Dr Debbie Calnon is a well-respected veterinarian, with additional qualifications in behavioural medicine, and we're sure that her article will be a great benefit to owners of dogs that have displayed some level of aggression either towards other people or animals. We strongly recommend owners of dogs exhibiting aggressive behaviour seek professional veterinary behavioural advice.
Is it all my fault?
Many owners of dogs with aggression problems are concerned that they are responsible for creating this snarling ball of fluff in their midst. The overwhelming majority of dog owners would not choose to own an aggressive dog. Unfortunately, some dogs have quite a strong genetic predisposition to be aggressive in certain circumstances.
In the work that I do assisting owners with dogs with various problems (the most common of which is aggression of one sort or another), it is rare to see a case where the owners are the primary cause of the dog's problem. There are some "problem" dogs out there who have terrific owners committed to improving their behaviour for the better. It is important not to allow misplaced guilt or denial to act as barriers to recognising and treating the problem.
Is this the dog for me?
It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A similar adage could be used for owners of dogs with aggression issues. It all comes down to the degree of risk that any owner is willing to take with regard to their dog's behaviour. Clearly, it is also important that these owners understand their social and legal responsibilities in ensuring their dogs don't harm other people or pets.
Any dog has the ability to bite - but some have to be challenged much more than others to elicit this response. Levels of aggression are on a continuum - with some at the very high end and others at the very low end, with most somewhere in between these two extremes. A dog with a history of aggression will always be a more risky proposition than one who has never shown this type of behaviour.
What are my options?
The majority of dogs who show aggression tend to do so toward particular targets and in particular situations. The archetypal devil dog who can't wait to sink his teeth into all and sundry is, thankfully, more at home on the silver screen than in reality. Most dogs with aggression problems are well behaved most of the time.
However, any history of aggression is a very significant part of your dog's behavioural repertoire. It means these dogs need more direction and supervision than your average dog. Behaviour modification takes a significant amount of time and dedication with no absolute guarantees. In some instances owners will elect euthanasia. Euthanasia is a very difficult and sometimes distressing decision, but may be required for the safety of other people or animals that come into contact with the dog. Professional advice should be sought to enable owners to explore the risks and management/treatment options in detail.
How can I help?
It is important that your dog doesn't practice his unwanted behaviour. Often the dog may perceive he is rewarded for acting in a socially unacceptable way. Take, for instance, a dog who is anxious about men approaching him and inclined to be aggressive toward them. If the dog growls and lunges as the man approaches, then it is likely the man will come no further and walk away. The dog will feel a huge sense of relief as the man disappears. Unfortunately, this will encourage the dog to try an aggressive strategy in the future.
It is now recognised that the aggressive response, in itself, produces certain chemicals in the brain that make the dog feel good too. Similar to the "rush" you might feel after surviving a trip on a roller coaster. So even if the man had decided to stay around the dog is learning that aggressive behaviour is rewarding and worth repeating. Obviously, the chance of someone being injured makes it imperative to avoid repeating aggressive responses.
Avoiding triggers for aggression can be difficult to carry out, but is very important if your dog's behaviour is to improve. It might mean changes in the way you manage your dog in the short term. The type of change will depend on the circumstances where the problem behaviour occurs.
A few examples might include altering when or where you walk your dog, removing your dog from the front door when visitors arrive or providing a covered crate for your dog to travel in. It is ideal if you can identify the triggers for your dog's aggression. Then devise a strategy that will prevent your dog from being exposed to these triggers while he has an opportunity to learn a more appropriate response.
