dominance aggression

The term Dominance Aggression is usually used in behavioral problem in dogs. In normal context, this is seen as behavior by an animal that asserts its dominance over another or a human, such as competing for food, resisting control measures, or assuming dominant postures. What is all this about Guido? What have this got to do with Architecture? Yet another Guido's random rambling?

Well, not at all you self-loathing critical readers! I came across this idea last week when I happen to notice a particular well-known project Architect that follows this symptom. So, I wonder whether this problem has a widespread implications in our professional industry. To help understand this problem, I shall explain its context in dogs and mirror it with my fellow human Architect/s. Shall we start?

Most dogs (Architects) are content to let people (Senior Partner/Directors) be in charge. As puppies (Students / Juniors), they quickly learn to look to us (Senior / Lead) to let them know what we (Senior / Lead) want them (Students / Juniors) to do. Some dogs (Architects) seem to have a harder time with this. A dominantly aggressive dog will consistently growl, snap, or bite when a person does something, or asks the dog to do something, which the dog (Architects) does not like. This is different than a dog (Architect) that is assertive or pushy, but will obey a firm command. This is also not the same situation as a dog (Architect) which has been pushed beyond her limit by cruelty or pain. A dominantly aggressive dog (Architect) has an inappropriate response to normal situations. The dog (Architect) is trying to control the situation with her reaction, rather than allowing a person to have control.

These dogs (Architects) may be protective over food (Food) or toys (Toys & Money), or favorite sleeping areas (Flat, House, etc). They may react if they are groomed (Office Culture), or if you stare (Office Red Tape) at them, or if they are punished (Displinary). In the beginning, the problem usually only occurs at certain times, for example, if you disturb your dog while she is eating (Lunch / Dinner / Coffee Break). Then it begins to occur more often, when you move to place the leash (Senior looking) over her head, or tell her to get off of the sofa, etc. The problem is not the situation, but the issue of control. Yelling, or physical correction such as scruffing, rolling the dog over, or 'hanging' the dog by her collar or choke chain (displinary action or internal corporate culture) are not appropriate or effective form of discipline, and will only make matters worse. These attempts to 'show the dog who is boss' may challenge the dog (Architect) to be more aggressive, may injure and do nothing to teach a more appropriate behavior in place of aggression.

What can be done to stop this aggressive behaviour? Neuter the bastard, I'd say!!