Kathy mentioned in another thread that she would like to learn more about social aggression. I would too. My Grizzly has a decent dose, so I have had 8 month of exposure. My little evil genius has changed a lot of my preconceived notions on the subject of aggression, but I still have a lot to learn. I know it is probably a broad subject, so let’s start simply.

What is social aggression?
What is the role of social aggression in our breed?
How do you recognize it in a dog?
What is often mistaken as social aggression?
What are the benefits of social aggression?
What are the challenges of social aggression?

Great topic Amy, thanks for starting it off. Waiting for the experts to feed all of us.

This is a topic I would like to learn more about.

I know none of the answers, but would love to learn about it as well.

I too am interested in those questions...

or in keeping with the thread should I say .

For me social aggression is the dog's desire to climb the hierarchical ladder of the pack as well as dominate/threaten outsiders, both canine and human. In other words, social aggression is the inner desire to establish dominance. I have not encountered a dog with strong social aggression yet but I realize that my experience is pretty limited.

Me too. Why can't it be as easy to diagnose dogs as it is humans? I know many who I would like to stick in a crate and let them "bark" by themselves!

OK here is my take:

Social Aggression is the dogs genetically ability to want to defend his territory. It is what gives the dog the ability or drive to want to engage to defend what he deems as his territory. A sign of Social Aggression is a deepness of a growl that turns into a deep bark. I have seen and heard this growl, it almost seems to radiate from the dog warning others of his power. Many times a lesser dog or as seen in wolf pack will tuck his tail and slowly retreat out of the dogs territory. No fighting, no chasing, the lesser dog retreats. When a dog with Social Aggression has given his warning and it is not heeded then he is ready willing and able to engage. Social Aggression is not as it sounds aggressive in social situation that we put our dogs in almost daily. But the bred in ability to want to defend or protect what he deems as his territory.