Aggression

• Temperament in the American Pit Bull Terrier

By Scot E. Dowd Ph.D.

2nd draft

• PART II: AGGRESSION

Aggression is the most serious and dangerous behavior issue for any type of dog when it is in extreme or inappropriate forms. APBT owners and breeders must understand aggressive behavior, in all of its varieties, and seek to combat inappropriate varieties, when and where appropriate. We must ensure that uncharacteristic aggressions are not propagated. It must be understood that there are good forms of aggression and there are also bad forms of aggression. Extremes in any type of behavior, especially aggression, are not usually desirable. For instance, dogs of all breeds, sizes and types, display aggressive behaviors toward other dogs, particularly of the same sex. The average owner does not notice these behaviors, and only classify a behavior as aggression, when it escalates to physical confrontation. It must be understood however, that all dogs do have, and do display, aggressive behavior everyday in a variety of ways. This article is not designed to focus on teaching owners to learn the silent and subtle languages of the canine, but it to educate on inappropriate types of aggression and undesirable aggression.

In the APBT, as a breed, we see primarily two types of aggression: competitive aggression and dominant aggression. These forms of aggression are natural and very common in a wide range of animals from humans to birds. Competitive and dominant aggressions are also common in all canines, including the APBT, and are natural, controllable, and certainly not the worst aggressive tendency for canines to possess.

• dog toward dog aggression

Even though competitive and dominant aggressions are perfectly normal for all canines, without question, a well bred, well trained and well socialized APBT, no matter what the bloodlines (germlines), will not have overt or uncontrollable aggressive issues toward other dogs. This is likely hard to believe these days, and many novice and pit bull fighter wanna-be owners feel that overt aggression is a good thing. Poorly bred, poorly trained, under socialized dogs, or dogs that are trained to display such behaviors by idiot owners, are when we typically see these overt problems occurring.

In general, the APBT should be a highly confident and courageous animal. A dog that has confident and courageous, does not typically display overt aggression against other dogs, or against other animals in general, unless directly and immediately confronted or challenged or trained to do so (yeah prey drive exists but lets not confuse that with the type of aggression to which we are referring) Thus, overt aggressive displays, in dogs in general, as well as in the APBT, are typically rooted in fear issues. There is a saying that “a dog instinctively seeks to destroy that which it fears”. As an example, ADBA shows I see a few wide eyed fearful dogs going ballistic all the time. Most dog men recognize this behavior as different from the behavior of most ADBA dogs that standing their ground or barking their challenges. These other terrified dogs are so afraid of being attacked that they throw a massive posturing of aggression, which is intended to scare away the threats. Once again, this is is not to over-generalize as we all know that a range of aggression exists and very bulldogs will display aggressive behaviors when in an environment where it is encouraged.

WHAT IS CORRECT? These are the extremely confident dogs that stand their ground, these dogs are alert and very aware of their surroundings, these dogs also ACT RIGHT! when directly challenged (as we all expect them too). Thus, dog toward dog aggression is natural but overt uncontrolled aggression in any form is not natural or a sign of a "confident" true APBT temperament. All game dog folks take a deep breath the rest of the text is valuable.

Having said that and gotten that out of the way:

A major part of this discussion will be related to a differentiation between competitive aggression and fear aggression. We will also touch on other forms of aggression and how each should be perceived by owners and or breeders.

• Difference between dog toward dog and dog toward human aggression.

Completely different, and unrelated to “dog toward dog” aggression, is “dog toward human” aggression, which in the APBT, is strictly against all aspects of the true nature of the breed. I will see that a statement to this effect is included in the APBT standard if it is the last thing I do. Any APBT that exhibits aggression, of any variety, toward humans or displays overt fear toward humans, has lost these primary and most important temperament characteristics, which has always been most defining of the breed.

