by Kristie Ponce

Created on: February 27, 2009   Last Updated: February 28, 2009

CANINE TO HUMAN AGGRESSION

Dogs behave aggressively towards humans in a variety of situations and for a number of different reasons. The most important thing to keep in mind when considering attempting to correct inappropriate aggression towards people is that growling and snarling are often bites waiting to happen, and once a dog has bitten a person, the chance of recurrence is high. Over the long term, aggressive disorders tend to be controlled, not cured. In all situations where there is aggression towards humans, a board-certified animal behavior specialist should be consulted. This is not the same as a dog trainer. Contact your veterinarian for assistance in finding a behaviorist.

Attempting to correct an aggressive disorder requires diagnostic tests to rule out medical causes of aggression, followed by behavior modification, which may or may not be coupled with medications. Medications alone do not prevent or cure aggressive occurrences. Goals of treatment are 1) prevent injury, 2) establish owner control in all situations, 3) counter condition/desensitize the dog to its "triggers", 4) teach the dog new responses to the situations that trigger aggressive behavior.

STEP ONE: KEEP A DIARY

Identifying triggers, targets, and underlying "motives" (dominance, fear, territoriality, etc) are all essential for formulating a behavior modification program. For each incidence of aggression, include the following information:

*Date, time, and place (if outside, in fenced yard, on lead, or off lead; at home, dog park, etc. If inside, where specifically in the house/building, especially in relationship to dog's food/water and preferred resting areas). Animals and people present, with ages and genders as well as relationship to dog (family, strangers, etc).

*Dog's body language before, during, and after the episode (backing up, stationary, or moving; head, ear, and tail position; growling, snarling, barking, or quiet; showing teeth, snapping, or biting; hackles up or not; staring or avoiding eye contact).

*What may have triggered the episode (noise, presence of food, protecting toys, etc).

*Reaction of other animals/people to the dog.

A video diary, if possibly, is an extremely useful tool, as body language interpretation can be difficult for a veterinarian, trainer, or behaviorist who is not able to see the cues being given by the dog.

STEP TWO: KEEP IT SAFE

Initially avoid all of the triggers that the diary has helped you to identify. If this means not letting the dog out into

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