Aggression As A Mental Disorder In Canines

A detailed Summary of Aggression As A Mental Disorder In Canines

People across the world keep dogs as pets. These dogs are usually a big part of their owners lives and often grow up to truly be, "man's best friend,". What, then, can be done for a dog with behavior problems? Through recent research it has been established that dogs, like many humans, do suffer from mental disorders. There is however, a variety of treatments available and a complete cure is often achieved. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, in his book, The Dog That Loved Too Much, says that, "Aggression is the most common behavior problem reported in dogs,"(10). With this said, it is important to clarify that there are many different types of aggression found in dogs a ll of which show different symptoms, have different causes, and different treatments.

One type of aggression is dominance-related aggression. Dominance is mainly expressed in two ways: competition over resources and self protection (Dodman 23). Dominance-related aggression is usually directed toward those who reside with the dog which makes affected dogs difficult to live with (Horwitz 42). Accord

Another form of aggressive behavior is known as territorial aggression. There are two types of territorial aggression: fear-related and anxiety-related. "Dogs with fear-motivated aggression come in all sizes, shapes, and breeds...,"(Horwitz 45). Territorial aggression is aimed at strangers who are on the dogs turf and is often directed toward those in uniform (Dodman 69). Dodman says that dogs who are looking out the window watching the postman deliver the mail are having their aggressive behavior (barking, growling, etc.) reinforced upon the postman's departure (53). This unintentional reinforcement of the unwanted behavior makes it hard to treat as the dog feels that it is doing it's job as protector of the home successfully. Treatment of territorial a ggression consists of desensitization programs where the dog is gradually exposed to its fear (i.e.-the postman), sharpening up on obedience training, limiting the dog's urination to one spot in the yard, and, if prescribed, a medication such as propranolol (Dodman 68).

Works Cited

Meisterfeld, C.W.

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Approximate Word count = 743
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Science

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