Certain dogs show exaggerated aggression in situations where other dogs would be unresponsive. If we don't treat this behaviour in good time it can develop into pathological behaviour. Aggression may then be elicited by factors, which wouldn't normally result in such behaviour. Aggression varies in intensity and this can be seen clearly in the dog's facial and bodily expressions. Allelomimetic behaviour Allelomimetic behaviour is contagious behaviour, i.e. behaviour which influences another to do the same.
Dogs commonly show allelomimetic behaviour.
It is often advantageous for social animals to display this sort of behaviour. In prey animals like deer, zebra or wildebeest, one individual has the ability to trigger the whole herd to flee. This trait is so important for self-preservation that farm animals like sheep, cows and horses still retain it. Social predators show these traits for hunting purposes. If one member of the pack suddenly runs after possible prey it is likely to trigger the same response in the whole pack.