What To Do About An Aggressive Dog: The Ultimate Guide to Dealing with Dangerous Dogs

You Can Fix Dog Aggression Of Your Own Dog

As a dog owner, I know that canine aggression is a serious issue for you, your family, and your dog. Canine aggression — when a dog displays a scary, alarming behavior — can escalate when left unresolved.

This behavior can be so complicated when misunderstood that many dog owners wonder if they can really change their dogs' behavior.

I have a family. And I would do anything to ensure my beautiful wife and children were kept safe from any harm that could come their way. I take safety concerns seriously.

Despite my wariness about aggression, I also know that dog aggression is an issue that can be fixed. With a little time and training, any aggressive dog can be given a second chance at living a safe, happy, and healthy life.

In fact, if you're looking for a quality program to help you get started, I highly recommend The Dog Calming Code.

I recommend starting with my Puppy Coach training program if you have a puppy.

These training programs will give you all the tools you need to help your dog calm down and relax so that aggression isn't an issue.

And there's one more thing I want to make clear…

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There Are Many Ways In Solving Aggressive Dog Behavior

In some cases, you'll be able to use the tips I give you and find success. In other cases, it might be necessary to rehome a dog, especially if you have small children or other at-risk animals.

Example: You may have a dog who is loving toward people, but hates cats. The cat's life is at risk if you can't curb this through behavior modification. This might mean you must find a new loving home for the dog with someone who does not own cats.

Indeed, the goal is to find a solution so the dog and cat can live peacefully, and it can be done! But if, after using mytraining techniques and consulting with a dog trainer, the behavior isn't changing, you may have to reevaluate your situation.

It's your responsibility to do both what's best for your dog and what's best for your family. And if you're currently in a situation where lives (of both humans or animals) are at risk, you need to consider that.

Why Is My Dog Aggressive?

It can be a puzzle sometimes when pet dogs that were previously gentle and sweet display aggression. But why does this happen? Here are several reasons.

Serious Injuries

If a dog has sustained a serious injury, even one that seems healing, it can lead to aggression. Pain and discomfort can make a dog more irritable and reactive. An injured dog might display aggression to protect itself from further pain or unwanted handling of the affected area. They might snap or growl even at familiar people or other pets.

Predatory Aggression

This type of aggression is driven by the instinct to hunt and can be triggered by movement. While true predatory aggression towards humans involves dogs rarely biting with the intent to kill (it's often more of a chase and grab), it can still be dangerous, especially towards smaller animals. This instinct can be heightened in stimulating environments, so avoiding dog parks is often advised if your dog shows predatory tendencies towards other animals. Encounters with unfamiliar dogs in such settings can also trigger this drive.

Possessive/ Protective Aggression

This type of aggression arises from a dog's response to guarding resources they deem valuable. It's a dog's instinct to protect resources that help them survive. This could be their food, toys, sleeping area, or even a person. The aggressive behaviour here aims to keep others away from these perceived possessions. It can manifest as growling, snapping, or biting if someone approaches the protected item or individual.

Direct Aggression

Sometimes, aggression isn't related to protecting something or hunting. Direct aggression, which can affect aggression towards humans and other dogs, can stem from underlying issues like fear, anxiety, or even learned behaviors. This type of aggression can appear more “out of the blue” and might be triggered by things that make the dog feel threatened or uncomfortable, even without a clear resource being involved.

Sex Related Aggression

Hormones and reproductive instincts primarily drive sex-related aggression in dogs. This type of aggression is most often observed in intact male dogs who may challenge and fight with other males, even without a female present, due to competition for mates or establishment of social hierarchy. It can also manifest as maternal aggression in females.

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Fear Aggression Training: The Amazing Ability To Change Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

I remember my mum telling me when I was young…

‘You know what I love about you, Dan? You always look after the kids who are weak and need help.' She wasn't talking about dogs then, but it's true.

And I guess I haven't changed!

My heart always wants to reach out and help. This morning, I was able to help a sea bird injured on the beach, and I often rescue honey bees that I find lying exhausted around the property. All they need is a little sugar solution and a place to rest before heading back to their hive in the morning.

I've always loved the underdog.

Buck, a dog I've had the privilege of working with, is one of those ‘underdogs' who captured my heart. He's one of the male dogs I learned much from…and I think you will too.

