Some of the signs of aggression in dogs are simple to spot, while others are more nuanced, especially when it’s not your own pup. Without speech, dogs use their body language to communicate, and it’s up to us to interpret the signals correctly. What might look like a wag might in fact be a red flag. Is that dog smiling or snarling?

Aggression in dogs isn’t always due to anger. What might look like a harmless grumble could actually be your dog trying to communicate discomfort, fear, or stress. Left unchecked, these signals can escalate into something more serious. Recognizing the subtle cues early on can make all the difference in keeping everyone safe and your dog feeling secure.

With the help of vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, we’ll walk you through some of the most common signs of aggression from obvious signals to the ones that might go unnoticed. With veterinary input, here’s our guide to what your dog—or others crossing your path—might be trying to tell you.

Signs of aggression in dogs

1. Excessive yawning or lip-licking

Licking and yawning are preliminary, passive signs of canine aggression, according to vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. But they are a signal that you should heed.

“When a dog is first feeling uncomfortable, they may show some subtle signs indicating they’re stressed,” she says. “Excessive yawning, lip licking, leaning away, or showing the whites of their eyes (‘whale eye’) are all clues that should be taken seriously.”

2. Hair standing on end

We can describe humans as having raised hackles when we get stressed or annoyed, but the term really applies to dogs and other animals. It doesn’t only signal aggression, but can be shown in dogs feeling fearful.

“When feeling threatened, a dog may raise its hackles, the hairs around the scruff of the neck,” says Dr MacMillan. “The technical term for this is ‘piloerection,’ and it can help your dog look bigger and more intimidating.”

3. A hard, unblinking stare

In canine speak, staring tends to be a precursor to a fight. Not to be confused with the soft, doe-eyed, beseeching look that many dogs can give, this is a hard-eye, “Don’t mess with me” glare that behaviorists associate with aggression. It’s like the dog is saying, “Come any closer, and there will be consequences”.

The dog may be guarding a resource or a territory, and you’d be wise to change your behavior or movement patterns rather than challenge the dog to a staring competition so that you’re not perceived as a direct threat.

4. Tense body language

A dog that is tense or rigid is giving off signals that he is not comfortable with the situation. An aggressive dog will generally stand stiff-legged, tail up, ears pinned tightly, and leaning forward while staring intensely. Compare this to a calm, submissive dog, whose body language is the polar opposite.

5. A raised or slightly wagging tail

We are conditioned to understand that a wagging tail is a sign of a friendly, happy dog, but there are happy wags – and more serious wags, and it’s important to be able to read the difference.

Dr MacMillan explains: “A tail that is tense, stiff, straight, or raised above the dog’s back could indicate aggression.

“They may be wagging the tip of it as a threat gesture. A happy dog will have a loose, wagging tail that is freely moving from side to side.”

6. Ears pinned back

While a dog with its ears softly back is generally submissive, “a scared or aggressive dog will usually have tight facial features with pinned-back ears,” says Dr MacMillan.

It indicates tension and may signal aggression.

“This is a clear sign that they are not happy about something, and you should look at their immediate surroundings to see what is upsetting them.”

7. Growling

Growling is a normal way for dogs to communicate, although it can sound intimidating. Some growl when they play, but it can also indicate that they are trying to defend something or someone.

Not all growling is problematic, and even as low-level aggression, it is more of a warning sign than outright defence, but you need to understand what the dog is trying to communicate rather than exacerbating the situation before it escalates.

8. Baring teeth

There are many levels of a dog baring its teeth. Some appear almost to grin, as a sign of affection or expressing pleasure, some show their gnashers when they play. However, like growling, it’s also a way for the dog to emphasize that he has teeth, and he could use them if he feels it’s necessary.

Read the signals to decipher what he is communicating—if the “smile” is more of a grimace and accompanied by other signs of aggression, he’s feeling the need to assert threatening body language.

9. Barking

It is entirely normal for dogs to bark (although there are some quieter dog breeds), and it can mean several things.

For many, it’s a habit reinforced by human behavior. They bark, they get our attention. For others, it’s their natural form of communication when they want to alert the pack (or human family) that there’s a visitor or intruder. Many also bark when they play or in excitement.

However, if barking is accompanied by other aggressive tendencies, such as growling, baring teeth, and lunging at the leash, they are trying to intimidate.

10. Lunging

Lunging is not simply pulling on the leash, but is a more attacking movement designed to intimidate.

Dr MacMillan explains: “Lunging can be a sudden threatening movement that is often accompanied by barking, teeth-baring, and snapping in aggressive dogs.

“We also see it in excited dogs pulling on the lead and those who are poorly socialized, wanting to chase something like a bike or a squirrel.”

11. Snapping

Like one human snapping at another verbally, this is a sign of frustration and anger. Dogs may snap if they feel afraid or anxious, but also threatened and wanting to assert authority. They may snap at other dogs, pets, or people. A step down from a full bite, snapping is a warning sign that aggression is escalating.

12. Biting

“Biting is the ultimate sign of aggression,” says Dr. MacMillan. “This is often used when all the other signs have been ignored.

“Different dogs will escalate to a bite at different rates than others, depending on their temperament, breed, and previous negative experiences.”

However, even with something as ostentatiously aggressive as biting, there are examples of when it is not a threatening action. Puppies tend to explore the world with their mouths and often bite when they are teething. It’s important to nip this habit in the bud—it may be helpful to read up on tips on how to stop a puppy biting.

Read next: 10 signs a dog is happy and how to help an anxious dog

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver

I have more than 20 years’ experience working with dogs, and am a fully qualified dog behaviorist, rehabilitator and trainer. Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of dogs with anxiety, dogs showing aggression and reactive dogs.

They often get a bad wrap and this shouldn’t be the case as many of them are suffering and are trying to communicate that something is wrong. Here are the things I wish people knew about anxious and aggressive dogs...

1. There are very few truly aggressive dogs

By that I mean out-and-out attacking, biting, fighting dogs that wish to cause people or other dogs harm.

Aggression is a word used far too broadly to describe a dog that barks on the sight of another dog or person, lunges at them or growls. Many of these dogs are usually scared, anxious or suffering from past trauma at the hands of people or another dog.

Too many people judge a dog and their owners when they see these trigger behaviors, and I wish people would be kinder and more understanding instead of judgemental and critical. Their eyes only see the behavior; they do not know the cause behind the actions.

The dog’s behavior is a signal that something in their world is not right, that drives them to act out in ways we perceive as aggressive or anxious. It's a plea for help and a sign that they are struggling to cope with their environment.

2. Anxiety, aggression and reactivity manifest in many ways

If you asked the majority of people to describe an aggressive or anxious dog, they would, no doubt, list the usual signs of stress; growling, snapping snarling and lunging or hiding, shaking and soiling themselves.

In fact, some anxious dogs can display hyperactive and boisterous behavior, with excessive barking, licking, mounting of other dogs, which could be construed by the inexperienced eye as badly behaved.

Likewise, an aggressive dog that has issues with people or dogs can show little in the way of the obvious signs, but can roll over on their backs, smile, give whale eye, show avoidance and hiding behavior before they eventually snap.

3. Dogs experience a range of emotions

These emotions include including fear, anxiety, excitement, happiness, and sadness. However, unlike humans, dogs do not have the same level of cognitive control over their emotions.

