What to Do with an Aggressive Dog: A Dog Behaviourist’s Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Aggression in dogs is one of the most concerning behaviours for owners — and one of the most misunderstood. Whether it’s growling, snapping, or biting, aggressive behaviour can create fear, guilt, and uncertainty about what to do next.
But aggression is not a diagnosis — it’s a symptom. It’s how dogs communicate when they feel overwhelmed, threatened, or unable to cope. Just like limping signals pain or vomiting signals illness, aggression is a sign that something needs to change.
This article will help you understand how aggression develops, how to keep everyone safe, and why recognising early signals is essential to prevent things from escalating.
Step 1: Recognise Aggression as Communication
Aggression isn’t about being dominant or stubborn — it’s about trying to be heard. Dogs use behaviour to communicate discomfort, fear, and stress, especially when they don’t have other ways to express themselves.
No dog goes straight to biting. Long before that, they show early signs that something is wrong — but these signals are often missed or misunderstood. When ignored, dogs may learn that subtle communication doesn’t work, and they escalate to more dramatic responses.
Early signs of discomfort often include:
Turning the head away
Lip licking or yawning
Freezing or tensing
Backing away or hiding
Showing the whites of the eyes ("whale eye")
Lifting a paw or shifting weight
Growling or low vocalisations
These are not signs of “bad behaviour” — they are attempts to avoid conflict. A growl is not a challenge. It’s a warning that the dog is uncomfortable and needs space. Listening to these early cues is the first and most important step in staying safe.
Step 2: Identify the Triggers — What’s Behind the Behaviour?
Understanding what’s causing the aggression helps prevent future incidents and gives your dog a chance to recover. Aggressive behaviours develop gradually, and often in response to multiple factors working together.
Some common emotional or medical triggers include:
Fear, especially of unfamiliar people, animals, or handling
Pain or discomfort, even if subtle or intermittent
Frustration, often linked to restraint or blocked access
Resource guarding, like protecting food, toys, or resting areas
History of trauma or poor socialisation
Underlying medical issues, such as arthritis, skin disease, or neurological problems
Dogs may react only in specific situations — for example, when touched during sleep, approached by children, or disturbed while eating. Patterns matter. A full behavioural history can reveal links that aren’t obvious at first glance.
Step 3: Safety First — Protecting Your Family and Others
While you work on understanding the behaviour, safety must come first — for the dog, your family, and the public. This isn’t about punishment. It’s about preventing escalation while giving your dog the space to feel secure.
At Home:
Avoid known triggers: If the dog guards toys, don’t take them away abruptly. Same for his bowls.
Use barriers: Baby gates or closed doors can keep high-risk situations under control.
Supervise children: No child should be left alone with a dog showing signs of discomfort or unpredictability.
Give your dog a retreat: A quiet space where they won’t be disturbed helps them decompress.
Outside the Home:
Walk in quiet areas: Avoid crowded places or known stress triggers.
Use visible cues: A lead or vest that says “I need space” can prevent unwanted approaches.
Always use a lead until you’ve had a professional assessment and a risk management plan in place.
These measures don’t mean your dog is dangerous — they mean you’re being responsible while working toward a positive change.
Step 4: Don’t Suppress the Warning Signs
Trying to train through aggression without addressing its cause can make things worse. It’s common to hear advice like “correct the growl” or “assert control,” but punishing early warning signs like growling or freezing is dangerous. It removes your dog’s way of asking for help — and increases the chance they’ll bite without warning next time.
Growling, like limping, is a clinical symptom. If a limp tells you your dog is in pain, a growl tells you they’re in distress. Suppressing it doesn’t fix the issue — it hides it, and that’s where serious bites happen.
Real progress begins with understanding what the dog is trying to say — and why.
Step 5: Seek Professional Help Early
Aggression isn’t a problem to “wait out.” The longer it continues, the more entrenched it can become — and the more trust may be lost between the dog and the household.
Getting help early from a professional with veterinary behavioural expertise allows for:
A full behavioural and medical assessment
Identification of triggers and thresholds
A plan tailored to your dog’s individual environment and needs
Guidance on handling high-risk situations safely
Support for improving the dog’s emotional wellbeing — not just controlling symptoms
There is no quick fix. But with the right plan, most dogs with aggression issues improve — and some recover fully. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.
Final Thoughts
If your dog has shown aggression — whether in the home or outside — you’re not alone. And you’re not failing them. You’re being asked to understand something complex, often without support.
Aggression is behaviour, and behaviour is communication. The message might be distressing, but it’s still a message. The best thing you can do is listen, protect everyone involved, and seek guidance before things escalate.