So, before you continue, check out this quick video clip of me working with Buck.

Now that you've watched the video, I thought I'd share a few things that come to mind as I look back at my time with Buck about dog aggression and a dog's ability to change.

Read the rest of Buck's story here.

Training Aggressive Dogs: Understanding Dominant and Fearful Aggression

Over the years, I've worked with thousands of unruly and aggressive dogs who were hostile to other dogs. And that's what this is about: understanding dog-on-dog aggression.

One encounter that sticks in my memory is a Great Dane Border Collie cross who weighed close to 80 kg and was so aggressive that when I brought him out of the car on a double leash my dogs hid in the bushes on the far side of the park.

On the other end of the spectrum, I've also seen tiny little dogs snap away at my biggest dog, Jack, whilst he calmly ignored them and carried on smelling the flowers!

And from these experiences, I've learned that size, breed, color, etc., tend to have nothing to do with why a dog is aggressive.

With that in mind, I know that when working with an aggressive dog, I have to answer a few questions…

‘Why did they do what they did?'

‘What was the goal of their aggression?'

‘What made them do it?'

If we can answer those questions, then we get a better understanding of where a dog is coming from and then can form an approach that will help him start to relax and overcome his aggression.

Clearly, there are many different reasons why a dog may be aggressive. He may have a fear of something happening. His aggression may be linked to some previous abuse. Or he may feel threatened of somebody or simply have a serious lack of confidence.

If I tried to go into all of those problems, we'd be here for days.

So, today my focus is going to be on how to better understand the difference between dominant and fearful aggression–two of the most common types of aggression. Then you'll be able to get an idea of what you can do to help aggressive dogs.

Keep reading to discover more about the different types of aggression.

KNOW THE #1 REASON WHY DOGS ARE AGGRESSIVE + THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION TO AGGRESSION

Stop Dog-on-Dog Aggression At Home

Dog aggression between dogs living in the same home is an interesting topic for a number of reasons. The main one has to be the question ‘Why would two dogs who have lived together, often for many years, suddenly attack each other?'

Let's explore: Why are my dogs fighting?

Now, I should mention here that I am not talking about little squabbles, growls and minor disagreements. This sort of behavior is commonplace and usually over in a matter of seconds with absolutely no damage or injuries to speak of.

Over the years you become used to hearing loud eruptions of noise in another room, and sprint to the scene of the crime only to find all the dogs lying around quite happily looking at you as if to say, ‘What's the problem? No drama, we've sorted it out.'

Serious Fighting

The serious fighting that I am talking about is very different where the dogs are out to injure, dominate or hurt the other dog. It leads to puncture wounds, visits to the vet and can end up very serious.

In this situation, it is clear that the dogs are not scared of each other, like they may be of an unknown dog that happens to pass by the property. And, after a fight, the dogs may be wary and display some signs of fear for one another, which generally subsides until the next flare-up. But, this behavior still doesn't explain why, after years of playing together, they have suddenly become arch-enemies.

Triggers Are Not The Key

Even though there may be an obvious trigger that has set the dogs off, do not be fooled into thinking this is the cause of the problem. A bone, a ball, trying to receive pats or cuddles from an owner or increased stress levels in a home can all add to the chance of dogs fighting–but it's not the cause. The real long-term solution does not lie in the trigger.

Power Of The Pack

To understand a dog, you need to recognize the power of the pack and the need to have strong pack leaders who are lovingly showing them the way to behave. When they are not present, the dogs will do their best to fill the vacant position.

With two dogs present and no human filling the role of decision maker or leader, it is often a case that they will simply fight it out between them to see who will be in charge.

Of course, every situation is different in the details, but in a nutshell, this is how the dogs see it, and the solution is no different. You need to become the pack leader. The solution is that simple.

In-home fighting is not something that can be solved using pats, cuddles, positive reinforcement and treats alone. You need something more. I often say it's about understanding dog psychology and where the dog is coming from rather than just ‘training the dog'.

Continue reading to learn more about becoming the pack leader here.

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When Dogs Bite Their Owners: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It

Ever wondered why on earth a dog would bite his owner? Or maybe your question is even closer to home, such as, ‘why did my dog bite ME?'