This is largely due to the differences in brain structures and the level of cognitive development between species. The canine brain, while capable of experiencing a wide array of emotions, does not have the same capacity for self-regulation as the human brain. In fact, it is thought that dogs have the capacity of a two-year-old toddler when it comes to managing their emotions.

The limbic system, which is responsible for emotional regulation, is less developed in dogs than in humans. This part of the brain includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, which process emotions and regulate responses to stimuli.

In dogs, the amygdala is highly reactive and less inhibited by the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher order thinking and self-control in humans. As a result, dogs are more likely to react impulsively when they experience strong emotions. This is why impulse control is taught from a very young age and conditioned as it helps them to focus and cope.

4. Dogs can benefit from interventions

Just as humans sometimes need support to manage their emotions, dogs can benefit from interventions that help them cope with stressors and triggers. Understanding and addressing the root causes of a dog's emotional reactions is essential in helping them lead a balanced and happy life.

There is currently a huge stigma around dogs being prescribed anxiety medication. Again, if it were a human they would have the benefit of both medication and counselling, which is the equivalent of behavior modification in dogs.

There needs to be a more open-minded approach in this respect – particularly when the fear, anxiety or aggression is inhibiting the dog from learning any behavioral modification due to being so limbic and shut down.

5. Dogs can be trained and conditioned to be aggressive

Many people forget this. Although you may think of working dogs, such as police or army dogs, these dogs have been conditioned to behave in a certain way when commanded to do so in front of a stimuli that they have been trained to react to. This is a structured approach and therefore not a natural state of being for the dog.

The other aspect to this, which we see all too frequently in the news, is XL American Bullies being mixed with another guarding breed. They then have a genetic mixture of known guarding breeds and are taught to be aggressive to people, dogs or anything that moves.

Sadly, this is not the true nature of the XL Bully, but adding another breed into the genetic mix and teaching them cruelly and aggressively to behave in a certain way, has led to situation we are in today. This can be true of any breed of dog and its time we pointed the finger at the other end of the lead in this respect.

Read next: 8 reasons why your dog is anxious and 12 signs of aggression in dogs.

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Baring teeth, growling and lunging are all signs of aggression in dogs. The same can be said for snarling, biting and ‘muzzle-punching’ other four-legged friends or humans.

Aggression in dogs can be scary – even when it’s puppy aggression – but it isn’t uncommon. You may spot aggressive behaviors in your pup around the house with their constant chewing on beloved household items even after supplying them with the best dog toys. While other aggressive behaviors, like barking or biting, could be exhibited towards other dogs while on a walk.

According to the World Health Organization, around 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. However, dogs aren’t aggressive out of nowhere. There is always an underlying cause for this level of aggression – be it out of frustration, fear or illness – and more often than not, there are warning signs.

To get to the bottom of these aggressive behaviors, decipher where they come from and learn how to nip dog aggression in the bud, we’ve consulted vet Catherine Barnette DVM. Here’s what she had to say about aggression in dogs…

What is aggression in dogs?

Dogs communicate in a variety of ways, including body language. Each tail wag, sleep position and bark is a communication method our furry friends use instead of words.

Generally speaking, dogs exhibit multiple warning signs before escalating to a form of aggression. For example, some of the most common warning signs of dog aggression include:

• A change in posture. Dogs might become stiff and tense. While others may have their chest puffed out to look bigger and more dominant.
• A change in facial expression. Whether they bare the whites of their eyes, lick their lips or bare their teeth, these are all signs of aggressive behavior.
• Use of verbal warnings. Think deep and menacing growling, snapping or constantly barking.
• Use of threatening actions. This can include lunging, nipping, striking, stalking, or mouthing.

Aggression in dogs: the causes

As we touched on, aggression in dogs isn’t something that our furry friends just pick up out of nowhere.

Instead, many possible triggers may contribute to aggressive behaviors. For example, reactivity in dogs is the general term used to describe dogs that overreact excessively in response to certain stimuli, like a person, another dog or circumstance, and it's something that's confused with dog aggression.

That's because reactivity in dogs can escalate to aggression if not dealt with and this aggression can be shown in a wide variety of contexts, or a specific set of circumstances, like when dogs feel threatened or under attack.

According to Dr. Barnette the possible triggers of aggression in dogs can be divided into five categories, including:

• Fear and anxiety
• Possessiveness
• Frustration
• Dominance
• Pain/illness

“Fear is a common cause of aggression in dogs,” Dr. Barnette says. “When your dog is scared, they have two options — run away or stick around and fight. While many dogs prefer to flee, aggression can arise if your dog feels trapped in a fear-inducing situation. Fear aggression is most common in a dog that feels cornered.”

But possessive behavior can also trigger aggression “If your dog feels strongly about protecting their food, treats, toys, resting places, home, or even family members, aggression can arise towards any person or animal that is perceived as a threat to those items," the expert continues.

All dogs have the potential to behave aggressively, however rescue dogs may exhibit these challenging behaviors more so due to past traumatic events that have often involved abuse and neglect. Therefore, training a rescue dog correctly is a vital skill for new pet parents to learn as a rescue dog that feels safe and secure is less likely to lash out.

Types of aggression in dogs

There are many types of aggression in dogs, and each has their own cause and method of rehabilitation.

• Fear aggression – a form of self defence
• Learned aggression – when a dog growling or snapping to make another dog or person back away
• Trained aggression – seen in police and protection dogs
• Maternal aggression – mothers trying to protect their pups
• Redirected aggression – happens when a dog becomes overwhelmed or highly reactive to a trigger it cannot get to, and so instead reverts to the nearest person, dog or object available
• Defence aggression – manifests itself when a dog is in a situation or place he dislikes, such as the vets
• Play aggression – listen to the tone of barking and growling and watch the body language to see if either other dog is feeling overwhelmed to determine when play fighting becomes aggression
• Territorial aggression – such as fence guarding, property guarding, people guarding or car guarding
• Resource guarding and food aggression – a big issue in rescue dogs and occurs when a dog thinks something of theirs will be taken away
• Medical aggression – your dog’s way of alerting you to a problem that you might not be able to see
• Alliance aggression
• Hormone aggression – caused by puberty or males competing for a female in heat
• Same sex aggression – most commonly seen in litter siblings or dogs that have not been neutered
• Predatory aggression
• Group aggression – more common with dog walkers or in daycare environments when a dog would not have exhibited the aggression if they were alone
• Ritualised aggression – when a dog communicates using growls, stares and stances to avoid confrontation

Aggression in dogs: what should you do?

If you've noticed warning signs in your own pup or another pooch, you might be wondering: what to do if you encounter aggressive dog behavior? It's a good question and an important one as you want to keep yourself safe, and your furry best friend.

Along with getting to the bottom of 'why' your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, you should learn how to handle aggression in dogs and this may result in you consulting professional help — especially if you need to tackle severe cases of dog aggression while out on walks and/or if your dog is difficult for you to control.

Next up, if there is aggression towards other dogs in the home, Dr. Barnette recommends taking immediate steps to keep them separated at all times to prevent further fights. “Next, talk to your vet about a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can help you manage this problem,” the expert says.

