There are many reasons why your dog may be aggressive, and some of these may need professional help, and in some cases, veterinary advice. Read about some of the main causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs here.
Your dog has a personality completely unique to them – and like all dogs, they have different moods ranging from joyful to scared. If your dog is behaving aggressively however – either to people or other dogs - you should address it as soon as possible.
Aggressive dog behaviour can include:Aggression toward strangers
Aggression against family members
Guarding resources (such as food, treats or toys)Aggression to other dogs in the household
Aggression to unknown dogs
If your dog is showing any signs of aggression – especially if this is a new behaviour, first of all, consult your veterinary surgeon. Your vet will conduct a full examination to see if there is a clinical reason for your dog’s aggression such as pain, discomfort or any other physical cause.
If no medical explanation or treatment can be found, the vet can refer you to a professional behaviourist for help. Take a look at your pet insurance policy - some will cover these fees for your added peace of mind.
Although taking your dog to see the vet or behaviourist might seem worrying, you should never attempt to treat your dog’s aggression yourself, or ignore it and hope it will go away. If your dog’s aggression is not tackled quickly and appropriately, the problem can escalate and may result in serious injury to yourself and your family, other people or other animals, and even legal issues – and of course, you want to get help for your dog long before it gets this far! This is a problem that is far better - and far easier - tackled straight away.