Try our canine mall. . . . The development and use of special terms helps bind together those who work in a specific discipline or practice particular hobbies. The specific jargon is frequently misunderstood by those outside the circle, and so it is with a variety of terms referring to dog behaviors. Aggression Aggression or aggressive behavior is manifested by some type of attack involving teeth that is often preceded by a warning growl or stiffening of the body, usually accompanied by ferocious snarling and blood loss.
Dogs can be aggressive when defending their territory or possessions from animals or humans.
Although a reason for aggression can often be readily identified, this behavior should not be ignored or excused lest it become viciousness and endanger life and limb. Dominance Dominance or dominant behavior is common to some breeds and many intelligent, independent individual dogs. Dominant dogs have a great deal of self-confidence that they use to get what they want, whether another dog's biscuit or a place in the master's bed. Dominant dogs refuse to obey small children and control meek adults with a glance, a growl, or a subtle body check. They should never be left alone with children.