Dog won’t stop barking? You could try teaching your dog a command that can be used to stop this barking, like teaching them to 'go to their spot', by directing your dog to lay calmly in one of the best dog beds.

Or, when your dog is barking, make every possible effort to completely ignore it, Dr. Barnette says. “When your dog stops barking, then you can look at him and give him attention," the expert adds. "Over time, most dogs will learn that barking no longer results in attention.”

What to do you if you encounter aggressive dog behavior

Found yourself in a scary situation with a dog? Try not to panic and instead, follow these tips:

1. Avoid eye contact. Staring is a sign of aggression and may provoke an unwanted attack. Instead, look downward while using your still monitoring the situation.
2. Avoid running. It might be your first thought to try and get as far away as possible however dogs are highly likely to give chase.
3. Remain calm. This is easier said than done. But screaming or raising your voice could escalate their behavior.

Wondering how to stop puppy food aggression? We asked a vet to list their top tips. Plus, we've also got an expert-backed guide on how to stop resource guarding in dogs. and answered, 'Are shock collars cruel?'

If you're keen to learn about reactivity in dogs, the chances are you've got a reactive dog on your hands. If that's the case, firstly: welcome, and secondly: you're in the right place.

Owning a reactive dog can be hard work. But reactive behaviors in dogs aren't uncommon. Essentially, this term is used to describe a pooch who overreacts to normal, everyday situations. For example, maybe they lunge, bark, growl, and fixate on people or objects? Or perhaps they cower, shudder or pull on their leash in certain situations?

More often than not, a reactive dog exhibits these behaviors for a reason – be it through fear or anxiety. Of course, learning what causes reactivity in dogs can help cast out this behavior.

Just know that a reactive dog is not necessarily an aggressive dog. But reactivity can turn into aggression – which is why it's a good idea to address this behavior sooner rather than later. So, to get to the bottom of reactivity in dogs, stick right here. We spoke to dog trainers, and vets and turned to research to find out everything there is to know about reactivity in dogs.

What is reactivity in dogs?

Very good question. Reactivity is the umbrella term used to describe dogs that overreact abnormally and excessively in response to certain stimuli. For example, this could be a reaction to an object (like a person or another dog) or a circumstance (like the doorbell ringing or a car passing). The most common types of reactivity include:

• Dog reactivity – In some cases, some dogs can be reactive to all other canines. Or they might be triggered by a certain type of dog like a large breed dog or one of the best small breed dogs.
• Leash reactivity – Ever had your dog jump, bark, growl or pull constantly while on their leash? Some dogs can become excitable and/or frustrated while on their leash because it prevents them from doing what they want to do – like saying hello to a person or another dog.
• Car reactivity – Some dogs are totally fine with cars, while others can bark and growl uncontrollably when they spot these big, loud, and fast objects.

Signs you have a reactive dog

First things first, it comes as no surprise to hear: all our lovable fur friends are different – that's what makes them so magic, after all. But their differing personas, characteristics and genetics can make all the difference when it comes to how and if they show signs of reactivity. Generally speaking, common behaviors considered to be reactive include:

• Barking or growling excessively
• Lunging
• Going stiff in their body and posture
• Cowering and/or hiding behind you or going in between your legs
• Sudden scratching
• Intense stare
• Baring teeth
• Pulling on the leash

Causes of reactivity in dogs

According to a new piece of research, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, reactive behavior in dogs can be linked to various factors ranging from an absence of training to genetics. But as the research found, the most common causes include “a lack of socialization, fear, trauma, and insecurities”.

Lara Sorisi, who is an Association of Pet Dog Trainers-accredited dog trainer agrees, saying that reactivity in dogs is normally linked to anxiety. "The dog is reacting to something that it’s either been negatively exposed to in the past, or hasn’t been exposed to in the correct way," the expert says.

"No matter whether it’s cars, dogs, people or even particular noises, the dog hasn’t been introduced to the subject correctly and that’s why it feels so unsure about it.”

Another cause of reactivity in dogs? Too much socialization and/or a lack of it. While a lack of education about dog-walking etiquette can also be to blame.

"One of the biggest issues that my wonderful clients face is that they do the training and are responsible on their dog walks, but their hard work is often ruined by irresponsible dog owners who haven’t trained their dogs correctly, don’t understand proper socialization and can’t even recall their dogs," Sorisi says.

If you're wondering, 'Are shock collars cruel?' this feature has the answer.

How to calm a reactive dog

Now for the good news! Change is possible and having this reactivity training kit will help.

So if you've got a reactive pooch, who is ruling your life, learning how to calm a reactive dog is one of the best things you can do. Especially if you feel like you can't do simple, everyday things like leave your home to go outside for walks or invite people over at the risk of triggering your dog.

Some of the best ways to calm reactivity in dogs, include:

1. Creating a strong routine 

We're creatures of habit – and so are dogs! But don't just take our word for it. In a video posted on TikTok, expert dog trainer Miles Hamilton said that the key to having an obedient, well-behaved and calm dog when you're out starts with creating strong daily routines and structure within the home. "Everyone wants a trained dog who can go outside, listen around distractions, be super well-behaved, but many people inside the house have no structure whatsoever," Hamilton explains.

2. Getting their training right 

Training your dog will help ensure you and your canine companion get off on the right paw! But no matter whether you've had your pooch for years or just adopted a pup, it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks – especially once you're armed with some of the best dog treats or the best puppy treats.

Whether you need to teach them how to sit, stay or stand, discover these practical tips for training your dog on your own. Or if you're still struggling, do consider roping in the experts like your vet or consulting a professional dog trainer who has experience in dealing with reactive dogs.

You might also want to read about the common mistakes you should never make when training a reactive dog.

3. Making changes at home 

Change starts from home. And, as dog trainer and behaviorist Adam Daines stresses: “Management is just as important as training!". So if you're seeing unwanted behaviors that the dog is repeating and rehearsing, it's time to shake things up.

Daines suggestion? "Simple solutions such as frosted vinyl can remove visual stimulation to avoid the dog barking at passers-by, changing the doorbell to a new one is another easy way. For dogs who bark away the birds in the garden, put them on lead for a while when they go out to break the cycle. Stress that gets built up in the house doesn't just stay in the house, it affects your walks too. A dog full of adrenaline and cortisol leaving the house will be way more difficult to work with on a walk than if it left the house feeling calm.”

4. Creating space 

Does your dog feel scared of other dogs? Does your pooch hate cars? Or perhaps they feel anxious about other people? If you're agreeing to any (or all) of these points, vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt says that one of the best things you can do with a reactive dog is to create space between them and the thing that makes them feel triggered.

“Every dog will have a distance that they’re comfortable with, you’ll need to experiment to find it for your dog," Woodnutt explains. "If they’re reacting to other dogs, moving off the path so they feel less threatened will make it a lot easier to get their attention. If your dog isn’t calming down, they probably need more space – you may need to cross the road, or even walk the other way until they’ve got enough space to calm down.”

5. Rewarding calm behavior

Once your once-reactive dog gets it right (which they will!), Woodnutt says that rewarding your dog for exhibiting cool, calm and collected behaviors is vital. “Once you’re further from the thing that’s worrying them, they should calm down a little, although you’ll notice they’re still on high alert," Woodnutt says.

