- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Dealing with an aggressive dog can be scary and confusing — and there is a wide range for what qualifies as an aggressive response from a dog.
Aggression is a common response for dogs who feel threatened or unsafe. For example, when a dog barks, growls, or shows their teeth when scared or anxious. If aggression appears to happen “suddenly”, it is likely the dog has experienced people ignoring their behavioral cues.
By understanding the different types of aggression, such as territorial or fear-based, and how to manage them, you can handle aggressive behaviors more effectively. Keep reading for signs, causes, and tips for managing aggression in dogs.
11 Common Signs of Dog Aggression
In most cases, dogs will show signs. These signs can start from subtle body language cues and escalate if a dog feels they are unsafe:
Precursor signs
- Licking lips
- Avoiding eye contact
- Staring
- Freezing
Active signs
- Growling
- Snarling
- Barking
- Baring teeth
- Biting or nipping
- Lunging or jumping
- Blocking other dogs or people
Most dogs don’t purposely find conflict, says Alexandra Bassett, trainer and owner at Dog Savvy. This means they might act aggressively as a response to a previous incident.
What Are the Different Types of Dog Aggression?
There are different types of dog aggression, and knowing them can help you understand why your dog is acting this way and how to fix it. If you’re unsure, ask your vet or a behaviorist for help.
| Type | Signs | Why |
| Territorial | Barking or biting people who come to close to them, their area, or their person | Scare off a perceived threat or unfamiliar thing |
| Resource or possessive | Baring teeth or growling when someone comes close to a food or toy | Fear of losing their resource |
| Social | Growling, lunging, or charging when another dog or person comes close | Poor previous socialization or experiences trigger fear in them |
| Fear-based | Nipping, snapping, biting and running away | Scared or traumatized by the object, person, or situation |
| Maternal | Growling, snarling, or biting when people or animals come near the litter | Protective of the puppies and lack of trust in those who approach them |
| Pain-elicited | Shaking, growling, nipping/biting when approached or touched | Fear of experiencing pain again |
What Causes Dogs Aggression?
Aggression is complex and often misunderstood, says Denise Mazzola (CPDT-KA), a dog trainer and owner at Everything Dog. Some dogs may have experienced trauma, while others, like those bred for herding or hunting, naturally have more aggressive tendencies.
Predatory instincts
Bassett says dogs are hunters by nature, so they may act aggressive while playing or if they see something moving as a threat.
Basic training can help teach dogs to stay focused and follow commands.
Past trauma
Dogs who’ve been hurt or mistreated might be scared of people or other dogs. Bassett says if they’ve been abused or in fights, they may act aggressively if they feel threatened again.
Research shows some dogs move past trauma, while others need extra help. Positive experiences can reduce this aggression.
Fear or anxiety
A scared or anxious dog may act aggressively to protect itself. Things like loud noises, changes in routine, or being alone can make a dog feel anxious.
If you think your dog is anxious, visit a vet for help.
Lack of socialization
Dogs need to meet new people, animals, and places to learn how to act around them. Without this, dogs may get scared or aggressive in new situations.
“Socializing dogs helps build their confidence and social skills,” Bassett says.
Health issues
Sometimes health problems can cause dogs to act aggressively. A study found that 15% of dogs with behavior problems had health issues.
Older or sick dogs might get grumpy because they don’t feel well. Regular vet visits can help keep your dog healthy and happy.
Can Dogs Inherit Aggression?
“Aggression can be inherited, so it can be breed-specific,” says Mazzola. Some guarding breeds are naturally more protective and may act wary or aggressive toward strangers. For these breeds, the lack of training and guidance on what not to do can lead to more aggressive behavior:
Mazzola says these breeds can also be happy family pets with the right understanding of their needs.
Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with Animal Behavior Wellness Center, adds that while some breeds may be more prone to aggression, any dog can be defensive. Each dog is unique, no matter their breed.
How to Manage an Aggressive Dog
Shoshi Parks, Ph.D. (CPDT-KA), a dog trainer at Modern Hound, shares these tips for managing aggressive behavior:
1. Learn and avoid triggers
Aggressive dogs usually have triggers, like being scared of men or nervous around children.
Watch your dog closely to identify what sets them off. Keep track of these triggers to spot patterns. Lastly, avoid or reduce triggers when possible, or offer comfort during stressful times.
2. Create a routine
Once you know your dog’s triggers, create routines to help them feel safe. For example:
- Use puzzle toys with treats to distract them when guests visit so they associate people with positive experiences.
- Separate them into their own space, if they’re territorial about food.
- Set up a cozy spot, like a bed or crate, in a calm area so your dog can avoid potential aggression triggers.
- Keep training treats handy to reward good behavior during walks or social settings.
3. Use positive reinforcement
Scolding or punishing aggression can make it worse, causing more fear or anxiety.
Instead, praise and reward good behavior, like staying calm around other dogs or people. Comfort your dog if they bark out of fear, and reward them when they stop.
4. Give them space
If your dog becomes aggressive, sometimes it’s best to give them space.We often want to fix the problems our dogs are experiencing, but this isn’t always possible.
For example, if your dog’s trigger is pain or discomfort and you can’t calm them down, it might be more productive and safer if you remove yourself.
5. Work with a dog trainer
If managing aggression at home feels overwhelming, working with a dog trainer can help.
Trainers can identify triggers, teach behavior modification, and improve communication between you and your dog. Training sessions can reduce aggressive behavior and build trust.
iStock/rushay booysen
6 Dog Aggression Myths Debunked
Aggression in dogs is often misunderstood. Here are some common myths about aggressive behavior and the facts behind them:
Myth 1: Only certain dog breeds are aggressive
Some breeds, like Pit Bulls Terriers and Chihuahuas, have a reputation for aggression. But no breed is “naturally” aggressive.
Any dog can show aggressive behavior based on their genetics, upbringing, and environment. For example, a Chihuahua’s aggression may be a result of small dog syndrome, where they weren’t taught to be independent or confident in themselves.
Myth 2: Aggressive dogs can’t be trained or rehabilitated
Aggressive dogs can often be trained to manage their behavior and live normal, happy lives. Dr. Pike says while they may always have the potential for aggression, with proper training (or sometimes medication) they can learn to respond calmly to triggers.
This doesn’t mean they will never act aggressively again, but it does mean that their aggression can be significantly reduced or controlled.
Myth 3: Dogs become aggressive to protect their owner
It might seem like a dog is being protective when they’re aggressive around their parent, but dogs use aggression to express fear, frustration, or stress, not to defend someone.
They often feel safest showing those emotions near their owner.
Myth 4: Aggression happens if you’re a “bad” owner
Dr. Pike stresses that aggressive behavior isn’t your fault. Many factors, like genetics, trauma, or instincts, affect a dog’s behavior.
Training and other treatments can help, but aggression doesn’t mean you have failed your dog.
Myth 5: Dogs feel remorseful after they’re aggressive
Dr. Pike says dogs don’t feel guilt or morality like humans do.
If your dog looks “guilty” with pinned ears or a tucked tail, it’s their way of saying they don’t want to cause more harm.
Myth 6: Aggression is just bad behavior
Dr. Pike says aggression isn’t about being “bad” or dominant. Dogs use aggression to communicate negative emotions like fear, stress, or frustration.
Instead of blaming the dog or yourself, Mazzola says to look deeper into the behavior to find the triggers. Working with a vet, dog trainer, or behaviorist can help your dog feel happier and safer.
