It can be difficult to cope with a beloved pet that shows signs of aggression, either to other dogs or other people. Here are some tips to help you navigate life with an aggressive companion.
Possible causes of aggression in pets:
- Anxiety and stress: this is one of the most common causes of aggression in animals, Whether they have previous experience with difficult situation or not, some dogs react to stress with aggression
- Dominance: Some dogs and cats need to assert their dominance and will show aggression to other animals for this reason
- Protectiveness: Some pets, mostly dogs, assume the role of protector of their owners and family. They can show aggression towards other people to protect them from what they perceive might be a threat
- Pain: aggression can sometimes be a pain response
Steps to take for an aggressive pet:
This may be a long journey, but with patience and care, some cases of aggression can be managed or resolved
- Seek medical attention first to ensure there are no underlying conditions or causes of pain. You can also talk to their doctor about anxiety medications. Medications can help reduce daily stress or stress during particularly stressful events.
- If no medical causes are detected, contact a trainer that is qualified to work with aggressive pets. Training will likely be a long road, and one or two sessions won’t be enough. Trainers can work one-on-one or in groups, but will likely start with an assessment to understand what your pet needs
- In cases where aggression has become dangerous for other pets, family members, or kids, and medications and training do not seem to help, humane euthanasia may need to be considered