"Try to keep their attention on you by giving them plenty of treats, perhaps in exchange for a small command like sitting. If your dog turns to look at the other dog again, call their name – once their attention is back on you, reward them.”

Want some calm and collected playtime ideas for your reactive dog? Try these fun games for reactive dogs. Or you might be interested in reading some success stories, like how one writer navigated the social challenges with her reactive pooch or how another trained as a dog behaviorist to better understand her reactive dog, and it totally transformed their bond.

If you've got a reactive dog on your hands, then one of their triggers might be other dogs. This can make things tricky when it comes to walk time, as it's pretty much impossible to avoid other pooches in the park. 

Even if you've clipped them onto one of the best dog leashes, walks might be a stressful situation for the pair of you. This is especially true when other dog walkers don't understand your pup's needs and come towards you.

If you're wondering how to calm a reactive dog and haven't had much luck, then we've found a method that might just help you. Adam Spivey, an expert dog trainer and the founder of Southend Dog Training, shared this tip in a recent Instagram video - and we think it's genius!

When your dog spots another dog on a walk, Adam recommends doing these two things instantly: leading them back towards you and giving them one of the best dog treats. In the video, he explains that this will teach your dog that the sight of another dog means food.

He says: "Get that reward in at the second she looks at the dog. What she's learnt is: sight, get stiff (tail gets stiff/body gets stiff), and then I react." 

He explains that it's important to do this before your dog explodes. This is because it allows you to quickly alter their emotional response in a positive way. 

Practice makes perfect and you might need to repeat this a few times for them to fully get the hang of it.

If your dog isn't interested in food, then you can try moving backwards to get them to come towards you instead. Alternatively, Adam recommends giving them one of the best dog toys, praising them or trying to build up their food drive. 

To begin with, Adam suggests practicing the movement with no other dogs around to give them a chance to get used to it. It's also a good idea to try it somewhere where there its lots of space. This will help you both to feel more prepared when you pass a dog for real.

Enjoyed this? You might also find these features useful: My reactive dog impacted my entire household, here's what I did about it and how to tackle dog aggression: 5 dog behavior problems solved.

If your dog is usually sweet and cuddly, but his behavior suddenly flips into reactivity or aggression, you may have a dog with Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome. If so, this article will help you understand and manage your dog's unusual behavior using simple and positive strategies.

Jekyll and Hyde syndrome can be tricky to manage. Before I trained as a dog behaviorist, I made many mistakes with my Border Collie Jessie, a Jekyll and Hyde dog. 

I have helped many other dogs with similar issues including Poppy, my weimaraner cross. Sometimes, long-lasting chews can help divert a food-motivated Jekyll and Hyde dog, but we will cover multiple ways to help your dog manage his behavior to prevent reactivity and aggression. 

What is Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome?

Jekyll and Hyde syndrome refers to a dog that displays unpredictable aggression. To help you understand, I will describe an incident with Jessie, my rescue collie.

We rescued Jessie when she was four months old. She had a sweet, cuddly personality and settled well. When Jessie was about nine months old, she suddenly became dog-reactive. Her reactions were extreme, like a red rage towards other dogs, but she was great with people. 

One day, our friend Julie was standing and stroking Jessie, who had her paws on Julie's waist. Jessie seemed happy with the attention but suddenly turned and bit Julie's hand, causing bleeding. I was horrified and baffled by the behavior and took Jessie to the veterinary clinic to get checked for pain. They could find nothing physically wrong. 

After that, Jessie bit two other people randomly. At the time, I had no idea how to tackle dog aggression.

What causes Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome?

There could be multiple reasons for Jekyll and Hyde syndrome. In Jessie's case, I believe it was a visit to a noisy dog event I attended. She was a working collie breed and super sensitive. With hundreds of dogs barking, Jessie froze. 

Looking back, I realize poor Jessie was terrified. What I should have done is remove her from the environment. Fourteen years later, I still feel guilty about my lack of understanding. 

There could be one or multiple reasons for Jekyll and Hyde behavior: 

• Food or resource guarding
• Pack bullying (if you have other dogs)
• Neurological issues
• Lack of exercise
• Lack of training
• The dog is in pain
• Rough handling
• Poor breeding
• Incorrect diet
• Health issues

How to manage Jekyll and Hyde behavior

The first step is to rule out pain or health problems. We later discovered that Jessie had a pancreatic problem, which could have made her feel unwell and grumpy. 

Secondly, understand that it's not your dog's fault. Our job as dog owners is to discover what's causing the issue. We often don't notice changes in our dog's daily behavior and habits until it escalates into something problematic. 

It's helpful to keep a daily journal and document the following:

• Your dog's food
• Monitor his stools
• Exercise levels
• When the behavior occurred (what was the time of day? What was happening at the time? Did anything about your dog's behavior change before the response? Who was involved? How long did the behavior last? How did you react? What steps did you take after the behavior?

I wish I had known to keep daily details because that's what I did with my reactive dog, Poppy. I failed with Jessie. My dog trainer fell in love with her, and she joined her family of nine dogs. Eventually, the vet diagnosed pancreatitis, and she retired to a quieter home with my dog trainer's mum. 

It was not an easy journey, but my mistakes with Jessie led me to become a dog behaviorist. When I rescued Poppy, I was better prepared to overcome her reactivity. She would have also become a Jekyll and Hyde dog in the wrong hands. 

You might like to discover the 5 mistakes I made with my reactive dog that you’ll want to avoid. 

Here are my nine top tips for what to do with a Jekyll and Hyde dog:

1. Modify your behavior: Try to see things from your dog's perspective. For instance, if your dog is reactive, it could be fear-driven behavior. Protecting what he values may have become a habit if your dog resource guards food or toys.

2. Get help from a dog behaviorist: Find someone who uses positive reinforcement and understands how to calm a reactive dog.

3. Monitor changes: it can sometimes seem like your dog's behavior isn't improving, so track incremental changes.

4. Get the family on the same page: The entire family must follow the same training protocols when rehabilitating your dog.

5. Manage the behavior safely: If your dog shows aggression, keep him safe and away from what triggers him until you have a training plan to work with. Keep him on the leash around whatever triggers the behavior, such as other dogs. 

6. Get him checked by your vet: It is essential to rule out pain or illness.

7. Consider changing his diet: Some dogs are allergic to certain ingredients, like grains. A change to another feed can sometimes create radical improvements. Your vet may advise. This feature on changing dog food will help you to transition safely. 

8. Avoid flooding your dog: Flooding is when you expose a dog to something he fears. It was my biggest mistake with Jessie. Instead, move your dog away from what he fears until he calms. Gradually, you can decrease distances by using positive reinforcement.

9. Stay hopeful: It's possible to rehabilitate a Jekyll and Hyde dog unless it's a neurological issue. Stay optimistic and seek help if you're struggling to cope with your dog's behavior. 

Like people, dogs need to be understood. My journey with my reactive dog Poppy, as a dog behaviorist, was the most rewarding experience I've ever had with a dog. Working together and watching my reactive dog become happy and balanced transformed our relationship into a deep bond. 

Good luck with rehabilitating your Jekyll and Hyde dog. Enjoy the journey and the rewards of living with a happier and calmer dog.

