Canine Aggression: What is it? Can we change our dog's response to a trigger?

When we talk about aggression, what are we referring to? We are talking about presented behaviours which are outward expressions of an emotional response which has been triggered by an internal or environmental stimulus. There are many factors that can contribute to behavioural responses we observe, some of which are the environment, health and physiology (illness and pain), genetic influence, socialisation, pharmacological influences (side effects), learning from others as well as training techniques and behavioural reinforcement. Often in the canine world guardians refer to behaviours as things that they deem problematic, whether they are lead pulling, jumping or aggressive/reactivity based.  When a dog is presenting ‘aggressive’ behaviours they are in a state of emotional distress and are trying to communicate this and looking for assistance.

Aggressive behaviours specifically are classified as those which intend to cause harm or increase distance from the threat. Causation of aggressive behaviours can come from singular or multiple factors which resultantly push a dog over its threshold to cope. These contributing factors can come from feelings of fear, anxiety, pain, stress and over arousal/ stimulation. There are certain behaviours which are labelled as aggressive, some are more overt than others. Facial expressions, vocalisations (low growling, barking),  snarling (with or without teeth) and snapping (with no intent to make contact) are behaviours with the intention of increasing distance/ stay away. More overt behaviours include lunging, head-whipping, snapping with intent and biting. These behaviours can be directed towards humans, other dogs, objects as well as certain situations/environments.        

When discussing canine aggression we often refer to a dog’s trigger(s) and their threshold. So what is a ‘trigger’? A trigger is any stimuli which causes your dog stress, worry,fear or over arousal. They can be in relation to particular environments (anywhere that a negative experience has occurred previously), certain experiences or events ( such as fireworks or vets), or more specific things such as new people, other dogs, vehicles or certain noises.

Their threshold is the emotional breaking point at which the dog can no longer cope with the level of stress, pain, arousal or fear they are experiencing. Once they have surpassed this threshold they will enter their ‘fight, flight or freeze response’. For many dogs this will result in an aggressive or reactive response, especially if they can not escape or increase the distance from the trigger.  

Can we change their response to a trigger?

When a dog sees a trigger they are no longer using their 'thinking brain', there responses are innate and being generated by their 'emotional brain'. This brain releases various neurotransmitters which tell them how to respond. The signals go down routes called neural pathways. Dogs can form new neural pathways due to their neural plasticity; the ability to create new routes. A dog's brain is highly plastic during its first few months; allowing memory development and quick learning. This is why it is crucial to ensure that positive experiences occur to help the formation of beneficial pathways. Negative experiences can create heightened fear, anxiety and aggression lead responses in later life. 

A neural pathway is strengthened the more a behaviour and response happen;. The stronger the route the more likely that route will be taken in the future. Repetition makes the synapse stronger enabling an easier and more efficient transmission along the route, thus making the response and subsequent behaviour more automatic.

An analogy for neural pathways is they are like pathways in an overgrown field; the more you go down a certain path the less resistance experienced and the easier it is. It is possible to change these pathways and resultant behaviours through the use of positive training methods and experiences.

We can create a different choice from the previous option for the dog which is ultimately more desirable to the dog due to the associated reward. This reward can be a neurochemical reward as well as an environmentally based positive reward ( treat, attention and play are just some examples). The more this alternative pathway is used, the more reinforced it becomes, ultimately overtaking the previous route, becoming the automatic response to the stimuli.

This process takes time, but ultimately we can achieve behavioural changes. With the correct training methods, behavioural modification plan, dedication and consistency your dog can overcome their aggression and reactivity. There will be rare cases where behaviours can not be modified but these tend to have origins in neurological, medical issues. There are options to discuss in regards to keeping your dog and family safe including medications and safety aids such as muzzles.