Dogs That Stalk
Copyright © 2004 by Karyn Garvin

Aggression in dogs is a serious problem. It is a concern in every community as well as a life-threatening problem for the dog that exhibits this behavior. This article takes a look at how even the most wonderful family dog can learn to stalk people and other pets from their own home.

Often, it begins with a dog that suffers from boredom and has a wonderful picture window to look out for entertainment. It may begin when the owner is gone during the day and the dog lies waiting and looking out the window. Inevitably, a person or a dog may pass by and the dog does what comes naturally, it barks. As a matter of fact it may bark very aggressively, because it feels safe putting on a good show protected by the window. It's a natural instinct for dogs to act protective; they find it very rewarding. Most owners understand this and aren't concerned until it becomes a big problem. The problem mounts with each passerby as the dog becomes skilled at acting out its aggression. Day after day, one rehearsal after another, and we end up with a dog that has a conditioned response.

Everyone knows that there isn't a better way to create a mean dog than by chaining it. The same conditions exist here. First, there is boredom, and second, there is a barrier frustration. The dog entertains itself by protecting its area. With repetition, it actually begins to see all passersby as annoying threats. Now that you understand the similarities, you may also see how allowing this kind of behavior to go on and on through windows or behind fences can arrive at the same results.