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Aggression

Liaison: Helen L. Newman
Email: newman@polarcomm.com

Aggression in dogs is a normal behavior when displayed in the correct context. “It is best defined within a given context as an appropriate or inappropriate threat or challenge that is ultimately resolved by combat or deference. Most aggressive dogs are clinically behaviorally abnormal, but the abnormality is usually progressive and is influenced by the social environment.” (Overall, 1997). When the behavior of the dog is causing problems between the dog and the owner, with other dogs, or other people you must realize there is a problem of aggression. Aggression can be divided into a multiple of categories, ranging from 8 to 13, and a dog may fit a multitude of the categories.

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Signs and Symptoms

Remember to look at these in the context of the situation. And that there may be other subtle signs of reactivity.

Vocal: excessive uncontrolled barking (increased agitation), growling, snarls, lip lifting (usually this is silent), and/or snapping and biting.

Physical signals: posture of body --standing rigid, hair up, ears back, walking stiff legged, tail wagging and staring. Please note that a wagging tail only means a dog’s willingness to interact!

Guarding of territory, food, possessions, humans, etc.

Grabs people’s hands, clothing, legs with teeth

Causes

Abnormal aggressive traits may be a caused by a combination of genetics, environment, the breed and medical causes.

Medical causes

Brain chemistry

Hypothyroidism

Encephalitis (bacterial or viral) Distemper

Hypoglycemia

Hydrocephalus in brachycephalics

---Epilepsy

---Brain tumors

Head trauma

Behavioral Seizures

Diagnostic Tests

Medical tests should be done to rule out a medical reason for the aggressive behavior. The dog, owner and any individuals that are daily involved with the dog should be evaluated by a trained animal behaviorist or clinician. How the dog and humans interact normally must be evaluated by a trained professional.

Other areas that should be evaluated to help with the diagnosis is age of onset of problem, how long has it been occurring, any changes in daily patterns, can you predict when the aggression will occur, and how does the dog respond to any modifications you the owner does.

Treatment Guidelines

Note: Treatment of animals should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians should consult the current literature and current pharmacological formularies before initiating any treatment protocol.

Once the aggression has been accurately diagnosed, the client should avoid circumstances that provoke the aggression so the dog does not learn from the inappropriate behavior.

The clinician will design a behavior modification plan that fits the dog and the household.

This may include:

neutering/spaying
behavior modifications (dog and human): relaxation, gradual change, rewards, reinforce proper behavior
modifying the environment: crates, fencing, number of other animals in the household, incentives
Use of head collars, harnesses, appropriate toys, leashes when inside
Medications may be prescribed
Follow up assessment with the clinician to decide next step of modification

Management

Any behavior or environmental modification that one does to get the situation manageable will be a LIFE LONG commitment. There will be times of set backs but following through and staying with the program designed for you and your dog is necessary.

If a set back occurs though, one should consider discussing with the clinician for advise and to reevaluate any changes that may have occurred in the household (a move, change in routine for dog and human, less time for the dog, etc.)

If the recommended program does seem to be working, one should follow up with the clinician to discuss the situation.

The dog and the owner must be reeducated and learn the appropriate response to situations. It takes time and committment for any modification program to work.