Many people who have dogs with aggressive tendencies often live in denial, not recognizing how dangerous their dog truly is, and they're unable to accurately report or understand the animal's behavior. Many of these dogs are loving pets ... "except." “Except around children…except around men…except around their food dish or toys...except when accidentally cornered.”
Those who love and share their lives with these dogs often try to avoid situations that seem to trigger aggressive behavior, but they worry that trying to manage an aggressive dog may not be enough. With good reason: It often isn't.
I don't care how much you love your dog: If you believe there's any chance some person (most typically a child) will be injured by your pet, there are no excuses for you or your dog. While some dogs with aggression problems cannot be reformed, many can, sometimes with a combination of medication and re-training, and always with a big dose of “dog-savvy” on the part of the owner.
Are you kidding yourself about your dog? Answer these questions and be brutally honest:
Has your dog ever "stared you down"? If your dog gives you a hard, fixed stare, you need to recognize it for the challenge it is.
Does your dog adopt a dominant posture with you or other people? A dog who's trying to be boss will be up on his toes, with his legs stiff, ears forward and his hackles raised. His tail will be held up or out, and may even be wagging a little. Don't confuse the latter for friendliness. There's a big difference between the wide, relaxed wag of a friendly dog and the stiff, tight one of an aggressive animal.
Do you avoid doing certain things around your dog because they elicit growling or a show of teeth? I've known people who live their lives in fear of their dog, avoiding the animal when he's eating, sleeping, or playing with a toy ... the list can be endless.
Do you consider your dog safe, except around a particular group of people, such as children? When he growls at the veterinarian, do you tell yourself the behavior is reasonable because the animal thinks the doctor is "threatening him?"
Has your dog ever bitten anyone? Whatever the reason, no matter the excuse, a dog who has bitten once is more likely to bite again than is a dog who has never bitten at all.
A "yes" to any of these questions means you do have a problem, and you need to find help. What can be done? I recommend that you consult with your veterinarian without delay. He or she can either specifically advise you what to do, direct you to resources you can find to aid in helping with your particular situation, help recommend a trainer with experience in canine aggression, or in some cases assist in getting a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. If a dog's owner isn't willing or able to get help, euthanasia for the animal is sometimes an unfortunate, but necessary recommendation.
There are several forms and causes of aggression in dogs. Often, it is a very difficult topic to address for pet owners and veterinarians alike...but it must be done. Don't try to pass the problem along to someone else because it's hard to do what needs to be done. If your dog cannot be trusted seek help. Take responsibility. You may be sparing a child a lifetime of fear and disfigurement, or you may even be saving someone's life. Good luck!
Doug McKee, D.V.M.
Clay-Duval Pet Emergency Clinic
275 Corporate Way, Suite 200
Orange Park, FL 32073 (904) 264-8281
Fleming Island Pet Clinic
4711 Highway 17 S
Fleming Island, FL 32003
(904) 264-7387
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