Pointers are typically gentle, good-natured dogs that almost always get along well with other animals as well as people – even strangers. However, any type of dog can become aggressive or have dominance issues, including Pointers. If your Pointer shows aggressive tendencies you’ll need to address and resolve the problem quickly, before matters get out of hand.
The first step in dealing with Pointer aggression is identifying what’s causing it. A Pointer biting, baring his teeth or growling goes against the breed’s gentle nature, so something significant is causing that behavior. For example, your Pointer’s aggressiveness might be caused by a dominance issue between you and your dog, or it might be the result of something that happened while your dog was still a puppy, such as being beaten by a previous owner or being frightened by another dog. Whatever is causing your Pointer aggression problem, however, you’ll need to deal with it immediately. Unresolved aggression issues can be not only frightening, but dangerous – especially in a large, athletic dog like a Pointer.
Even if you’re unable to identify what’s causing your Pointer aggression problem, you’ll need to buckle down and quickly apply some Pointer training techniques to eliminate your dog’s aggressive behavior, whether it’s dominance-related or defensive aggression. Before you begin, realize that most aggressive behavior, whether in a Pointer or any other type of dog, is the result of poor socialization and/or fear. A dog that has not been properly socialized or has been terrorized by a harsh owner or another dog is much more likely to develop aggressive tendencies as he grows older. All dogs should be socialized while they’re young pups so they understand how to interact properly with other dogs and realize that biting humans is always unacceptable. If your Pointer is a pup, make sure you begin socializing him as early as possible.
Pointer aggression can also be the result of your dog trying to establish his position within the pack’s pecking order. Dogs jockeying for the dominant, alpha position in their packs often bite or exhibit other types of aggression. If your dog perceives you as a weak leader you could be in for a power struggle, because he might be tempted to try to become the alpha dog and take your place as the pack leader. You can prevent or eliminate dominance-related aggression by firmly establishing and maintaining your status as the pack leader. Once your Pointer realizes you’re the alpha dog in the house and he’s your subordinate, he’ll stop trying to take control. In addition to curbing dominance-related aggression, you’ll notice a difference in how promptly your Pointer obeys your commands – and he’ll do so without question or hesitation.
Certain key behaviors indicate a dog is trying to become the boss of the house. They include walking through doors before you, pushing you aside in tight spaces, pulling on the leash, being possessive about food, toys or other favorite items, disobeying your orders or pretending he doesn’t hear you, maintaining direct eye contact (a submissive dog will look away; a truly aggressive dog might growl or snap if you stare at him), sleeping on couches, beds or other elevated areas, mouthing your hand or fingers, demanding your attention by nudging you, leaning against you or putting a paw on your lap, and growling or snapping when made to move or when being disciplined. If you notice any of these types of behaviors, re-establish your proper position as your dog’s pack leader.
Raging hormones can also bring out Pointer aggression. If your dog hasn’t been neutered or spayed, consider making an appointment to have that done, because it can make a big difference. Unaltered, adult male dogs bite more frequently than females or neutered or spayed dogs, and they have more problems with aggression. Spaying or neutering can make your dog healthier as well as happier and calmer, and you’ll enjoy a more pleasant life together because of it.
Remember, a dog that’s fearful may bite or act aggressively in some other unacceptable manner. Never reward your dog for exhibiting aggression, especially if he’s displaying defensive aggression spawned by fear. Keep in mind, though, that growling or displaying a “stiff” body posture is your dog’s way of signaling his discomfort about a situation. Usually that discomfort stems from fear and a perception that he must defend himself from what he thinks is a threat. In a way, a growl or stiffening of the body is a warning sign that your dog needs help. You need to defuse the situation and then train him to respond to it differently.
Training Pointers not to act aggressively is possible, but it will require plenty of time, patience and persistence. Severe cases might require the assistance of a dog behavior specialist. Pointer aggression can be a major issue, but you can control it if you know how to deal with it. Just do it immediately, both for your sake and your dog’s. If you delay, your dog’s aggressive tendencies might progress to overt violence. You, someone else, or another dog could be seriously injured, and you’ll be held responsible. And, if your dog attacks a person, he might pay the ultimate price.