If your dog is food-motivated, this feature reveals everything you need to know about training dogs with treats. Looking for the best dog treats? We’ve rounded up the best on the market in this guide. 

If your dog shows signs of aggression or reactive behavior, you might be reluctant to take them out in public, particularly to dog parks or places where other dogs might be. 

While this is part of being a responsible dog parent, and keeping your own pup safe as well as other dogs, your canine still needs exercise. If you want to know how to tackle dog aggression by training your dog outside, you’re in the right place!

In a recent Instagram post, dog trainer Ruben Montes – who’s also the owner of Kindred Dog PDX in Portland, Oregon, has explained how, and where, you can exercise your aggressive or reactive dog. It’s really insightful — we hadn’t considered the second tip before!

“It’s no question that trying to figure out how to give your reactive or aggressive dog the stimulation they need can be challenging,” Montes begins in the caption. 

“As owners of these dogs, we need to be hyper-vigilant when out. You never know when someone’s ‘It’s ok, she’s friendly’ dog may just come running up to you. However, there are alternatives to the dog park or other areas where other dogs may be.”

1. Find a school field: Montes explains that, as most people head to the park instead, school fields are often underutilized, so it might only be you and your pup there. If a local school lets the public have access to their field outside of school hours, why not head down with your dog? 

“Throw a long line on them and let them explore while practicing their skills,” Montes recommends. 

2. Play with them in a parking lot: “Parking lots can be another great place to train” he continues. He says that they offer plenty of new and exciting sights, smells, and sounds to stimulate your dog’s senses. So, getting your dog to engage with you in a parking lot can help to build their focus in new areas. 

3. Work them out front: If you have space out the front of your house, this can be a great place to exercise your dog. “Don’t underestimate the power of drilling your dog’s obedience skills out front,” says Montes.

“This helps them learn to focus and follow direction,” he continues, explaining that you’ll be strengthening your dog’s skills while also giving your dog a physical and mental workout. 

Montes says about these three places, “They will help you build your skills and confidence when out with your dog. Because while we can’t always guarantee that a dog won’t show up, these can be natural buffers (because people aren’t typically letting their dogs off leash in these areas) that can actually help you work through the problem at a safe distance.”

So, why not take your reactive pup to one of these places, and see how you get on? And in the meantime, you might find this article about one of our own writer’s experiences with her reactive dog helpful: Owning a reactive dog is hard. Here's how I navigated the social challenges with my pooch.

You probably treat your dogs from time to time, be it with some of the best dog toys or some of their favorite snacks.

Resource guarding in dogs is a natural instinct for our four legged companions. It comes from when they’d live in the wild and compete for things like food with other animals. Of course, resource guarding is unnecessary for pet dogs today, but these instincts still remain. 

If you didn’t manage to tackle how to stop puppy food aggression in your dog’s younger years, and want to nip it in the bud for once and for all, there are ways to prevent resource guarding. And Lisa Burton of Listen Dog Training has explained how in a recent Instagram post. 

There are lots of misconceptions around resource guarding, with a lot of well-meaning advice actually causing problems or making existing problems worse.

For example, Burton explains that interfering with your dog’s food, or anything else they love, won’t “get them used to it”, but may instead teach them that guarding their resources is necessary. Instead, she recommends leaving your dog while they’re eating, but occasionally walking by their food bowl and dropping in one of their favorite treats while they’re eating. 

By doing this, you’ll teach your dog that they should look forward to someone approaching their food – it’s a good thing. They won’t anticipate their food being taken away or interfered with. 

When a dog has issues with resource guarding, they might growl, snap or bite if you approach them while they’re guarding an item – even if this sort of behavior is out of character for them. Or, you might notice them freeze, eat faster, or change their body language before they start to display signs of aggression.

Resource guarding is something that can develop in any breed, and it can occur at any time in a dog’s life. For example, if your pup previously lived in a home with lots of dogs, or lived on the street, resource guarding habits may develop and be tough to break. 

Meanwhile, the onset of resource guarding behaviors in an adult or senior dog should be checked out by a vet, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition. 

If in doubt, or you’re worried that your dog’s resource guarding could be dangerous, it may be best to consult your vet anyway, or speak to a qualified trainer for more advice. Our guide on how to spot dog trainer red flags will help you know what to watch out for when finding a reliable trainer.  

Knowing how to reduce the likelihood of finding yourself on the end of a dog attack is one of those useful skills that we hope you’ll never have to use but is good to have up your sleeve just in case. 

While most dogs are more interested in playing with their toys and nibbling on the longest lasting dog chews than they are in attacking you, a recent news report from the BBC revealed that dog attacks have risen by 34% in the past five years - a trend mirrored in several other countries, including the United States.

And it’s not just learning how to keep yourself safe that’s key - setting your dog up for success by understanding them well will reduce the likelihood of them attacking someone else, which could result in authorities deciding to euthanize them. 

Aggressive dog behavior can be scary, but there’s plenty you can do to reduce your chances of being attacked. Below, dog experts reveal their top tips for staying safe around dogs, how to keep your own canine companion safe, and what to do if you’re bitten. 

Eight tips to stay safe around dogs

1. Use the Pet, Pat, Pause approach

Dog trainer Meg Marrs says it’s important that both children and adults learn to respect a dog’s right to consent. She says one of the best ways to do that is to use the Pet, Pat, Pause technique.

“Start out patting your leg to invite the dog to approach. If they approach, proceed to pet them. After a few seconds, pause and wait for their response - if the dog indicates they want the petting to proceed, go for it! If they move away, or do nothing, we can take that as a "no."

2. Use calm body language

“If you are close to an aggressive dog, monitor your body language and avoid anything aggressive or combative towards an owner, e.g. sudden sharp movements”, suggests vet Thomas Doyne. 

Doyne says it’s also important to avoid doing anything that could make a dog anxious or worried. “For example, making direct eye contact is generally seen as a threat and so could make a dog feel nervous and heighten the chances of an attack.

3. Give them space

We’re often so keen to give a dog a pet or a cuddle that we forget that our canine companions are just like us and have their own personal space zone that they don’t like being crossed. Respecting personal space is particularly important around dogs we don’t know or suspect may be aggressive.

“The best thing to do when around a potentially unsafe dog is to give them plenty of space and keep an eye on their body language. They give off signals that indicate when they are feeling nervous or uncomfortable,” explains Marrs. For more on this, take a look at our guide to dog body language which will help you read a pup’s mood.

4. Don’t bribe them with food

While trying to use food to get a dog to back off might seem like a sensible plan, experts say it’s wise to steer clear of this option. “Do not use food to bribe a dog into your space. What commonly happens is a dog might be motivated by the treats even if scared, but once they’ve eaten them they feel vulnerable again, and can resort back to aggressive behavior,” explains Eva Tang.

5. Ask the approaching dog to ‘sit’!

“Sometimes just simply asking a dog who’s approaching to ‘sit’ can stop them in their tracks”, says Canine Behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson. Many dogs know this simple exercise and are able to respond quickly to this cue. “When we move a dog’s brain from feeling mode to thinking mode, by asking them to do an exercise, then we can calm down the situation”, adds Wilkinson.

