Understanding Dog Aggression: Is It Rewarding and Addictive?

Hey you! I'm Dr. Melanie, and today you and I are diving into a subject that perplexes and frustrates many dog owners: canine aggression towards other dogs. Whether it's at a doggy daycare, within a household, or even during regular walks, dog aggression is a topic that needs to be discussed. Recent studies have shown that aggression can not only be rewarding for dogs but can also develop into an addictive behavior.

If you're struggling with your dog's aggression, this post is a must-read. If you are more of a visual learner, check out the YouTube video where I first discussed this topic.

And for all (and more) publications that I refer to in this blog, you can download your reference share HERE (it will save you months and months of time to research this on your own!)

Aggressive Behavior: A Fascinating Area of Study

Animal aggression has been under the research microscope since the 1970s. However, the last decade has seen an intriguing twist: more focus on the rewarding and potentially addictive nature of aggressive behavior. These findings have broad implications, not just for dogs, but across various animal species.

The Origin of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

To understand why aggression can be rewarding, it's crucial to comprehend how it starts in the first place. Typically, the first instance of aggression comes from reacting to a particular stimulus or trigger. This behavior is known as reactive aggression. It often starts in younger dogs that are startled, threatened, or provoked.

But age or initial temperament doesn’t make your dog immune. In many cases, non-aggressive dogs can also become aggressive if they're continually exposed to threatening situations. If you're a trainer who often brings a non-aggressive dog to training sessions, keep a close eye on their behavior.

The Role of Studies in Understanding Aggression

Studies have shown that even submissive rodents can become aggressive when exposed to intruders in their territory. For example, the National Institute of Health and the University of Washington found that submissive mice, when exposed to intruders, began to engage in territorial aggression over time.

Is Aggression Rewarding? The Evidence

Research has found that aggressive behavior can indeed be rewarding for animals. In studies where mice were placed in environments that either triggered fights or were neutral, some mice preferred the "fight ring" over the peaceful zone. This preference indicates that the thrill of aggression was something these mice actively sought out.

This is highly relevant for dog owners. If your dog continually acts aggressively in a specific setting like a doggy daycare, it may not be entirely unprovoked. The environment itself could be putting your dog in an elevated "fighting" state of mind.

The "Winner Effect"

The so-called "winner effect" is another key factor that makes aggressive behavior rewarding. Winning a fight, even if it means the other dog is simply running away, elevates mood and confidence and leads to repetition of the aggressive act. In this sense, your dog's aggressive actions can become a self-reinforcing loop.

When Aggression Turns into Addiction

Astoundingly, some animals take this aggressive behavior to the next level and show signs similar to addiction. Elevated dopamine levels were observed in aggressive mice who had the option to trigger fights by pressing a lever. This rush of dopamine is eerily similar to the mechanism behind drug addiction.

Can Food or Electrical Shocks Stop Aggression?

You might think that positive reinforcement like food rewards or positive punishment like electrical shocks would curtail aggression. However, research has proven that neither is effective for long-term behavior change.

In trials, while food was initially effective in stopping aggressive mice from seeking fights, the mice quickly lost interest. On the other hand, electrical shocks did pause aggressive behavior momentarily, but the mice relapsed soon after.

What Does This Mean for Your Dog?

The takeaway here is that non-aggressive dogs can become aggressive if repeatedly put in triggering situations. So be mindful of your dog’s environment. Also, note that aggression can become rewarding and even addictive, driven by a sense of "winning."

Rehabilitation from aggressive behavior in dogs is more complex than a linear approach of rewards and punishments. Comprehensive strategies are key, a topic we'll delve into in a future discussion.

Final Thoughts

Aggressive behavior in dogs is complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors, from their environment to their previous experiences and even biochemical changes in their brains. Understanding the nuances is the first step in addressing and potentially curing aggressive behavior.

If you're interested in learning more about aggression in dogs or any other dog-related topic, feel free to leave a comment below or in the YouTube video where this subject was originally covered.

That's all for now. I hope this blog post sheds light on the complicated world of canine aggression. I'm Dr. Melanie, and I'll be back soon with more insightful information.