Hierarchical Aggression

Hierarchical aggression occurs both between dogs and between dogs and humans. Hierarchical aggression is triggered in situations when the dog feels that his prerogatives as a leader are being challenged, either in the pack of dogs or in the dog-human pack. A dominant animal is an individual who ensures cohesion in the social group by inhibiting aggression by the other members of the pack. The dominant dog eats first, eats slowly and enjoys being watched by his subjects. He controls the occupation of territory and space, as well as the movement of his subjects. Consequently, he is often in a strategic place where he can monitor everything. He controls reproduction and oversees the sexual activity of the group. A dominant male or bitch may mate in front of the other members of the pack.

Within the human pack (the family, for example), this may be exacerbated in the presence of a same-sex owner. A subordinate dog, on the other hand, may not mate in front of the other dominant dogs, much less in front of the dominant owners. He will be inhibited in the presence of a same-sex owner. Dominant owners should not watch their animal mate. The dominant dog will mount his congeners, persons of the same sex, even cushions, in front of everybody. This is not a homosexual act, but an act of dominance. Any challenge to his prerogatives as the leader can be the source of hierarchical aggression involving a typical behavioral sequence (threat, bite and appeasement) that is directed at other dogs or humans.

Appeasement happens in the same way with humans as with dogs. Sometimes the dog will come over to lick the bitten limb held out to him by his owner and the owner then thinks that the dog has come to ask forgiveness.

Frustration-induced aggression is triggered by frustrations such as hunger, pain, or prolonged physical contact initiated by a subordinate (such as the case of an owner who wants to pet or brush his dog). Territorial aggression is triggered when there is an invasion of the area of seclusion or the pack's territory. As for maternal aggression, the presence of puppies is a must in order for it to be triggered. However a toy, stuffed animal, even a slipper may also trigger it.

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