COMPETITIVE AGGRESSION IN DOGS

This behaviour is sometimes referred to as Status-Related Aggression.

Twenty years ago this condition was known as dominance aggression. Today, it is felt that this term does not adequately express the true motivational value of the condition. The term dominance has led to many cruel training techniques which have not only increased the aggression but in some case have seriously injured owners. The welfare and safety of owners and dogs is paramount, therefore to avoid a misdiagnosis of this condition is it strongly recommended to get sound advice from a Clinical Animal Behaviourist at WellBehave.

Competitive Aggression (Status-related):

Aggression that occurs in competition over a preferred resource, directed towards a person or another dog, may represent the tip of an iceberg.  Previous interactions may have left the dog with ambivalent information regarding its position relative to the other individual or dog; however, this form of behaviour may have no bearing on the wider social context.  Equally Social dominance should not be confused with aggression. 

According to the motivations that underlie this form of aggression the behaviour will be know as either competitive or status related aggression. Fundamentally both represent aggression in a competitive context.

Differentials for this form of behaviour may vary from a medical cause such as pain to territorial defensive aggression.  Clarification of the motivations for aggression should always be sort. It is advised that you seek further advice from a Clinical Animal Behaviourist at WellBehave.