Unfortunately, there has been in recent years, a sector of "pit bull owners" that have through sheer lack of intelligence and lack of respect for the breed, promoted human aggressive tendencies, and another sector of the community, through desire for that perfect show dog, that have ignored the fear (anxiety related) traits. Thus, in a breed in which human aggression and fear traits were nearly eliminated, we are seeing a resurgence of these unwanted traits in many of the modern dogs. These two behaviors (human aggression and fear (anxiety) issues are against all true aspects of what the APBT, as a breed should signify and represent.

• Historical Perspective on Aggression

“We are neutral but unafraid” is the phrase that sums up the APBT temperament toward other dogs.

“We know of no stranger and all are our friends” is the phrase that sums up the true APBT temperament in relation to humans.

During the development of the American Pit Bull Terrier, it was necessary for humans, especially humans that were not familiar with the dog, to be able to safely handle the dog, under a variety of stressful situations. Even during heightened stages (historical reference) of combat stress, the owner, or trainer, had to be able to handle the dog very intimately. If a dog was apt to, or had any tendency to, display human, redirected, pain, or protective aggression toward humans then this would not have been at all possible and indeed very dangerous. These types of behavior were not only undesirable, but would cost a dogman a lot of money by getting his dog disqualified. Thus, during the evolution of the breed, dog toward human aggression of any form was strictly extinguished through culling of human aggressive stock. Culling did not refer to spay and neuter, or selling to someone else, as we see with so many “awesome breeders”. Culling means removing an atypical example of the breed from existence, through humane euthanasia, at a veterinarian’s office. Keeping such an animal alive only increases the odds that such an animal may bite someone, thereby adding additional nails in the breed's coffin. The primary types of aggression that the uncompromising culling of human aggressive stock eliminated were dominance aggression toward humans, pain aggression, fear, and redirected aggression. These are the most dangerous types of aggression related to humans, so by eliminating these varieties the APBT became a wonderful family dog.

• Types of aggression

There are many different types of aggression. Types of aggression often overlap and are combined, but it is helpful to understand each through their root in ethology (animal behavior). Aggressive behaviors include dominance, fear, possessive, protective, territorial, redirected, parental, play (mock), injury related, medical (genetic and disease) and conditioned. The variety and interplay of these forms of aggression makes diagnosis and a determination if such aggression is mild or manageable or extreme such that it may warrant euthanasia. Such decisions and diagnoses are difficult, but vital if our breed is to survive. Owners must avoid anthropomorphic and greedy breeder tendencies (I put a lot of money into this dog and this bloodline and I’m not going to give up on it) and be of strong mind to deal with such diagnoses appropriately. You may make the perfect line of red nose dogs but if they are turning fearful or aggressive then it is time to cut the losses to the breed and your own reputation. Development of logical treatments for controllable types or levels of aggression are best handled with, trainers, applied animal behaviorists, or other canine professional that is very familiar with the breed and the discrimination of these forms of aggression.

Do you have a line that is becoming known as fearful? Hard to admit it huh?

Do you have a line that is becoming known as human aggressive? Hard to admit it huh?

Redirected Aggression

Redirected aggression is often one of the more difficult types of aggression to describe and diagnose. There is a fine line between severe forms and forms that are actually natural and beneficial to the animal. Because this is such an important issue I will try and provide good examples.

Redirected aggression is a natural form of aggression for all animals and is basically how we relieve stress. However, extreme forms of redirected aggression are dangerous and not at all common in the APBT. In the APBT it should be mild, controlled, and must, above all other types of aggression, be considered dangerous in extreme forms. Making diagnosis even more difficult, because of the potential for competitive aggression and high levels of prey drive, the APBT, like all dogs, can also exhibit some typical behaviors that seem to be redirected aggression. Once again, there is a fine line between extreme forms of redirected aggression and forms that are beneficial for stress relief.

