Posted on July 21, 2009 by: WayCoolDogs

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A new research study done from Spain’s University of Córdoba (UCO) has shown that the aggressive nature of naturally aggressive breeds (Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Akita or Chows) is primarily dependent on owner-dependent factors. Published in the Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, the study results are in comparison to previous findings which have called for the passing of laws for the elimination of aggressive dogs based only on their breed and attack records. Only Nebraska has passed laws to punish owners also.

With the results showing that approximately 40% of dominant dog aggressiveness is associated with lack of authority on the part of their owner, it has been found that owners and bad training are primarily responsible for attacks by the dogs due to their dominance or competitions.

The study involved 711 dogs of 594 purebreds and 117 half-breeds (Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Alsatian, Boxer, Rottweiler, Doberman, Dalmatian, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Poodle, Chihuahua, Pekingese, and the French Bulldog). Considered as having minimal effect on the dog’s aggressiveness is the dog’s breed, male sex, size, or age between 5 and 7 years—previous dog-dependent factors involved with the greatest amount of dominance aggression.

Researchers in the study have determined a series of external factors which involve the dog’s aggressiveness. What was discovered in observations is that external, modifiable and owner-dependent factors have a huge influence on the aggressive animals. Factors which were seen to cause aggressiveness in dogs are:

•    First-time dog ownership
•    Failure of the dog to receive basic obedience training
•    Spoiling and pampering the dogs
•    Not using physical punishment when correcting the dog
•    Not spaying female dogs
•    Impulse purchase of the dog
•    Buying the dog for a present or guard dog
•    Leaving dogs with constant supply of food
•    Spending very little time with the dog

“Failure to observe all of these modifiable factors will encourage this type of aggressiveness and would conform to what we would colloquially call ‘giving our dog a bad education’”, Pérez-Guisado, the main author of the study and a researcher from UCO, explains.

RESOURCES

Science Daily: “Dogs Are Aggressive If They Are Trained Badly”

Science Daily: “If You’re Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study”

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