Aggression in Dogs : A Complete Review

Gaille Perry

Abstract

Aggression is defined and the different situations in which aggressive behaviour can occur are discussed. Breed and sex tendencies for particular types of aggressive behaviour are included, as is their inherited or learned origin. Thompson's 1990 paper on the incidence of dog attacks drawn from the National Injury Data Base, and, in particular, his conclusions, require discussion. Thompson found that six breeds were responsible for a disproportionately large number of dog attacks and suggested their ownership be discouraged, especially by parents of young children. This paper shows that such action is unnecessary if the public is educated in correct dog management and if councils adopt and enforce sensible dog management by-laws.

About the author

Gaille Perry BVSc DipEd BEdStud
Animal and Veterinary Services Section
Ithaca College of TAFE
Fulcher Rd
RED HILL
AUSTRALIA 4059
Phone (07)369 9011
Fax (07) 368 1315

In my high school and undergraduate days I bred, showed and trained dogs, and became interested in dog behaviour.

After gaining my veterinary degree I worked in my own mixed practice for 10 years. Then in 1983 I qualified as a teacher and began teaching veterinary nursing at Ithaca TAFE College.

Ithaca College has conducted an in-service course for animal control officers for several years, and my teaching contact with these students (supplemented by contact with advocates of responsible pet ownership like Dick Murray and Jenny Brennan) introduced me to the problems of urban animal management.

In 1990 our section ran a short intensive course for RSPCA refuge workers and a close working relationship with that organisation ensued. This has enabled me to view at first hand the results of lack of planning and responsibility in pet ownership. Early in 1992 I developed and taught a course for dog obedience instructors on dog behaviour and training. Also in 1992 I joined a steering committee to introduce a course in responsible pet ownership into Queensland primary schools.

I fervently believe that animal control will be just that, control, unless we work at changing people's attitudes towards pet ownership. Only then will the subject become animal management.

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