Extreme form: Basically, when the dog, during times of induced aggression toward an originating stimulus (e.g. a dog on the other side of the fence harassing the subject dog), has the tendency to shift this pent up agitation toward a nearby object (e.g. a rock, the fence, another family pet that is standing nearby, a child playing in the yard next to the dog etc.) then this is usually a severe form of redirected aggression. In other words, if the redirection is toward a person (someone walking by), another pet (usually another companion animal), which did not initially evoke the aggressive response then it is a bad or extreme form of redirected aggression. If during an agitated state the dog shifts aggression from the originating stimuli to objects that are NOT usually played with (e.g. biting the fence itself, biting the ground or a rock, attacking a bush etc), then there is likely a serious underlying problem and humane euthanasia may be warranted for the protection of children. These bites resulting from extreme redirection are typically severe rather than simple nips. A dog with extreme aggressive redirected behaviors when biting the fence or rocks the animal will typically break out it's own teeth. If the animal redirects the aggression toward another creature that did not initiate the agitation the bites are usually enough to draw blood. These are extreme forms of redirected aggression that have to be looked at carefully.

Beneficial Form: HOWEVER! “On the other hand” if the dog becomes excited and then runs around the yard to seek out a favorite toy or jumps on the spring pole for a quick swing, then this is usually a natural reaction and a positive way to relieve stress. I have also seen weight pulling dogs that get so fired up at the beginning of pulls that nip at the handler. This is a redirected aggression but not typically an extreme form (However, in such a case, if the dog draws blood or clamps down hard, then there should be concern).

Historical basis: During history, when the handler approached the dog during a fight, if the dog had redirected aggressive tendencies, the handler would potentially become the victims of a bite. Through strict culling of this trait redirected aggression was virtually eliminated in the breed. It was the lack of this type of aggression in particular, which made the APBT the most popular family breeds in the early 20th century.

Redirected aggression can also arise and be bio-amplified when severe forms of dominance or fear aggression exist. If severe forms of redirected aggression are noted by a professional behavioralist (a canine behavioralist that that is also very familiar with this type of aggression and familiar with the breed), then it is vitally important to remove an animal with any of these tendencies from the gene pool. The best bet is humane euthanasia to remove the danger to family members and prevent accidental bites that damage the future of the breed.

Treatment for severe forms of redirected aggression are "possible" but should always be considered as completely unreliable.

These types of aggressions may in extreme cases be caused by environmental and social development but can also be genetic tendencies that have arisen due to environmental stimuli, even if the parents of the animal in question do not appear to have the traits. To use an animal for breeding that is exhibiting, even moderate forms, of any of these types of aggression (redirected, dominance or fear) is unethical. In pups the primary causes that can lead to development of these and other types of uncontrolled aggression are early traumatic experiences, abandonment experiences, rearing by a dam with these issues, and most importantly early removal from the dam and siblings. Yet do not allow yourself to rationalize away this behavior by saying that it was environmental and developmental of your breeding stock when they were puppies. In no case, should an adult animal with moderate to severe redirected aggressive tendencies be used as breeding stock.

Dominance aggression

In the well bred, well raised, well socialized APBT, dominance aggression toward humans is extremely rare compared to most other breeds of dogs.

Dominance related aggression is both one of the most common types of problem behavior and another trait that was almost bred out of the APBT. Especially in relation to, or directed at, humans, there should be very little dominance aggression. Yet oddly enough, it is the most common form of “dog toward dog” and "dog toward family member" aggression that we see in dogs. Dog toward dog dominance aggression is often more tolerated in the APBT, which by nature is a competitive animal (Remember that dominance, competitive and prey aggressions blend together). If two males face off, and neither backs down (submits) then an aggressive display is likely to occur (this is a dominance aggression).

dog to dog again!

As noted in the introduction, overt or uncontrolled aggression, without such specific stimuli, is more likely to be a conditioned or fear aggressive response. For instance if your dog tries to attack every other dog it sees, then this is probably a dog that is very afraid of other dogs. Yeah, I hear all the tuff guys saying "my dog isn't afraid, he just wants to fight". The truth is that the APBT should be highly confident and unafraid and should consider most other dogs as "No competition". Only when a dog thinks that every dog is competition (no confidence) do they display uncontrolled or overt aggressive behaviors.