6. Breathe, slowly

When we get stressed we tend to breathe more quickly, flooding our brain with too much oxygen. Wilkinson says, “dogs can read signs of stress in humans - which in turn impacts their own level of anxiety”. By breathing slowly in through your nose to the count of 7, holding your breath for 4 seconds, then breathing out of your mouth for 8 seconds, you’ll lower your stress levels pretty quickly. 

7. Throw Food

While we might not want to use food to get a dog closer to us, we can use it as a way to distract an approaching dog and create space. Toss multiple small pieces of tasty dog treats away from you in one direction, then slowly move off in another. Keep repeating until the approaching dog is back on leash or you have created enough space to feel comfortable.

8. Speak calmly to the guardian of the dog

Whether it’s you or your dog that needs more space, asking the guardian of an approaching dog to give you that room is a good idea. Sometimes, pet parents can miss the signs that you’re trying to avoid them and make sense, so be clear in your request. Calmly asking them to leash up their dog and move away can mean you avoid the chance of any type of conflict.

Eight tips to keep your dog safe

1. Train puppies for at least two years

“Many owners only do a short puppy class, if any, when they first get their dog, however, they continue to learn and develop for the first two years of their lives. Stopping training so soon lulls the owner into complacency - adolescent dogs need continuing coaching and socialization if they are to become trusted adults,” advises Jo Sellers.

So, what are you to do if you adopt a rescue pup who’s over the age of two? Well, the good news is that an old dog can indeed learn new tricks. We recommend enlisting the help of a specialist trainer to help your fur friend learn the ropes and then continue to coach and train them independently to build trust. And if you do have a small fur friend, check out our guide to how to train a puppy not to bite to help get them started off on the right paw.

2. Use prevention measures for safety

While a lot of pet parents are hesitant to muzzle their dogs, Tang says it’s one of the best things you can do to keep them and others safe. “If you think your dog might be aggressive, muzzle them. They have gotten a bad rap over the years, but it's one of the best tools to create peace of mind and safety for everyone.” 

She also advises staying away from dog parks for one very important reason. “You don't know those dogs, or how much control the owners have of them. Getting attacked can create a heightened defensiveness in your dog, so try to socialize only with dogs that you know.”

3. Learn and understand your dog’s body language

“Dogs tell us when they are happy, stressed, or annoyed. Not knowing the subtle signs can cause aggressive behavior. Be aware of what your dog is trying to say, and don't force them into situations they cannot handle” advises Sellers.

It’s also important to always supervise any interactions that children might have with your dog as Sellers explains that children find it much harder to read body language and may continue to try to engage with a dog that’s sending clear signals they want to be left alone.

4. Check for any underlying health conditions

According to Sellers, if a dog has a health issue, they may be much more prone to lashing out. “Pain can cause more aggressive responses. If your dog has recently changed their behavior, then they need to be checked by the vet - most often, if something is identified and treated, then they'll be back to their normal selves.” Learn to recognize the signs a dog is in pain so that you can get them the treatment they need.

5. Choose where you walk carefully

Simply choosing the right location for your walks can make the biggest difference when it comes to enjoying adventures with your dog. If your dog finds other dogs worrying to be around, then head to quiet spaces rather than the local dog park. As Behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson says, “enclosed spaces, such as dog parks, are going to reduce your dog’s ability to move away and create space, so they’re more likely to react aggressively if they feel threatened”. 

6. Teach a solid recall

Being able to get your dog to come back to you when they’re off the leash not only allows your dog to have more freedom on walks, but it can also prevent dog fights. If you have a friendly dog who likes to say ‘hi’ to every other dog they see, it can be tricky to get them undercontrol when you see another dog on leash. That other dog might be on leash because it is unwell or reacts aggressively to approaching dogs. You can help both your dog and those dogs you meet to feel more relaxed if you can get your dog to come back to you when you call it, creating space for each other.

7. Longlines are great for keeping dogs safe and reducing your stress

While working on teaching your dog to return to you when you call their name, using a long training leash or longline, can be helpful to keep everyone safe. It will stop your dog from running off - potentially towards other, less friendly dogs - and reduce the chances of them getting injured by running into a road. These tools are great for keeping everyone safe and reducing stress for you, the guardian. 

8. Teach an attention cue

Having a simple little sound, such as a kissy noise or clicking of your tongue - or even just your dog’s name - that means your dog will get a treat if they turn to you is really useful. If you see your dog spot another dog, before they even move off towards it, you can click your tongue or say their name and instantly get their attention. This allows you the time to decide if you need to leash up your dog and create space, or if you can continue in the direction you were headed.

What to do if you’re bitten by a dog

Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in the position of being attacked by a dog. However, if you’re ever bitten, the Cleveland Clinic advises progressing through the following steps:

1. Wash the wound. Use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
2. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
3. Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
4. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
5. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
6. Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
7. Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain, and fever.

It’s also worth knowing your rights in terms of seeking compensation. According to claims expert Sasha Quail, here’s what she recommends people do to ensure they get the support they need if they’re unfortunate enough to be bitten by a dog:

“It’s important to seek medical attention immediately, no matter the size of the bite, as well as reporting the incident to the local authorities. If possible try to obtain the owner's details, name and breed of the dog and their vet’s details - this will make it easier if you do have to take the matter to a solicitor.

You will also need to collect evidence if you do want to pursue a claim, if safe to do so, including; a photo of the injury, any item of clothing (unwashed) from the attack, a written account of the attack, any witnesses, and a formal medical record from your doctor.”

Remember, it’s always better to opt for prevention rather than cure when it comes to dog bites, so putting into action the above tips to minimize the risk of an attack in the first place is your best course of action. For more on dealing with aggression, take a look at our guides on how to deal with an aggressive rescue dog, how to tackle dog aggression and how to stop a puppy biting

Want to learn how to stop puppy food aggression? You’re not alone. It’s a common problem that lots of pet parents have to tackle and is very normal. It isn’t something you should blame yourself for, and luckily, there are lots of ways that you can help.

It might be tempting to leave your pup to just ‘grow out of it’, but the best thing you can do is put a stop to it from an early age. Otherwise, it might turn into a serious problem as they get older. 

By giving your dog one of the best puppy toys, you can help reduce aggression. A good toy will provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need, which, in turn, can help reduce unwanted behavior caused by stress and boredom. An anxious dog might make “poor choices and reactions”, according to the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 

When your furry friend is eating the best puppy food, they might feel a little protective over their bowl and display aggressive behavior such as growling and snatching food. This isn’t nice for anyone (especially if you have small children or other animals in the house), but it doesn’t have to stay this way. 

You might want to check out our guide on how to discipline a puppy if you’re facing other behavioral problems, but to learn the signs of puppy food aggression and how to stop this behavior, keep on reading:

Is puppy food aggression normal?

Firstly, it's important to remember that being protective over a vital resource such as food can be normal and natural. After all, in a large litter pups may have to be pushy to keep their food, and it's an instinctive behavior for animals to guard their food sources from potential threats. 

Food aggression in dogs is a type of resource guarding – they're just trying to protect what's important to them, and they're worried that you will take their food away. 

If your puppy is showing a little food aggression, don't panic. But you should never ignore this behavior either; it won’t improve with age! Taking active steps at the first sign of food guarding is the best way to prevent more significant issues down the line. Or even better, before any signs of guarding appear, start positive reinforcement for dogs.

