What are warning signs in dog behavior?
Written by
Wang Jiahao
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Recognizing the warning signs of dangerous behaviour in a dog will enable you to avert a potentially hazardous situation and seek professional help. Serious behavioural problems do not appear suddenly; they develop over time. However, there are warning signs that point to the problem already being manifested at an earlier stage, and you can learn to recognise them. Some red flags indicate issues that require professional intervention.
Aggression Patterns
- Unprovoked attacks on people or animals
- Resource guarding escalating to biting
- Predatory stalking of children or pets
Extreme Anxiety
- Paralyzing fear of normal sounds like doorbells
- Self-harm during confinement like crate chewing
- Panic-induced destruction of property
Behavioral Shifts
- Sudden uncharacteristic aggression in senior dogs
- Drastic appetite or sleep habit changes
- Loss of house training in previously reliable dogs
Context dictates severity. If a dog snaps when being woken up, it is a response to pain, not aggression. However, suppose a dog bites out of the blue during a moment of calm. In that case, this indicates serious issues that require the involvement of a veterinary behaviorist. Always consider the context surrounding behaviors before determining if they are a serious concern.
A client disregarded their dog's rising resource guarding behavior until a child needed stitches. If it had been intervened early when it began to growl, this could have been avoided. Tick Warning signs always present themselves before something serious occurs, so identifying them early is critical for safety.
Response protocols differ according to severity. For fear-based reactions, provide a quiet space and refrain from punishment. For aggression, apply management methods while requesting assistance. Never attempt to dominate a dog with red flags, as this significantly increases the danger.
Sudden changes can often indicate a medical issue. A friendly dog that suddenly becomes aggressive may have underlying conditions related to thyroid problems or another type of pain. Always rule out medical conditions before behavioral interventions. When veterinary care is combined with professional training, the best outcomes will occur.
Read the full article: Understanding Dog Pack Mentality Dynamics