It bears repeating, there is a belief in the APBT community that dog toward dog aggression is a positive attribute, but in many cases overt aggressive behavior toward other dogs without specific provocation and stimuli, is actually an extreme form of fear aggression. Sadly, some owners will also train or encourage dogs to display this behavior, which is a paramount display of poor stewardship for the breed (this means that you are a dumb ass and you are destroying our breed).

The reason why overt aggression toward any other dog is a negative, or uncharacteristic behavior, is because, by nature and genetics, dogs go easily into fight or flight mode, especially when anxiety disorders (see previous article) and fearful tendencies are present in extreme forms. This fear or anxiety in a poorly bred, poorly trained, and poorly socialize animal leads to overt exhibition of aggressive displays. Good dogs that have gotten into accidental fights may have a reduced threshold and exhibit this behavior to some extent, but it should be manageable and more posturing than overt attack mode.

Dog to human

Dog toward human dominance aggression occurs in the breed but seems to be rare. In many other breeds such aggressive behavior can be much more common. In dogs dominance aggression toward humans and family members occurs commonly as a human-canine family-pack developmental problem. Typically, this type of atypical APBT behavior stems directly from how a family interacts with the canine. Dogs by nature are pack animals and should generally be submissive to the humans in the household. As pack members, dogs instinctively develop and respond to hierarchical relationships in a family environment. The APBT is no exception to this. When dominance related aggression ensues, it is usually when a dog has been allowed (in their own animal mind) to assume a position of leadership over a given family member or over the entire family. The first signs of this type of aggression arising, are typically behavioral signs that include tail carried high around a family member, tense facial expressions when dogs are corrected, ignoring commands that are well known, stiffly walking, tendency to maintain eye contact with the human, overly protective behavior, resource guarding, herding behavior, stealing of toys or food directly from humans, and all the way to extremes of growling or barking at family members. Any aggression towards family members should be dealt with in a swift manner. It is lack of recognition or lack of admitting that a dog has human dominance aggression toward members of the family that leads to a majority of bites in the household.

If an APBT is not extremely happy around children, to the point of bubbling over with enthusiasm, then you must be very concerned that the animal might (if the child does something perceived as wrong by the dog) “put the child in its place” . Few of these bites are overly traumatic for the child, but they are still bites, especially if it is not your child. This behavior warrants euthanasia. If you see any type of dominant behavior arising or notice any of the behavioral signs, as described above or below, around any member of your family, visitors, or even strangers, it is important to address it immediately with a professional trainer and behavioralist that is very familiar with the breed. Trainers and behavioralists must in all cases be experienced with the breed and how to specifically address dominance aggression. In severe cases, the animal must be removed from an interactive family situation to protect human family members. Dogs are animals and do not have the same rationality that we humans. Thus, whatever you do, do not anthropomorphosize your relationships with your dog.

Clear indicators of dominance aggression as noted above, can include when dogs protect toys, food, their beds or any other personal space or item that the dog. This is a blending with resource guarding of course, but resource guarding is actually just another variety of dominant aggression, and will be discussed in more detail. If your dog has a favorite toy and any member of the family approaches the dog the dog should wag their tale and should never tense up or huddle over the toy and above all should never ever growl. The dog may pick up the toy and quietly move away from their spot with head lowered and tail wagging and pick another spot. This is a submissive request for solitude and the dog is actually giving up its territory. Huddling over the item rather than moving, is one of the first indicator of the potential for problems, growling when humans approach are a clear warning sign that needs to be addressed, and anything more severe happens because you ignored the first two signs. The APBT should never growl, even if you stick your hand in their food bowl. Maybe if another dog does, but never if a human does. If you want to test, it is best to do so with the end of a broom handle. Stick the broom handle in the dogs bowl and note the response. If the dog bites the broom handle, or even growls at the broom, then there is a serious problem with authority and dominance in your household. Children should not attempt this and it is always best to do so with the help of a professional trainer.

