Dealing with dog aggression can be stressful. It can cause conflict with those around you as well as bring up feelings of frustration, guilt and despair. This make us vulnerable to being influenced by anyone who has anything to say about it.
Before considering rehoming or euthanasia, ask yourself if you are feeling this way because
- You don’t wish to do the work, or
- You are afraid you won’t be able to improve the aggression problem.
I don’t think I can improve the aggression
Consider
- Most aggressive dogs do not need to be euthanized [1]
- Most owners of aggressive dogs are told by someone (A veterinarian, friend, trainer, family, etc.) to euthanize
- While dog aggression is rarely “cured” it can often be fully controlled [1]
The challenge in looking for help is that we are often given the wrong advice by trainers and even veterinarians on how to handle the aggression. In many cases the advice given actually makes the dog worse. To treat a dog who is truly aggressive as being normal, and to use those methods that would make even normal dog anxious, can actually be dangerous for an aggressive. This is why this site was born.
In a study completed by Dr. Radosta while at the University of Pennsylvania of dogs who were diagnosed with owner directed aggression, 86% of the owners reported that their pet’s behavior had improved when interviewed 6 months after their appointment. 88% reported that their dog’s anxiety and fear were improved and 98% said that they were satisfied with the treatment that their pet had received. [2] Other similar reports from other veterinary behaviorists have been made with dogs that have been treated with the methods that are designed to reduce anxiety and retrain and may include pharmaceutical treatments.
Success rates for trainers, specialists, or other regular behaviorists cannot be verified at this time.
Look at the Treatment Methods area to give you an indication of what is involved. Learn more about the factors that influence how successful a treatment program might be for your dog.
What can I do right now?
- Avoid the situation that sets your dog off. Whatever you need to do, just do it. Dog owners come up with a thousand reasons why they can’t change their lives. But you can and you should. With some thought and planning, this one is ar easier than it seems.
- Invest in a head halter. Head halters don’t prevent biting, but if your dog is aggressive towards others, using a head halter properly will give you a lot of control.
- Teach your dog to defer to you. This is great for all dogs. There is something about sitting calmly that helps dogs. Its the first step towards teaching your dog to relax when requested which is essential for a behavior modification program. But if your dog is aggressive towards you, sometimes this protocol is all you need to do.
I don’t want to do the work
If you don’t want to do the work, or unable to, and your dog can safely be placed, the the best option is placing your dog.
However, rehoming is a huge challenge as you are handing off your problems to someone else. Most people would rather rescue any other kind of dog than an aggressive one. In addition there are legal and liability issues to be concerned with. In addition, moving a dog between homes is often highly stressful on the animal.
However in some cases, where the owners in unwilling or unable to work with their aggressive dog, the potential for improvement may exist in a new home either because the stimulus that prompts the problem doesn’t exist or the person who adopts the pet is willing to work with the behaviorial problems and provide and stable and better quality environment for the dog that will help them get better. However, full disclosure should always be made, along with any veterinary behaviorist reports provided to the new owners. Not disclosing your dog’s history sets your dog up for failure.
In some cases, rescue organizations, particular those focused on rescuing particular breeds may be will to take the problem dog provided they can talk to a specialist.
Consider:
- Breed rescues
- Putting ads in the paper or online
- People who know and like the dog
- Using your network
K9aggression.com is unfortunately is NOT involved in any way in rescue or in the rehoming of dogs.
Footnotes
[1] Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals, Dr. Karen L. Overall, 1997
