Redirected Aggression

In redirected aggression, the dog becomes aggressively aroused by an individual or target (stimuli) other than the person that it attacks. Initially, the aggression is directed towards the stimuli that caused the aggressive arousal, but rapidly this switches to the person exerting control or attempting to punish the dog. Redirected aggression involves a significant amount of learning and the dog may begin to show aggression towards the handler in anticipation from them, based on previous experiences. Obviously, there is a high regard of emotional motivation in this behaviour and it is usually predicated on fear.

When aggressively aroused, the dog is in a self-protective state and ready to repel a threat from whatever origin. There may be several factors underlying redirected aggression:-

• Overwhelming motivation for self-defense:the dog mistakenly treats the target of its redirected aggression as if it were part of the assumed threat.
• Frustration:the target of the redirected aggression in some way limits or interferes with the dogs ability to carry out self-defensive behaviour.  For example, the owner restricts the dog’s movement using a collar and leash or directly intervenes in a fight.
• Fearful association:the target of the redirected aggression has previously threatened the dog in similar situations and is therefore perceived to be a part of the threat.  For example, owners who have restrained or shouted at a dog whilst it has been defending itself in a similar situation or who generally apply strongly punitive methods of control and discipline.

Redirected aggression is a common complicating factor in other forms of aggression (fear or territorial aggression) and the risk it presents should be assessed before treatment of other aggression problems begin.

If you need further advice regarding redirected aggression please contact WellBehave for more information.