If a dog displays any vocalized or overt aggressive behaviors (growl or bark or nip or snap or curled lip or tensing up or walking stiffly and slowly with tail raised and ears back) toward ANY of the family members the dog probably has a dominant or competitive aggressive issue with that member of the family. If pushed to far in certain situations the dog might bite this family member.

If any member of the family stares at the dog in the eyes, within a moment the dog should typically look away, or blink, or yawn. Good reactions would be a soft blink or wink, turning away, yawning with a blink, or a nod of the head with licking of the lips. These represent non-confrontational behaviors of a dog in a submissive position to the person staring. If the dog does not break the eye contact and continues to stare and possible tense up, then this is a sign of dominance toward that member of the family. Care should be taken when diagnosing using this method. In canines, staring directly in the eye is a form of challenge. If a more dominant animal in the pack is challenged by a family member, then, by the laws of nature, this more dominant family member might be forced to answer the challenge. In fact this also is not a good method to use without the assistance of a trainer or behavioralist. Children should not use this method and a canine professional present and supervising is advised.

If the dog shows aggressive posturing when a member of the family restrains, disciplines, pulls on the lead etc then this can be a sure sign of dominance aggression. A dominant dog will not typically tolerate being punished or restrained by a member of the family over which they feel dominant.

If the dog shows heightened protectiveness of a certain family member, this can also be a sign of dominance over that family member. Especially in the APBT, when a dog becomes overly protective of a family member, then this is a sign the dog considers itself the alpha in these relationships. In the pack the alpha animal protects the family. This behavior can be considered by some to be desirable but it is actually not a characteristic of the true APBT. Such protective behavior is often a form of dominance aggression but it can become very severe over time and erupt into a bite (actually the dog providing a correction) to a family member if that family member interacts inappropriately with the dominant dog.

It should be noted that the APBT will defend its family if danger arises. No training is needed. Even the friendliest of APBTs can sense when true danger is around and will act appropriately to protect its family.



Resource aggression

Resource aggression, as noted previously, occurs when the dog is in possession of something they consider as highly desirable such as a favorite toy, food or treat. This type of behavior may be directed toward specific members of the family, visitors, or other pets. Such behaviors are displayed when the dog is approached, while it is in possession of a noted, actual or perceived resource. We call something a resource, because the dog is acting to protect food, treats, toys, water or other physical object they deem as important. Even dogs who are being petting may guard this resource (petting) from another dog. While protecting resources in the wild, may be necessary if an animal is to survive, it is considered unacceptable in a domesticated breed, especially when directed toward members of the family, or humans in general. This behavior can be dangerous to diagnose as noted above, but with proper methods, proper training, and proper upbringing such behaviors can be easily, though not always reliably, treated. Food is often the cause of resource guarding but may not trigger the most vigorous of resource aggressive displays. Newly discovered playthings, human food, a rawhide, a stuffed toy, a piece of used toilet paper, and almost anything else, can be considered resources by the dogs. We noted above that if you approach a dog that is guarding its resource it should typically let you take away anything. Any deviation such as huddling over the object (a minor display), growling at your approach (extreme display) should be dealt with immediately. For instance, if a dog huddles over the object but allows you to take it away then you can work on socializing the dog to dampen the effect of resource guarding. e.g. take away things all the time and then give them back. After the dog realizes that you taking objects away is natural and usually they get them right back then this behavior can disappear. IF however the dog growls or even if its lips are lifted in a snarl you are looking at a dog that might bite. This is when you must spend much time and money solving this issue or if you are unwilling to do so you should be a responsible owner and put the dog to sleep humanely. Do not turn the dog into the pound. Take your own dog to the vet, pay the euthanasia fee and be an adult about it. When you attempt to treat such behaviors it requires a great deal of time and experience. Because you did not notice the behavior developing in the first place you do not have the experience to deal with it yourself. Here, we can only touch on how to recognize, not how to treat such behaviors. However, the first steps are the most important.