Signs of puppy food aggression

If you’ve watched dog training videos online, you’ve probably seen the worst food aggression cases – where the dog lunges to bite if someone gets close to their bowl. Unfortunately, by this point, it's very difficult to treat. 

Just like with other forms of puppy aggression, to prevent food aggression, you need to spot it at the very first signs. Early signs of food aggression in puppies include:

• Standing over their food bowl 
• Having a stiff posture 
• Holding their ears back, with wide eyes 
• Baring their teeth 
• Giving low growls when approached 
• Snatching or gulping food 
• Eating faster if someone, or another animal, approaches 

The best time to prevent puppy food aggression is before any of these signs appear. So, here’s six top tips for stopping puppy food aggression:

How to stop puppy food aggression

1. Ask family members to leave your dog in peace

Would you like to be petted or picked up while you're eating? Probably not. Ask children and other family members to let your new puppy eat in peace, or feed the puppy once the children are in bed. Find a quiet corner where your dog won't be disturbed while they're eating. 

Consider shutting the door so that other animals can't make them anxious. Remember, food aggression happens because the animal is worried that their food may be taken away. You need to show them that they haven't got any reason to worry. 

2. Don’t take their food bowl away  

An old 'trick' for food aggression was to take the bowl away from the dog while they were eating, to 'show them who's boss.' Now that you understand your dog is guarding their food because they're worried it might be stolen, how do you think they'll feel if you do go ahead and steal it? 

Will it really make them 'respect' you, or will they just have good reason to fear you? Randomly removing food from puppies has actually been shown to increase the risk of food aggression. Resource guarding is a sign of distrust, so don't give your dog a reason to distrust you. Once your dog has their food, you should leave the bowl alone until they have finished their meal.

3. Add more food to the bowl

One thing you can do from the first day you bring your puppy home, before they are showing any signs of food aggression, is to approach the bowl to add more food. This trick turns number 2 on its head by teaching dogs that it's actually a great thing when you approach their bowl – you aren't going to take it away; you're going to give them more! 

Put three-quarters of their meal in their bowl, then let them start eating. Stand nearby and, once they're tucking in, call their name and ask them to sit. If they do so, you can give them a high-value treat such as chicken, while putting the rest of their meal into the bowl. 

This can work well for dogs that aren't yet food aggressive or are in the very early stages. It shouldn't be attempted in dogs that are already very stressed by humans near their bowls. 

4. Give several small meals at set mealtimes 

Food aggression has been associated with both hunger and ad-lib feeding. Therefore, it might be a good idea to review your dog's mealtime routine. Puppies should have several small meals throughout the day – four meals in 24 hours is usually recommended initially, steadily reducing as they age. 

If you are feeding less than this, your dog might be feeling extremely hungry by the time their mealtime comes. Hunger increases the value of food to your pup, so they feel the need to guard it.

However, it’s not a good idea to leave food in the bowl at all times. Ad-lib feeding could cause your dog to worry and feel on edge constantly. The sheer amount of time the food is in the bowl also increases the risk of an incident – you can't avoid walking past the bowl all day! 

Don't leave your puppy's food down indefinitely. If they don't eat what's in their bowl after 20 minutes or so, take the food away and offer it again later. Remember, in a puppy showing signs of food aggression; you can't simply walk over and take the food away. Instead, wait until they’ve finished eating and then call them over to play a game elsewhere, or find another way of distracting them.

Don't forget to build a routine into your dog's mealtimes. They’ll feel a lot more secure about their food if they know when their next meal will be. 

5. Ditch the food bowl 

Depending on your dog's anxiety level, you may be able to ditch the food bowl and feed from your hand, as rewards for tasks or as part of a game. Instead of associating their bowl with the food, your puppy will come to associate you with the food, so they'll view you more positively around food. Remember that some dogs who resource guard will snatch the best puppy treats– if this is the case, we wouldn’t recommend trying this tip. 

For larger puppies, they may become too tired from training and games before they've eaten all their calories. That's fine – just make sure they perform one final command ('sit' is fine) before receiving the remainder of their dinner from their bowl.

6. Try to desensitize your dog to your presence when he’s eating

This tip is best used on dogs who are only showing very early signs of guarding behaviors, not dogs who are already showing aggressive behavior. A behaviorist's advice would help to decide whether this method would suit your dog, because in some cases it could actually make their behavior worse.

Your dog needs to learn that you aren't a threat to their food. Start by figuring out how far away from the food bowl your dog feels comfortable with you. Then stand a few steps further away than this. 

You should make sure you are in a safe and comfortable position and don't make any loud or sudden movements. Make sure you aren't a threatening presence – you may need to crouch and busy yourself with something else, rather than looking at your dog or their food. Every now and then you can toss a high-value treat towards your dog.

Hopefully, your dog will eventually ignore you and eat. If he gulps his food down with one eye on you, or shows any of the other signs listed, you're too close. Slowly move further away – you want him to register your presence but not react to it. Once he's had a few meals where he's comfortable with you in that position, move a small step closer, and repeat. 

Over time, you should be able to stand quite close to your dog without triggering his food guarding. In fact, he should come to see your presence as a positive thing. Instead of taking his food away, you’re actually bringing yummy treats.

When to seek professional help

We said at the beginning that a bit of mild resource guarding is very common and that time and a few of these positive methods can teach your dog that you are nothing to fear. However, it's essential to realize that food aggression can also get out of hand, which can be extremely dangerous. 

The last thing you want is for your puppy to bite you, a visitor, or a child. You should discuss food guarding with your veterinary team as soon as you notice an issue. They can refer you to a qualified behaviorist if needed. 

Can you train aggression out of a dog?

Yes, it is possible to train a dog not to be aggressive around their food. But once this behavior is ingrained, it becomes a lot harder to correct. This is one of the reasons that it's best to seek help at an early stage – it's a lot more challenging to train a dog not to be aggressive if they're an adult that has been doing it for years. As with most things, prevention is better than cure!

Importantly, you should never punish your dog for their behavior. This is guaranteed to make the behavior worse.

Food guarding in puppies is a natural behaviour, but not a desirable one! It's important to prevent food guarding in puppies, before food aggression becomes a problem. If you are struggling, your veterinary team will be able to refer you to a behaviorist. Don't be worried about asking for help; it's important to tackle the problem early, before the behavior has time to escalate. 

Want to learn how to handle dog aggression? Or if you’re questioning ‘How much should I feed my puppy?’, this vet’s guide has the answers you need. 

Knowing how to handle dog aggression is vital when navigating challenging behaviors. We know it can be frustrating and overwhelming when you’re in the thick of dealing with these behaviors. That’s why vet, Dr. Catherine Barnette, has laid out five common behavioral problems and given us some tips and tricks on how to reduce them.

You may see aggressive behaviors in your pup while on walks, towards other dogs, or chewing on household items even when you’ve supplied your dog with the best dog toys. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to minimize these behaviors. Let’s check them out and find out why aggression in dogs might be happening in the first place.

Why do dogs act aggressively?

There are many possible triggers that may contribute to aggression in dogs. Some dogs are aggressive in a wide variety of contexts, while other dogs show aggression only in a specific set of circumstances.

