Do I need help for my dog?

Aggressive behavior in dogs occurs on a continuum. It can range from being completely normal and appropriate for the situation to abnormal and inappropriate. A problem can evolve slowly over time or it can seem to appear suddenly and without warning. It may occur with other behavior issues such as anxiety, or it may be influenced by health factors.

When your dog first shows aggression it can be upsetting. Typically people are either quite alarmed, or they downplay the seriousness of it, or they go into denial and just hope that whatever happened was a one-time occurance.

There are a number of interventions that can help your dog’s behavior. But first learn more about the signs that suggest your dog’s aggressive behavior may need treatment.