The first step is only initiated to ensure the safety of humans if resource aggression is being exhibited. Note this is not a cure but a temporary necessity to protect members of the family from this very dangerous situation. This step means completely eliminating those stimuli and situations that provoke resource guarding. Dogs that protect their food should be fed in a separate room away from family members, especially children, or fed in their crates or kennels. Dogs that protect treats or toys should only be allowed access to them when alone in the crate or confinement room. Dogs should certainly not be allowed to play with children as the child does not understand that resources can suddenly include the child's own favorite toy. Monitor the dog’s activities to prevent them from gaining access to novel items, from the trash for instance. Do not feed the dog or allow them access to human food. These are a few recommendations and only a temporary fix and appropriate measures must be taken because such behavior does not just go away through isolation.

The first step above can help to ensure safety of family members but a more proactive solution must be achieved. Dogs are expected to be members of the family and with proper training your dog will be taught to be comfortable with family members approaching while the dog is in possession of a resource and to give up the resource on command. It should be noted that standard Obedience training is the initial steps of such a conditioning program. If the dog does not respond to verbal commands such as come, sit, stay, no, etc., then it is highly unlikely that any attempt to decrease resource guarding will be successful. Typically, if owners did not recognize or prevent the development of resource guarding aggression as the dog matured then they are not equipped to deal with the situation. The best advice is to seek out a professional trainer with experience in rehabilitating resource aggression. The health of a dog owner’s family is at stake. In extreme cases of resource aggression the dog may need to be humanely euthanized to remove danger to family members.

Territory aggression

Very similar to resource guarding, dogs may be exhibited territory aggression. For instance, if a non-dominant family member approaches the dog while it is sleeping in a favored spot and the dog growls or snarls or snaps at the offending invader. This is very uncharacteristic of the APBT when exhibited toward a human. Territory aggression toward other dogs is more prevalent in the APBT. Territorial aggression toward humans when displayed by the APBT is most often displayed toward strangers who are not as familiar with the dog, combined with a dog that has not been properly trained and socialized. A well socialized APBT will not typically display any notable territorial aggression toward humans, even strangers. For instance a well bred APBT will allow even strangers into the owner’s back yard. We keep a guardian breed in our yard to protect our APBTs and our house from strangers. The APBT is NOT a guardian breed, because they lack territory aggression toward humans if they are properly bred. Yes, I see plenty of unregistered dogs that resemble APBTs that are territory aggressive. These are not true APBTs.

Territorial aggression is a part of dominance aggression as noted previously. While in there own yards APBTs will guard against other dogs but not typically against humans. Even APBTs display mild forms of territory aggression but the good owner will not allow these traits to propagate. Territorial aggression can be prevented or minimized with early socialization and good control and developing dominant roles for all family members. As an early start, dogs should be taught to sit and receive a reward as visitors come to the door. Good breeders can dramatically reduce potential fear, dominance, and territory aggressions toward humans by ensuring that a wide variety of visitors of all ages, sizes and races come over to visit the puppy between 6-12 weeks of age. In older puppies, if this has not occurred and if left unchecked, APBTs may begin to exhibit signs of this type of aggression when visitors come to the door and knock or ring the doorbell. The second stage of a developing territory aggression is when the dog becomes excited and eventually begins to bark when visitors come to the home. This is a serious sign in a younger dog of the potential development of other types of aggressions and anxiety disorders, and by immediately addressing territorial aggressions, other types of aggression can be greatly reduced if they are likely to develop.

Obedience training is the first step to control of territorial aggression. The most direct way to address this, as noted previously, in adolescent dogs is to have your dog sit, stay at the door when a visitor comes over and when they are calm then they get a reward. It may be necessary to always have the dog on a leash and collar when loose in the house, until this type of issue is fully conditioned away. Start with low levels of stimuli which can be family member knocking on the door or ringing the bell, once the dog begins to expect the treat you can increase the stimuli by having friends come over on a schedule so that you can have the dog prepared to be controlled for inappropriate behavior and rewarded for appropriate behavior. The goal is to associate visitors with treats and rewards and is able to handle visitors coming and going at any time.

