Maltipoos are generally cute, friendly, and playful dogs who are not aggressive. However, there may be instances where they can display aggressiveness. We will examine why this may be and what can be done about it.
Several factors may cause aggression in Maltipoos, such as health issues, improper training, and lack of socialization.
They will show aggression through biting, growling, nipping, and disobedience. You may observe that their behavior is out-of-control.
Maltipoos are sensitive and like how their owners shower them with attention and care. If they constantly feel separation anxiety, their behavior can change. Also, if you have children at home, they must not be harsh and should understand the feelings of their pet Maltipoo.
If you observe that your Maltipoo becomes aggressive, there are ways to manage the aggression. You must be extra careful with this breed, especially young ones. We have gathered relevant and helpful information to prevent your Maltipoos from being aggressive.
Maltipoos Are Not Naturally Aggressive
Maltipoos are not known as an aggressive breed, and they are friendly, playful, gentle, and lovable.
As a background, a Maltipoo is a crossbreed of the Maltese and a Toy Poodle. Its temperament is a hybrid of gentle and athletic. They are great companions for new dog owners or therapy dogs.
These dogs love attention and care from their owners. Yet, they are very sensitive and might develop separation anxiety when their owners leave them for a long time. Hence, it would be best if you had extra time to show them affection.
Moreover, a Maltipoo is a good family pet. Their energy goes along well with children. Although they can be playful, you must supervise your children when playing with the dogs, and your children must not be heavy-handed with the dogs.
Reasons That Cause Maltipoos To Become Aggressive
Aggressive behavior in dogs is a complex problem. There are multiple reasons Maltipoos become aggressive. By knowing these, you can better understand your dog.
Here are the common causes of aggression:
Establishing Dominance/Hierarchy
Your pet Maltipoo might want to show dominance over the owner because it is protecting itself. An example is when you take away their toy or get near their food. They can also show aggression if they want to get something from you.
Also, your Maltipoo might want to be the boss, and it frustrates them if you stop their activities.
Health Issues
Maltipoos can get irritable and become aggressive because they feel pain inside. There can be some infection or injury that affects the dog’s mood.
Bring your pet to the vet if it reacts angrily when you touch it. They should have a complete check-up to see the underlying health issues.
Playing Gets Out of Control
Although playing is good for the dogs, overexcitement, too much biting, and violent actions during playtime can mean aggression. Your Maltipoo might not be aware of its actions.
Fear
You and your Maltipoo may not have established trust, which is why it is showing aggression. Trust is vital to create a harmonious relationship with your Maltipoo. Without trust, Maltipoos get frightened even if you are the owner.
Past Trauma
Aside from fear, your pet Maltipoo may have experienced abuse or abandonment. When they encounter a similar situation, it can trigger their trauma. An example is food guarding, wherein your pets get anxious if you try to take away food from them.
Lack of Socialization
Socialization forms the trust of Maltipoos with owners. It would be best to allow your dogs to interact when they become puppies. In that way, your Maltipoos will get comfortable when people are around.
Teething
This process causes intense pain and itching to the dogs. Your Maltipoo will have the urge to chew what is in front while growling hysterically.
Signs Of Aggression In Maltipoos
Aside from determining the cause of aggression, you can also observe your Maltipoo for the following signs:
Growling
This behavior will show if something or someone frightens your Maltipoo. A person, animal, or object known or unknown to the Maltipoo can scare them.
Also, they will growl if they see someone close to their food and water bowls or if you take or change their food.
Nipping
The jaws will quickly snap when Maltipoos are nipping. Teeth may come in contact with skin or an object, but the jaws do not lock. If your Maltipoo is nipping you, you should immediately stop what you are doing to avoid a bite.
Biting
This action is the most aggressive. Your Maltipoos will exhibit this action if they are in a life-threatening situation or feel vulnerable. Their jaws will lock down, and their teeth will sink in.
Disobedience
The behavior of your Maltipoo changes when they are aggressive. They will not follow your commands and just run around the house and ignore you. If you give food or toys, they will reject them.
Managing Aggressive Maltipoos
The aggressive behavior of Maltipoos is manageable through proper training. Read below some tips to minimize aggression.
- Address the medical issues your Maltipoo is experiencing.
- Conduct regular training and socialization activities to make changes in behavior. You can expose your Maltipoo to new people, dogs, and surroundings.
- Show that you are the boss, enter or exit your home first. Inform your dog when they are not behaving as you would like.
- Provide treats when your Maltipoo is showing the correct behavior.
- Hire a professional trainer or enroll in pet training courses.
Summary – Are Maltipoos Aggressive?
Maltipoos are overwhelmingly a soft non-aggressive breed.
There may be rare occasions when they show aggression if they suffer pain or are not cared for properly.
Maltipoos are sensitive, so you must be careful when playing, feeding, or training them. Be sensitive to any issues that may be causing them discomfort and stress.
Aggression can be addressed with training, structure, socialization, love, and devotion.
