Sometimes dogs will attack other dogs because they want to smell them or establish dominance. There are a lot of theories about the why’s and what’s of it, but the point is that these attacks are not usually out of malice or ill-will – just plain nastiness. If a dog is afraid of another dog or has something to prove, this is the time he shows it.
Given that these are natural reactions, the best approach is to keep the dogs on their normal schedule and not change it in any way. If the first dog mauled by an unknown canid does not respond to the other’s friendly overtures and only growls, he will probably get more aggressive.
Let’s learn why dogs attack other dogs and how to stop dog aggression.
What’s Inside!
Why do they attack other dogs?
There may be several possible reasons for it, but some of them are based on the instincts of dogs, such as:
1- Territory
Territorial behavior of dogs towards specific objects, places, or people can be a reason for attacking other dogs. They may have aggressive feelings towards specific elements of the environment. It can make them aggressive, and they may bite other dogs or people. They will protect the environment they live in at all costs.
If a dog feels or even senses that someone or something is invading their territory, they will feel the need to protect their territory, and the first way to do that is by attacking the intruder. Unfamiliar dogs are strangers, and a stranger entering their territory may pose a threat.
2- Rivalry
Rivalry can make dogs aggressive towards other dogs. Dogs like to be the leader in their pack, on their territory. There must be a hierarchy between the other dogs living in the same environment in a dog’s eyes.
They will fight to eliminate unranked individuals or become ranked themselves to determine that hierarchy. If a dog is accustomed to being at the bottom of that hierarchy, he may start fighting and attacking any unfamiliar dog because he wants to change his rank or position within the pack/group.
3- Fear
Dogs may have a fear of certain people, colors, or places. They get frightened when they experience these things or colors. Biting other dogs can be due to fear. They will bite other dogs to defend themselves when frightened.
Fact: When a dog is scared and can’t get away from what’s frightening it, fear naturally shifts into a defensive “fight” response – which is why frightened dogs sometimes snap or bite, even ones that are normally friendly. Source: ASPCA on dog aggression.
4- Loneliness
Dogs get lonely when they do not have an owner if they have no one to take care of them, and if they are left alone for a long period without being cared for. This can be the reason why some dogs attack other dogs or people. They need love and affection just as much as any human being does. They can get lonely without it.
5- Competition
When dogs are in a park, and several dogs are playing together, and one of them wants to be the leader, it can cause a fight or a confrontation between the dog trying to climb the hierarchy ladder. Same with other dogs trying to remain on top of the hierarchy in that specific environment.
6- Noise
Places with traffic noise or crowds may also make dogs aggressive. Due to the noise of his environment, an aggressive dog may cause a fight with another dog or even human beings. You should take care of this aspect to keep your dog calm and relaxed.
What are the warning signs that indicate aggression in dogs?
The following symptoms can be good to look out for when you are a dog owner and need to know what the signs are that indicate aggression:
- Growling, snarling, or baring of teeth.
- Biting.
- Snapping at other dogs or people.
- Heavy breathing.
How can you control it?
You can notice the signs of dogs to avoid attacks on the other dogs. You should avoid taking dogs along with you to crowded or noisy places. Not all of them are frightened of these places, but you should take care of this aspect.
Keep an eye on the behavior or body expression of the dog to check whether they are angry, frightened, or disturbed. If your dog starts snarling or baring teeth, you should take him away from that place or people. It shows aggression and disturbed behavior.
If your dog has attacked another dog or you experience a sudden dog fight, don’t stop it with your bare hands. Try to stay calm with the other dog owner as you are shocked. Pour water over the dog’s body from a certain distance or use a hose to wet the body.
Good to know: If water or noise doesn’t break up the fight and you have a second person helping, the AKC recommends the “wheelbarrow method” – each of you grabs one dog’s hind legs and lifts them like a wheelbarrow, then you both walk backward together to pull the dogs apart. Keep your hands and face away from their mouths the whole time. Source: AKC, how to break up a dog fight.
Moreover, when you face a sudden dog attack, you should follow guidelines and take preventive measures to control it. In addition, several tips can be useful in case of any problems with your dog, especially aggression. Therapy is sometimes suggested to dog owners to cure dogs’ aggression.
A simple yet effective tip that affects a maximum number of dogs is to keep your dog active. Dogs get bored, irritated, and aggressive because of the lack of proper physical exercise. The need for proper exercise cannot be stressed enough. It is a serious matter which most people fail to understand.
What to do when my dog is behaving strangely?
You may find your dog behaving strangely if you don’t give him enough playtime outdoors, at the dog park, or in the backyard or garden where he can freely run around without any constraints. Keeping him locked inside the house and tethered to one particular place is one of the worst things you can do to your pet.
See a vet if: your dog’s aggression shows up suddenly, especially in an older dog or one that’s never been aggressive before. A sudden change in behavior can point to pain or an underlying medical problem rather than a training issue, so it’s worth ruling that out before you address it as behavioral. Source: AKC on dog bite prevention.
You must also be aware that interaction between dogs happens more often when these are properly exercised. Remember, it’s not just playing time. The dog needs regular exercise to be healthy physically and mentally. You should also expose your dog to as many new environments and situations as possible so that they can get used to them.
How to avoid your pet’s aggression?
Give your dog a bath using warm water so that they will feel comfortable. Skip the essential oils, though – eucalyptus oil is toxic to dogs and can cause drooling, vomiting, and weakness, and other oils like sandalwood can irritate skin too. Talk to your vet before using any oil on or around your dog.
Hence, your dog may attack other dogs or people for several reasons. Keep a watch on your dog’s behavior and know how to tackle situations. You should also be aware of the warning signs that will help you prepare for such situations.
Final Verdict
Dogs are often aggressive towards other dogs as they are part of their nature. Vigilance, proper care, and psychological therapy may help cure aggression in dogs. Physical exercise is an effective cure for dogs’ aggression as they get tired out with regular exercises, making them calm and composed afterward. They get agitated when they stay idle and do not get proper exercise. Hence, always try to make your dog active to avoid aggression in dogs.
