More of this Feature • Introduction to Mental Health Month • Do Dogs Get Depression? • When Anxiety Attacks

Aggression Variables • Biting the Hands That Feed You • Dog Aggression • Chained Reaction • Fear Aggression • Possession Aggression • Dominance Aggression

Cage Rage is often seen in neglect situations, or, more accurately, in puppy mill dogs. After spending months, perhaps years in a cage by yourself, or even with others, these dogs begin to see the cage as their territory, defending it when necessary. Even worse, a caged dog is a trapped and cornered dog. In a confrontational situation, the dog no longer has the "flight" option, and "fight" is all that is left.

In shelter dogs too, you may see the beginnings of Cage Rage. Perhaps not Aggression, but rather an unruly hyperactivity that will put off a lot of adopters, who may think that the dog will be like that normally. Often this is just a temporary thing, resolving itself as the dog has a little more freedom, and is no longer staring at bars all day.

Next Week : Obsessive - Compulsive Behaviors
Introduction to Mental Health Month
Do Dogs Get Depression?
When Anxiety Attacks