Dog aggression can be a dangerous problem. A person can be seriously hurt if attacked by a dog, and some attacks even result in death. There are many causes for aggression, and while some dogs may need some extensive training to fix their problems, a simple solution may work for others.
Instructions
Take your dog to the veterinarian. It may be a medical condition that is causing your dog to be aggressive. If your dog is in pain, perhaps from arthritis, this could cause her to be cranky, whether she is being touched or not. In addition, she could also have a hormonal problem that may need to be addressed with medication. If you have an intact male dog, getting him neutered may be the answer. Unneutered male dogs have a lot of testosterone running through them, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
Consult a dog trainer. The trainer may be able to show ways to stop the aggression. If the aggression is toward you, often times it is because the dog thinks he is in control of you. If this is the case, the trainer can demonstrate exercises to show that you are the pack leader. For example, something as simple as walking in a door before the dog does can prove you are in control.
Visit a dog behaviorist. Veterinary behaviorists try to look at the dog's situation and determine what may have caused the aggression. They then treat the dog depending on what may be the etiology. While they may use the same training techniques as trainers, behaviorists perform more extensive diagnostic testing to determine the underlying reasons for the aggression.
Socialize your dog. If your dog is aggressive toward other dogs, allowing her to interact with them in a controlled environment may help. However, this should only be done under the supervision of a dog trainer or behaviorist.