Fear Aggression
Fear aggression is also a very negative trait for the APBT. In fact, fear aggression is the worst possible and most uncharacteristic behavior in the APBT. Fear aggression occurs when the dog is exposed to people, other animals, or situations that cause anxiety and fear, they release the stress of their fear through outward displays of aggression. By shifting from fear to aggression they relieve the stress of the fear. As you might note this is a specialized form of redirected aggression. A dog will shift the tension and anxiety of fear into an aggressive behavior. By displaying aggression in fearful situations the dog is rewarded typically by a cessation (relieving) of the fear stimulus. In other words when the dog is afraid of something it acts out through aggression. This behavior is especially dangerous in the APBT. For instance, when the dog is cornered or restrained, goes to the vet, gets a bath or anything else the dog is afraid of, it can suddenly shift to an aggressive act. Following this aggressive display an owner will typically remove the dog from the situation which reduces the fear and rewards the aggressive behavior. A dog that is afraid of thunder and hides under the bed may display aggression if you try to remove him from his hiding place. A dog that When in stressful or anxious states, if the dog begins to display any type of aggressive behavior then you are seeing the first signs of fear aggression.

Overt and uncontrollable displays of aggression in dogs typically have a foundation in fear aggression. Fear aggression is the most uncharacteristic type of aggressive tendency in the truly bred and truly raised APBT. Any natural competitive or dominant “dog toward dog” aggressive tendencies (common in the APBT) are easy to control for a good handler and easy to redirect and “train away” for a good trainer. In addition, a good handler and good owner will easily avoid situations that would lead to dog toward dog aggression displays, especially when in public. However, fear aggression is not a trait that most APBT owners are willing to admit to and address. Thus, it is becoming an epidemic in the APBT lines.

An APBT with a correct temperament is confident in almost any situation. Their bravery is superior to most breeds and such fearful reactions should never be part of an animal considered for breeding. Fear aggression toward family members might arise out of extreme forms of correction or punishment or some other unpleasant experience. However, no type of fear or stress in the APBT, should never ever translate to aggression in the dog’s behavior. Such a reaction to anxiety or stress or fear is highly dangerous and dogs exhibiting such behavior can be very unpredictable and dangerous. Many cases of fear aggression are seen as combinations or complicating factors of other forms of aggression (dominance, maternal, possessive, etc.). When in an anxious or fearful situation, aggressive behaviors (hackles, snarling, growling) are point blank diagnostics of fear aggression. Such behavior should not be tolerated in the breed because it combines some of the most undesirable traits: fearfulness, anxiety and dog toward human aggressive potential. Fear aggression, even in mild forms, is a definite cue for serious consideration of humane euthanasia and definite warrant for spay/neuter. This is primarily because this should be a non-existent behavior in the APBT. Use of such a dog in a breeding program is the height of irresponsibility. There are too many unwanted pit bulls, lets keep the ones ethical breeders produce of sound mind and body.

Predatory and Play aggressions

Predatory, play and competitive aggression are the types of aggression most exhibited by the APBT. A specialized form common too many mammals, including humans, that is also discussed above is combative/competitive aggression (male to male dominance). Many think that dog toward dog aggression is solely linked to dominance aggression. This is not entirely true. All dogs are predators even the poodle and the Golden Retriever. Predations are the instinctive desire to chase and hunt prey. Behaviors that are associated with predatory drives include everything from mild attention directed toward other animals, heightened focus on other animals, stalking, chasing, attacking, and even killing of other animals. Such aggression in the APBT is not typically directed at humans, but can often be directed at other pets, that are not in the immediate family of the dog. Of great interest to APBT owners is the fact that the APBT has a slightly higher prey drive than many other medium or large breeds because of its terrier heritage. Their level of prey drive is consistent and similar to most terrier breeds.

