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Dog Bite Resource Center

Major Factors That Cause Canine Aggression

There are many reasons why a dog can become aggressive. For some, it is a factor of the dog’s breed. To see the list of breeds which have been deemed dangerous for their breed reputation, visit our “Common Dangerous Dog Breeds” page. For dogs where a temperament problem is genetic in nature, it is unlikely that the dog will ever be completely “cured” of it’s aggression. Instinct will always reign.

Other causes of aggression can include disease, injury or discomfort.

The following is a list of diseases or illnesses which can cause aggression in dogs:

Hypothyroidism:

A condition in which the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than normal. It is the most common hormonal disorder in dogs and usually develops between the ages of 4 – 10 years.

Neurological Problems:

Neurological problems can develop in dogs from injury or illness. Perception and judgment may be affected, causing aggression.

Some examples are:

• Hydrocephalus – A disease resulting in excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricular system (fluid filled spaces) of the brain. This causes surrounding brain tissue to become thinned or compressed.
• Encephalitis – Inflammation of the brain caused by either a bacterial or viral infection of the brain.
• Head Trauma – Either a blunt or penetrating injury to the head. The most common cause of head trauma to dogs is motor vehicle accidents. Swelling or bleeding of the brain will affect it’s proper functioning, leading to aggression.
• Brain Tumors – Tumors that form on the brain, caused by many known and unknown factors.
• Epilepsy – Two types occur in dogs: Idiopathic Epilepsy which is when there is no known cause and it is assumed that the condition is inherited. Secondary Epilepsy is when a specific cause for the seizures can be determined. Dogs are most often aggressive in the post-seizure phase.

Behavioral Seizures:

Partial seizures which occur in the region of the brain that controls aggression (hypothalamus or limbic system) can result in sudden unprovoked aggression in your pet.

The signs of this type of aggression are as follows:

• A sudden mood change right before the occurrence of the seizure.
• Sudden violent aggression for no reason.
• Signs of autonomic discharge.
• Aggressive posture continuously during the seizure and possibly lasting from as little as several minutes, to hours or even days.

There are several breeds which are known for this type of aggression:

• Springer Spaniels
• Cocker Spaniels
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Bull Terriers
• Poddles

Many test are available by vetrinarians to determine the exact cause, if medically related, for the aggression in dogs.

Other types of aggression are behavioral and often due to instinct. They are as follows:

Dominance Related Aggression: This is the most common type of aggression in dogs. The aggressiveness is directed towards one or several family members or other household pets. Dogs are pack animals and related to humans as pack members.

Territorial Aggression: This type of aggression is directed towards approaching animals or people who are outside of their pack (outside of the dog’s household). Dogs display this type of aggression in defense of their area (home, room, yard), owner or pack member.

Inter-male Aggression: Aggression between adult male dogs involving territorial or dominance disputes.

Inter-female Aggression: Aggression between adult female dogs living in the same household.

Predatory Aggression: Aggression that is directed towards anything that the dog considers to be its prey. This usually includes other species but sometimes can include any type of quick moving stimulus such as a car or bicycle.

Pain Induced Aggression: Aggression that is directed towards the person or item that has caused the animal pain. Examples include when a person attempts to touch a painful area or when shots are given.

Fear Induced Aggression: Aggression which is directed towards a person when trying to approach the fearful dog. This type of aggression is common in situations where the dog is cornered or cannot escape or when being severely punished by its owner. Unpredictable children can also cause this type of aggression.

Maternal Aggression: Aggression that is directed towards any person or animal that approaches a mother dog with puppies.

Redirected Aggression: This type of aggression occurs when an aggressively motivated dog redirects its aggression from one source to another. A common example of this is a dog barking at the door, but then redirects its aggression on its owner who is holding him/her back. Dominate dogs will usually redirect their aggression onto subordinates.

If you have been injured by a dog bite or dog attack, please contact an expert dog bite attorney at Bisnar & Chase, LLP. We offer free consultations to answer your questions and determine if you have a case. If you have been injured, you deserve monetary compensation for your injuries.

HOLDING WRONGDOERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DAMAGES THEY CAUSE SINCE 1978

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Bisnar | Chase 2006-2008 - Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Bisnar | Chase has received this award for three consecutive years.

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