Authors : Joaquin Perez-Guisado and Andres Munoz-Serrano
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine factors that might be linked to dominance aggression in pet dogs. Our results show that possession aggression is the first manifestation of dominance aggression and its basic form. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors that are associated with higher levels of dominance aggression and depend on the owner include first time ownership, a lack of obedience training, the owner not being the main obedience trainer, spoiling the dog, not using physical punishment, acquisition as a present, as a pet, impulsively, or to guard and spaying female dogs. Modifiable factors have the greatest influence on dominance aggression in dogs. Dog-dependent factors (gender, breed, age, size and coat color) are fewer than owner dependent factors. There was an association between certain dog behaviour patterns and higher level of dominance aggression.
Joaquin Perez-Guisado and Andres Munoz-Serrano , 2009. Factors Linked to Dominance Aggression in Dogs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 336-342.