Switch To A Low Protein Diet To Deter Aggressive Dog Behavior
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010
by Sylvia Dickens
Hale Publishing
Did you know that switching your dog's diet can halt aggressive dog behavior? A study conducted by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Massachusettes, has shown that such behavior can be related to nutrition.
Aggressive dog behavior can be a major problem for dog owners. In some cases, their dogs are so aggressive and threatening that they are afraid of their own pets. Dogs can sense when someone is afraid and this only magnifies the problem.
High-protein diets are shown to be a major factor, according to the study. After switching to a low-protein diet, many owners in the study group reported a huge reduction in their dog's aggression. While one or two instances of improved behavior might be limited proof, the fact that the results could be duplicated by repeatedly changing from a high to a low protein diet is real, measurable evidence.
It's understandable that pet owners would think that a high protein diet would be good for their dogs, but it only matters in certain situations. Pregnant, nursing and orking dogs need more protein, as does puppies under one year of age. These dogs use more protein to create energy and, in the case of puppies, they need it to build strong, healthy bodies. Without the proper amount of protein, puppies can end up with serious health issues.
Working dogs need a lot of energy to do what they do and for this, they require protein that will provide the energy and help them stay healthy and fit. With insufficient protein intake, the dog will get its energy from the body itself instead of from the food, which would be an unhealthy situation.
According to the study, puppies under one year need a diet of 28% protein content. High-performance dogs can benefit from 32% protein diets.
Dogs have a tendency, or more precisely an instinct, to protect their territory. To do so effectively, they must have some level of aggression. An owner of such a dog might think that this is normal, which it is, but if the aggression is excessive, it is a problem that must be dealt with quickly.
Switching to a low protein diet might be all that is required. Of course, some dogs have behavior problems that are more extensive and require a different kind of treatment. Dogs that have been abused, isolated or malnourished are likely to have issues that acquire a dog behavior specialist to overcome them.
Switching to a low protein diet will soon show you whether or not this is the reason your dog is aggressive. Allow enough time to see results, and then switch back to the old diet and see if he changes back to his former behavior.
You will soon be able to tell whether diet is the cause of the aggressive dog behavior. If it appears not to be, then your dog might need the help of a dog behavior specialist who can offer other solutions.
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Sylvia has owned dogs all her life and has put together this special free report, "How To Pick The Right Dog Training Tools" to help you. For more valuable advice, take a free trial of Sylvia's extensive Puppy Parenting Course which offers more valuable advice on how to raise and train a dog properly. It covers everything from choosing the right dog for you and on through all the stages of the puppy's development.
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