kevin tame a mean pit bull http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs2sAKp7RCU.