Many show lines of the APBT (e.g. pitstaffs) do not readily exhibit this common trait. Yet, even dogs that have never shown prey drive can suddenly be provoked and respond with what is called a dammed effect. This means that their prey drive was submerged or held in check and suddenly erupts. Such animals can be very dangerous to other animals, and their newfound desire to chase and worry prey, may be very intense. The danger comes from the surprised owner who has never seen FIDO act this way. The general rule with the APBT is that whenever the APBT is outdoors it should be confined to an escape proof pen or run, supervised in a back yard, or controlled securely by the owners with a 4 foot leash.

Many APBTs exhibit prey drive toward toys and when puppies they can even exhibit prey drive toward family members in mild forms as a form of play aggression. Such behavior that can be recognized as play includes forms of grabbing, nipping or mouthing of people or their clothing. Especially tempting to the puppy is the bottom of the pant leg. This behavior in the APBT is usually only evident in puppies. In adult APBTs play aggression directed at humans should be virtually non-existent. However, if there is the potential for such aggression, it can be exaggerated if humans promote it. By playing tug games or aggressive games with the dog we can promote this behavior which should be considered a negative. The dog learns to view humans as playmates or siblings and as such these games can promote dominance aggression as noted above. Although mild forms of play aggression and competitive aggression are viewed as normal behavior, by some “experts”, and may even be promoted as a positive training method by some “experts”, with the APBT especially, owners should avoid promoting any type of play aggression especially between the dog and the owner or the dog and family members.

For the average owner, family members should never play tug with the puppy APBT as it is growing up or indeed play any type of games that promote behavior consistent with aggressive play. Any activity where the strength and speed of the dog is matched against a human’s can lead to the dog instinctively viewing the human as a pack rival. If viewed as a pack rival the role in the pack order can be challenged as the speed and strength of the puppy grows. Remember dogs do not rationalize “games” the way humans do. To dogs, games are made to promote survival, develop hunting and fighting skills, and to match strength and wits and speed for leadership within the pack. Allowing any type of mouthing, nipping or grabbing in an APBT within the family is the epitome of poor ownership. Competitive aggression games can lead to more serious forms of aggression as your dog matures. If you dog exhibits any type of mouthing behavior even mild nibbles or tugging on clothing you should seek professional assistance to properly redirect this type of aggression.

Other aggressions

Medical conditions, illness, and visits to the vet can all be painful to a dog. By nature animals will seek to remove the source of discomfort. One method that can be used by a dog is to show aggression. As a general example, if you step on the dog’s foot and it yelps and turns and bites this is pain aggression. Pain aggression is usually caused by contact that elicits pain or discomfort. Once your dog learns that showing aggressive behavior during pain causes the pain to go away, aggression may recur when similar situations arise in the future, whether or not the pain is still present. For instance, if you clip your dogs toe nails and accidentally hurt the foot and the dog snarls. If you decide to “let Fido rest” the dog has just learned that by showing aggression they can get you to stop handling them (clip their nails). This can lead to more and more use of this conditioning behavior. Because of the constitution of the breed, this is one of the most uncommon of aggressions. Pain aggression is even more uncommon than fear aggression and redirection aggression.

Maternal aggression is exactly what it sounds like and is not common in the well bred APBT. Such aggression is a natural protective instinct but is not strong in the breed. Occasionally, bitches might show mild forms during the first litter but this should not continue through whelping and weaning. If such aggressive behavior is severe in the APBT such females should not be used as breeding stock and puppies from these litters should be culled or spay/neutered no matter how good they look or act. Dams that show aggression toward their newborn puppies and kill them should be culled or spay/neutered and not used in a breeding program. Dams that as the puppies get older play rough games are typically good mothers and this should not be confused with the previous case of infanticide.

Illness related aggression can include diseases and hereditary conditions such as rabies, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, neoplasia and various other neuroendocrine disorders. Older dogs can become grumpy and more aggressive, which is related to illness and pain aggression but can also be non-specific or senile type aggressive tendencies. If appropriate (e.g. young children in the household) older dogs that develop these tendencies should be isolated or humanely euthanized to protect family members.