Why did they do it? Was it random? Have they tasted blood? Is this the end? Can anyone help now? Is it too late?

When dogs bite it can be extremely stressful for all involved. The good news is that there is a solution, and it's not rocket science.

Read the rest of the post here.

Warning Signs That Your Dog Is Turning Aggressive

Here are 5 signs in your dog's body language that tell you they're escalating towards aggression. It's important to recognize these early on:

Sign #1: Hard Stare and Tense Body Language

Instead of a relaxed, soft gaze, an aggressive dog might give a direct, unwavering stare. Their body will often become stiff and tense, with their weight shifted forward. This is a sign of high arousal and potential intent to engage.

Sign #2: Snapping or Air Snapping

These are often quick, forceful movements of the mouth without making contact. They're a clear warning sign that the dog is uncomfortable and saying, “Back off!” Even if there's no actual bite, they indicate a willingness to use its teeth.

Sign #3: Growling

While sometimes a playful sound, a low, rumbling growl, especially when accompanied by other tense body language, is a serious warning. It's the dog's way of saying they feel threatened and may escalate if the perceived threat doesn't move away. If a dog growls when you come closer to their food bowl, take it as their warning.

Sign #4: Showing Teeth

When a dog pulls back their lips to expose their teeth, particularly the canines, it signals potential aggression. A wrinkled muzzle and a tense posture often accompany this.

Sign #5: Lunging with Barks or Snaps

A lunge forward is a significant escalation, especially when paired with aggressive barks or snaps. It indicates the dog is moving to close the distance and potentially make contact. This behavior needs to be taken very seriously.

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What To Do If Your Dog Starts to Show The First Signs of Canine Aggression

Understanding and addressing canine aggression is paramount for everyone's safety concerns. When a normally friendly dog begins to behave aggressively, it's crucial to examine the underlying causes from the dog's perspective. This behavior isn't always straightforward; it could stem from defensive aggression due to a perceived threat, or perhaps a form of possessive aggression over resources, sometimes even escalating to direct aggression if left unmanaged.

While predatory behavior might also be a factor in some instances, it's important to remember that such displays require careful assessment. Initiating obedience training is often a vital step, but for significant aggressive response issues, seeking professional help is highly recommended to ensure the dog's progress and the well-being of all family members.

Make Sure Everyone's Safe, Immediately

This is the top priority. If your dog is reactive, you need to prevent bites. That might mean separating it from the other dog right away, using its leash, or putting it in a different area.

Start Paying Close Attention To When It Happens And What Triggers It

Try to be like a detective and notice every little detail. Does it only happen with certain dogs? When they're on a leash? Around food or toys? Write it down so you can see patterns.

Get Your Dog A Check-up At The Vet

Sometimes, a dog's behavior can change because they're not feeling well or something else is occurring medically. It's important to rule out any health issues.

Do Your Best To Avoid The Situations That Set Them Off

Once you know what makes your dog aggressive, keep them away from those things for now. If they react to other dogs on walks, maybe walk them in quieter areas or at different times. Reducing their stress is important.

Reach Out To A Professional Dog Trainer Or A Veterinary Behaviorist

Dealing with dog aggression can be tricky, and getting expert help is usually best. A qualified professional dog trainer or a certified applied animal behaviorist can assess your dog's specific situation and create a training plan to help manage and improve their behavior.

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Excited and Aggressive Dog Greetings

‘So, is my dog aggressive, or is he just excited?’ This is the big question that many people (and often me) ask themselves as their dogs race up, bounding and barking at other dogs that they meet.

The answer is not simply one or the other; in most cases, it is a bit of both. As I explain in the podcast, the more excited your dog is, the greater the chance his behaviour may be interpreted as aggressive or threatening. The calmer your dog is, the better your chances of a quiet encounter.

What should you do when your dog is pulling and lunging?

Listen to my podcast to find out…

The trick to calming an overexcited dog is training him to be calm. This is a very subtle point, but it is crucial for success and often overlooked.

For my tips and tools on how to do this, read the rest of the article here.

I really hope that these tips and tools will help you help your dog overcome his aggression issues. Remember, there is always hope, no matter how bad the situation is.

Best of luck!

~Doggy Dan 🙂