In the world of furry friends, aggression is a common problem. Whether your dog tends to bite or simply growl at other dogs and people, aggressive behavior can result in tragic consequences for everyone involved.

If you’re concerned that your canine companion might be exhibiting signs of aggression, it’s important to be aware of the danger signs and take corrective action. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common warning signs of an aggressive dog.

Sign #1: Barking or Growling

One of the most obvious indications that a dog is becoming agitated is when he starts to bark or growl. This behavior can be preceded by other signals such as lip curling, giving hard stares, and laying their ears back against the head.

Sign #2: Leaning Forward

When a dog is tensed up, they’ll often lean forward. This body language usually indicates that the canine in question is getting ready to attack. Be sure to pay attention to your dog’s body language at all times, especially if he is new to you or hasn’t been properly trained.

Sign #3: Tail Wagging

Believe it or not, a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a dog is happy and friendly. In some cases, a vigorously wagging tail can be a sign that the animal is feeling threatened or aggressive. If this happens, quickly move away from the canine in question.

Sign #4: Showing Teeth

A dog that shows its teeth is another sign of aggression. This behavior is also sometimes called “smiling”. It can be difficult to determine the difference between a dog that is smiling and one that is snarling, but it’s important to note the difference.

Sign #5: Raised Hackles

The hairs on a dog’s back might rise when the canine feels threatened or is preparing to attack. This is often referred to as “raising your hackles”.

Raised hackles are a common warning sign for an aggressive dog. When a dog’s hackles are raised, it means that the animal is feeling threatened, and will be more likely to show aggressive behavior.

Sign #6: Lip Licking or Flattened Ears

Dogs that are on guard will often lick their lips when they’re ready to attack. Likewise, dogs that are stressed out might flatten their ears back against the head. Either way, be prepared for an imminent attack.

So What Does This Mean For Me?

So what can you do to keep your dog safe? Here’s a simple rule of thumb: if you think your canine family member might be aggressive, he probably is. It’s important to take corrective actions immediately any time you see one of these warning signs.

If your dog has a history of aggression or has bitten someone in the past, it’s especially important to take note of these danger signs and seek professional help. A qualified trainer can help you work through your dog’s aggression issues and ensure that everyone stays safe.

In general, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your dog’s body language and what each behavior means. This way, you’ll be able to stay safe and keep your furry friend out of trouble.

It’s important to be aware of these warning signs so that you can take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your friends. If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, please consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for help, such as the trainers at Rocky Mountain K-9.

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Is Your Dog Aggressive? 6 Warning Signs