Do You Have an Aggressive Dog? Here Are 10 Things That May Help.

Living with a dog who growls, snaps or threatens to bite can be stressful. Safety comes first. A general checklist cannot diagnose the cause or replace an individual plan from your veterinarian and a qualified behavior professional.

The AVMA recommends veterinary advice when fear or aggression is concerning; pain or illness can contribute to behavior changes. Here are ten ways to prepare for that help and manage everyday arrangements more carefully.

10 Things That May Help

1. Call your veterinarian. Describe what happened, including any sudden change or bite history. Ask how to arrange the visit safely.
2. Ask for qualified behavior help. Seek a veterinary behaviorist or another appropriately qualified professional with experience in aggression. Ask about methods and how the professional will work with your vet.
3. Write down the circumstances. Record what was happening before an incident, who was nearby and what your dog did. Do not provoke another incident to obtain a video.
4. Avoid known triggers while getting advice. Do not force greetings or use a busy dog park to try to “socialize” away the problem.
5. Plan for visitors. Arrange secure separation before a visitor or service provider enters. Tell people about access instructions in advance.
6. Keep children out of the training role. An adult should handle the arrangements with the professional. Do not ask children to test whether the dog is improving.
7. Choose reward-based methods. Avoid physical punishment or intimidation. AVSAB's current guidance supports reward-based training, including for behavior problems.
8. Ask about equipment. If a muzzle or another management tool is being considered, get professional guidance on suitability, fit and introduction. Equipment does not make an unsafe interaction safe to attempt.
9. Make the plan practical. Discuss meals, walks, rest, exercise and enrichment with the professional so the household can follow the same approach.
10. Review progress honestly. Report new incidents and difficulties. Do not assume a few calm days mean the risk has disappeared.

AVSAB's humane training statement describes aggression as requiring an individualized plan that can include environmental management and behavior modification. The ASPCA also emphasizes professional help and the continuing need for precautions.

If someone is bitten, seek medical advice and follow the applicable local reporting requirements. Do not put yourself in reach of a dog to test a technique from an article.

Be patient with the process, but do not postpone asking for help. The aim is a workable safety plan for your dog, your household and the people around you.