In general, the possible triggers of aggression in dogs can be divided into five categories: fear, possessiveness, frustration, dominance, and pain/illness.

Fear

Fear is a common cause of aggression in dogs. Have you ever heard the phrase “fight or flight response?” When your dog is scared, they have two options - run away or stick around and fight.

While many dogs prefer to flee, aggression can arise if your dog feels trapped in a fear-inducing situation. Fear aggression is most common in a dog that feels cornered.

Possessive behavior

Possessive behavior can also trigger aggression. If your dog feels strongly about protecting their food, treats, toys, resting places, home, or even family members, aggression can arise towards any person or animal that is perceived as a threat to those items.

You can also check out our vet’s guide on handling food aggression in dogs.

Frustration

Frustration can also cause aggression in dogs. Think of a dog that is left chained up outside all day, unable to interact with humans and animals that walk by their home. Over time, these dogs can become hyper-aroused, and this excitable state can lead to aggression. Frustration-related aggression can occur not only in chained dogs, but also while dogs are outside on a leash or in a fenced yard.

Dominance

Dominance is an often-discussed cause of aggression in dogs but is less common than you might expect. Dominance aggression occurs when a dog feels that their role in the social hierarchy is being challenged. In this case, they show aggression to retain “top dog” status.

While many dog trainers on television and social media act as if dominance is a common cause of canine aggression, this myth has largely been debunked. Dominance-related aggression affects a relatively limited number of dogs.

Pain/illness

Aggression caused by pain or illness is perhaps the most easy to understand. If you have ever been sick with the flu or had a significant injury, you may have noticed that you were more short-tempered than usual. Dogs can be the same way. Anything that causes your dog to be painful or feel unwell can contribute to aggression.

Understanding these common causes of canine aggression can help provide a framework for thinking about aggression problems that you may be observing in your dog.

Now that you are familiar with the general causes of dog aggression, let’s discuss some specific scenarios and how you can address them.

How to handle dog aggression

Tackling aggression on walks

Dogs that show aggression on walks will benefit greatly from professional help, especially if it’s a severe case of dog aggression and/or if your dog is difficult for you to control. However, there are steps you can try at home if your dog is mild enough to be controlled and you can do so safely.

First, focus on basic obedience; ensure that your dog is dependably trained to sit, stay, lay down, and come. Work on these commands in a quiet area first, then expand to asking your dog to obey these commands even while distracted.

Once your dog reliably obeys basic obedience commands, you can easily distract your dog when another dog is approaching; your dog can’t bark or lunge at other dogs while he’s sitting quietly and waiting for the best dog treats!

We also highly recommend investing in the best dog harness for pulling and pairing this with treats and other training methods.

Now, it’s important to realize that this is not probably going to work when another dog is just five or ten feet away. Instead, start working on this skill when the other dog is far away, using a friend or neighbor to help you create a scenario that sets your dog up for success.

Have your friend stand with their dog at a far distance (for example, at the end of the block), while asking your dog to obey a command. If your dog obeys, give a treat. Then, gradually move closer to the other dog and repeat this process.

Stop for the day once you reach the point where your dog is struggling to obey. After repeating this process for several days, you should gradually progress to a point where your dog is still obedient even when the other dog is standing just across the street. This process requires commitment, but it’s the best way to address dog aggression towards strange dogs.

Aggression towards other dogs in the home

There are two different types of dog aggression: aggression towards dogs outside the home (as described above) and aggression towards other dogs within the home. These two types of aggression differ in their underlying causes and management.

Aggression between housemates is an emergency. Fighting dogs can seriously injure each other. They can also injure you, their owner, if you attempt to intervene in a fight. If your dogs have shown any signs of significant aggression towards each other, take immediate steps to keep them separated at all times to prevent further fights.

Next, talk to your vet about a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can help you manage this problem (or a high-quality trainer, if a behaviorist is not available in your area). Interdog aggression between housemates is not a problem that you should try to manage alone!

Barking at sounds, people or nothing at all

Dog won’t stop barking? Dogs use barking as a form of communication. Although barking is a normal behavior, it can become irritating if you have a dog that barks all the time! Dogs bark for several reasons, but the most common reasons include territorial or alarm barking (directed at possible intruders) and attention-seeking.

The easiest way to manage territorial barking is to limit your dog’s ability to see what’s going on outside. This may be as simple as closing blinds or curtains on the front of your house, or you may need to buy the best dog crate you can find that features a cover.

Another option is to teach your dog a command that can be used to stop his barking. For example, you may teach the command “quiet” as a cue to stop barking, or the command “go to your spot” to direct your dog to lay calmly in one of the best dog beds.

If your dog’s barking is an attention-seeking behavior, it’s important to make sure you aren’t reinforcing the behavior. When your dog is barking, make every possible effort to completely ignore it. Don’t yell, don’t make eye contact, and don’t engage in any way. Look away from your dog and leave the room. When your dog stops barking, then you can look at him and give him attention. Over time, most dogs will learn that barking no longer results in attention.

Jumping up during greetings

Excited dogs often jump up on people during greetings. Some owners even encourage this behavior when their dog is young, but it’s a habit that can become annoying over time.

You’ve probably heard many different suggestions on how to stop a dog from jumping up, such as raising your knee, grabbing your dog’s paws, or trying to push the dog away. Unfortunately, all of these options seem like attention to your dog, further reinforcing the behavior of jumping up.

Instead, take a different approach. What does your dog want when he’s jumping up on you? Attention. Therefore, the easiest way to stop this behavior is to ensure that you don’t reward your dog by giving him attention. When your dog jumps up, your goal should be to completely ignore him.

Turn around and walk away, without speaking or making eye contact with your dog. Wait for him to calm down and sit, then reward him with attention. Over time, your dog will learn that jumping results in him being ignored, while calm sitting results in him getting the attention that he wants.

Chewing/destroying household items

Chewing is a normal dog behavior. If your dog is chewing on your possessions, you need to ask yourself why. If the chewing only occurs when you’re away from home, and is accompanied by signs of separation anxiety, then dealing with separation anxiety will be necessary before the chewing issues will resolve.

If your dog is just demonstrating everyday chewing that happens to involve your shoes or other prized possessions, there are several steps you can take to help. First, move as many items as possible to drawers, closets with closed doors, high shelves, and other inaccessible areas. Next, offer your dog a wide variety of the best dog chew toys, ranging from plastic or nylon bones to edible chews such as rawhides.

Avoid cooked bones and be sure to supervise your dog closely with the chew toys, to ensure that he doesn’t swallow anything that could get lodged in his gastrointestinal tract. Over time, you will begin to determine which chew toys your dog prefers and can offer those regularly. Once your dog consistently chews his toys instead of your belongings, you can probably begin to move your valuables back to the main living area of your home.

Consistency is key

When trying to resolve any behavior problem, from dog aggression to destructive chewing, the key is consistency. Once you have figured out the problem (and its underlying cause, if applicable), you need to come up with a behavior plan that can be consistently enforced by everyone in your household. Consistency is key to correcting your dog’s behavior issues.

Struggling with an aggressive dog? This feature can also help you: My dog had Jekyll and Hyde Syndrome - here's how I managed their emotional response. You might also want to read up on the 12 signs of aggression in dogs.