Fear Aggression

Fearful behavior and fear aggression is a common observation in our hospital.  Studies have shown that dogs exhibiting this type of behavior are 580 times more likely than a control group with owner-directed aggression to have been raised with little or not contact to people during their greatest socialization period of 3-12 weeks of age.  Pups raised without the benefit of positive interactions with a variety of people, places and other dogs may become fearful in other novel situations as adults.  Shyness (which can also have a hereditary factor) can be compounded into out right fear when during their sensitive socialization period the pup had some negative experiences., such as being shouted at or handled roughly.

Once the seeds of fear have been sown in a pup from a dysfunctional background, it can permeate all aspects of the dog's life.  What determines the progression of fear aggression is the gradually increasing confidence that comes with age, coupled with distrust of strangers and the learned behavior of the dog that growling, barking, snapping and/or biting works to drive away the stranger.

Fear aggression is not easily treated, but with proper training, control/restraint, counterconditioning and often behavioral medications, some degree of improvement is possible.  It is unlikely that your fearful dog will ever be 100% cured of his anxieties, because once learned, it never goes away.  However, it can be possible to lessen their fear intensity.

If you have a dog that is fearful of strangers or has exhibited what you believe is fear aggression behaviors, please consult your veterinarian and/or a certified animal behavioralist.  Any aggressive behavior is a serious problem and should be taken seriously.