Dog Aggression Trivia Quiz

Answer: Fearful aggression

This is a prime example of a dog who is very scared of you and is acting defensively. If you encounter a snarling dog, look for certain body positions to tell you if it's fearful aggression: ears back, cowering low to the ground, tail tucked tightly against the rear or even between the legs.

When coming across a dog like this, the best thing you can do is simply give it space. Slowly back away from the dog or go around it with a wide berth.

Answer: True

Possessive aggression is very common, and can even be found in dogs that may normally be submissive and docile. Possessive aggresion can be prevented if you work with it from puppyhood. Before you feed your puppy, make him sit. Then praise him and give him the food bowl.

While he's eating, rub up and down his body with your hands, and put your hands in his food and pick up pieces of kibble. Pick up his food bowl, make him sit again, then give it back to him. If you practice this exercise every time your puppy eats, you're teaching him that you are the provider of food, that you have authority over everything, and that you're not a threat to his dinner.

Answer: Dominance aggression

Some people may mistake a dog like this for being friendly -- however, this is far from the case. This dog is extremely dominant, and may bite you. The best thing you can do in a situation like this is to 1) avoid eye contact. Dominant dogs perceive eye contact as a threat, or a challenge. 2) Put something between you and the dog, such as as jacket or a hat.

This can take its mind off of you to investigate the object, giving you a chance to get away. 3) Back away slowly. Never run. Don't turn your back to the dog, don't make any sudden moves. Be calm and casual.

Answer: True

Any breed of dog -- big, small, or mixed -- can be aggressive. It's only natural for dogs to bite and show aggression when guarding an object, protecting a territory, or battling for rank. But under no circumstances should it be tolerated.

Answer: Seek professional help

A professional dog behaviorist can analyze your dog's particular type of aggression and give you practical advice to solve it. A common, effective way that will likely be explained to you is the Nothing In Life Is Free approach (NILIF). NILIF is mainly a practice used for overly dominant dogs.

It involves teaching your dog a basic command, such as "sit", then practicing the command before giving your dog ANYTHING. Food, water, petting, play, being let outside, toys, etc. Your dog will also not be allowed up on furniture. NILIF is an excellent approach to un-training canine dominance aggression.

Answer: Teach them to be kind to dogs, how to react around strange dogs, and never leave them alone with a dog

Children are three times more likely to get bitten than adults -- wouldn't you agree that a level of protection is needed? Teach them to be kind and gentle with dogs, never to startle them or be rough with them. Show them the appropriate way to pet a dog and play with it (not by roughhousing). Teach kids to never go up to a strange dog or a dog that is tied up. Always make sure they ask the owner before petting a dog.

When approached by any dog, be sure they know NOT to scream and run! And most importantly, NEVER leave a child and a dog alone together. Always supervise their interactions. Even dogs that are super gentle and tolerant can eventually wear out of a child's exuberant, noisy playing, and young kids simply can't read the signs that a dog doesn't want to play anymore.

Answer: Socialization and training

Socialize your puppy or dog thoroughly to people of all ages, genders, races, and clothing. Socialize them to cats, other dogs, small animals, different environments, and different noises. Train your dog to be obedient and well-mannered. Be consistent and firm, but not harsh or overbearing.

These are the top two things you can do with any dog to prevent aggression. But it's also important to make sure your dog is healthy by regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. Spay or neuter your dog. Exercise her regularly and feed her a balanced diet (one that's recommended by veterinarians is usually best).

Answer: True

Through no fault of their own, many dogs of this breed have been developed to attack. They are big, powerful dogs with strong jaws, a history of fighting, and strong protective instincts. They are more likely to be involved in biting incidents than other breeds. Restrictions range from a complete ban on ownership to dogs needing to be kept muzzled while being walked. Of course, any dog can bite, so the best advice is to be cautious around all dogs, no matter what their size.

Answer: True

Very often the root of the cause for dog bites and attacks reaches back to irresponsible owners. Some people may acquire big, powerful dogs and train them to be aggressive. More commonly, though, are dogs that were formerly family pets that turned against them. Low-injury dog bites are extremely common and may have come from a dog of any breed or size.

These may happen when a person neglects to socialize or train their dog. Critically serious injuries and fatal injuries, however, are more likely to have been caused by owners that acquired a powerful dog, recommended to be for experienced owners only, and simply couldn't handle it.

Answer: Any dog with a voice

A watchdog is simply any dog that will sound the alarm when someone comes up to the house, both letting you know about the intruder and likely scaring him away. Ideally, the dog should have a deep, guttural bark. A dog does not need to be aggressive to do the job -- gentle golden retrievers can do it! Aggressive dogs are not necessary, and are a menace both to you and to the public.