Agressive Responses In Canines

Genetic Predisposition or Poor Socialization?

By Marya Otka

After they lost Beau to old age, Leslie and Seth Medalie started looking for a new dog to complete their family. One thing they were sure of–they didn't want another Dalmatian.

"Although Beau was calm at the end, he was a very aggressive and skittish dog," says Leslie. "We had a hard time when he was young integrating him with the kids' friends and other dogs. Seth and I, and our two children decided that our new dog had to be a better fit for our hectic and energy-filled lifestyle."

After months researching different breeds and speaking to breeders, the Medalies settled on Sky, a fluffy tan and white Siberian Husky. "We wanted a dog that was from an unique, yet friendly breed," says Leslie. "We were very impressed by the quality of the dogs from this breeder and all that she knew about her dogs. We also met both of Sky's parents and her sibling."

Pat Miller, president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, notes, "Certain breeds are more suitable for some lifestyles than others, but it all goes to the individual representative of the breed and the particular family. Herding breeds, in general, are too reactive to fast moving things to be good with children, but there are plenty of Border Collies living in families and doing just dandy."

"Certainly, large, strong dogs are capable of doing more harm to a small child than smaller dogs, but no dog should ever be left unsupervised, even for a moment, with small children," Miller adds. "There are plenty of Rottweilers who live in peace and harmony with families and children."

Because all dogs have the capability of making good pets, some experts disagree with the warnings and restrictions placed on certain breeds.

Dr. Kelly Bowlen, animal behaviorist with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Springfield is one. "It's unfair to stereotype a particular breed as being more aggressive than others, or that a particular breed is a bad choice for a family pet."

On the other hand, there are experts who feel differently; saying that part of the reason behavioral problems occur with family pets is due to a mismatch between the owner and the pet. Darlene Arden, a freelance writer from Framingham, MA, specializing in behavioral issues of dogs 20 pounds and under, says, "Dogs' behaviors are a combination of nature and nurture. How a dog is raised can make a difference. However, some of these dogs will be virtually impossible for the average pet owner to deal with."

Shortly after the movie 101 Dalmatians, families ran out to purchase Dalmatians, knowing little about them. Unfortunately, these dogs were placed with families that weren't prepared for their unique temperament. And thousands of Dalmatians ended up in shelters.

In response, the American Kennel Club issued warnings during the previews of the movie 102 Dalmatians. These warnings were not issued against the Dalmatian breed. Instead, they were aimed at making pet owners more aware of their responsibility of being informed owners. They wanted families to know that Dalmatians are not considered to be the best pet for the average pet owner because of their very active and very playful temperament. Most importantly, the AKC didn't want to see any repeated incidents of unwanted Dals based on the film.

These experts would agree that one of the main reasons behavioral problems arise in canines is because dog owners don't really understand their dogs, or spend the time needed to train, socialize and care for them.

Bowlen says, "I like to test aggression in puppies by handling them and giving them food."

She described how she puts the puppy on its back in her hands and if the puppy becomes mouthy, that's normal. If the puppy becomes violent, it might be a sign of future trouble. Bowlen also described how she gives the puppy food and then takes it away, looking for similar results.

"Any signs of aggression you see at this stage will most likely determine that a puppy has a genetic predisposition to aggression or has already experienced a traumatic or life-affecting event," she says. "Some dogs are more prone to aggressive responses because of genetic predispositions and low tolerance. Just like human beings, dogs can have pain or chemical imbalances in the brain."

Multiple aggressive behaviors are not uncommon in dogs, and they can take many forms. To name a few: predatory aggression, dominance aggression, redirected aggression, interdog aggression, territorial aggression and protective aggression.

Experts recommend that puppies or dogs attend a training school for socialization. Bowlen says, with positive reinforcement, puppies become quickly acquainted and learn well. They can be exposed to many dogs and people at once.

The old punishment-based methods, such as choke and prong collars, are no longer advised. Socialization, starting at an early age and continuing throughout a dog's life, is the only way to promote good behavior in canines regardless of the breed. Whether or not canines develop aggressive behaviors is due more upon their environment.

"What we need is a better educated and more responsible dog-owning public, not more rules, warnings and restrictions on what kinds of dogs people can own," says Miller. "Laws don't make dogs less dangerous, nor their owners more responsible. Information does."

Marya, a senior at Simmons College in Boston, says she has always been intrigued by the different personalities in dogs. The inspiration for this article came from a search for a dog that fits her lifestyle.

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