Barking and aggressive dog behavior explained

A very common question people have for me is why do dogs bark?

Barking and growling from a canine is generally their way of warning their pack members that someone is getting to close to what they perceive as their territory.
In most people’s experiences, dogs bark when someone comes to their door or when others approach during their walk.
In nature the survival of the pack depends on the protection of their pack territory because it is their home where they find food and raise their young. Territory is everything to a dog. If your dog barks non-stop, all day long at everything that moves outside they are in full blown alpha protector mode.
The problem with allowing your dog to be in this mindset is they are also being set up for aggression towards just about anyone including yourself. The dog that barks is alpha and responsible for the safety of his territory and pack because the human’s are not taking the position. To a dog, barking is warning intruders that they are willing to do whatever it takes to protect. Is it potentially dangerous to allow our domestic dogs to enter this mindset, that they own our homes, the people and objects inside of it?
Yes. I am not saying that these dogs will always resort to physical aggression towards others. But there is a better chance that they might.
Their aggressive behavior could cause fear in the person who encounters it and this can provoke the instinct to attack. This is not the animal’s fault they are programmed to attack prey and like a scared rabbit or deer, fear smells like weakness and in some cases food. Sometimes we forget that our canine family members are predators by nature. Just because this is somebody’s pet dog, does not remove the animal instincts.  In case anyone has ever wondered why they were viciously attacked by a domestic dog, the above explanation may help.   Dogs do not come to make their decisions based on their emotions and higher thinking as we humans do their actions reflect simply from their strong instinct to survive. Before considering dog ownership it is crucial to educate yourself in how to eliminate this potential hazard in your home. To protect your family, friends and others who may wish to visit you or come near you in the presence of your dog.
Some people may luck out and get a very friendly dog that is accepting of all new comers. They were born with natural omega/follower energy, while others may not be so lucky and end up with a dog that has a little more alpha and is more protective.
Hiring a professional to help you pick the best dog for your family is your safest bet. A qualified dog educator or behaviorist will help you choose the best dog for your lifestyle, to coach you on how to train your dog properly especially on how to get your dog in the mindset that they are not responsible for protecting you, your house and everything in it.
The only way to do this is to convince your dog that you are a qualified leader and are able to protect the pack and territory so they will not feel obligated too.
Gaining control of the dog, you have chosen to take responsibility for, will make your dog owning experience a much safer and pleasant one.
The dog must be taught that your home is your responsibility not theirs.
For more information on this article and if you would like to ask any questions of professional dog behaviorist and dog advice columnist Sarah Pay, please contact us on our website at www.doghouserules.ca.