One of the most distressing situations a pet owner can face is aggressive behavior by a beloved pet. While aggression often stems from neglect, abuse or inadequate socialization, it may also appear for no apparent reason, after a traumatic event outside the owner's control or because of a physical problem such as a brain tumor. When aggression occurs, the owner must consider his own and his family's safety upon deciding whether to keep the dog and attempt behavior modification. Sadly, an aggressive dog is unlikely to find a new, loving home. If its current owner can't keep him, the aggressive dog should be humanely euthanized.
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Behavior Modification
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Behavior modification under the guidance of an expert animal behaviorist can help most aggressive dogs. Owners should not attempt to retrain aggressive dogs without professional assistance. If a certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist isn't available, a professional trainer specializing in aggression and who is willing to make home visits may be able to help.
The entire family must be willing to commit to a behavior modification plan in order for it to succeed. This may in severe cases mean that bites will occur during the behavior modification period. Many aggressive dogs temporarily become more violent when a behavior modification plan is implemented. The dogs try the old strategy of aggression to solve problems and become frustrated when it no longer works, so their first impulse is to become more intensely aggressive.
Always obtain personal liability insurance before inviting a professional into your home to interact with a dog that you know to be aggressive. In addition, always warn the behaviorist or trainer that the dog is aggressive.
Safe Management
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Incurably aggressive dogs can sometimes be carefully and safely managed. This option should be considered only if behavior modification has failed but the family wishes to keep the aggressive dog. Allow only adults with whom the dog is familiar to interact with it. Accustom it to a wire basket muzzle that can be worn for veterinary appointments and at any time the dog must interact with strangers. Travel will be difficult during the dog's lifetime due to the risk of a pet sitter being attacked. Make sure all fences used to contain the dog are sturdy and reinforced. Be aware that an attack by a dog you know to be aggressive could result in criminal charges against yourself for owning a vicious dog.
Rehoming
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Rehoming is rarely an option for aggressive dogs. Very few people want to take a dog with a serious and possibly incurable behavioral disorder into their home. It is irresponsible to rehome an aggressive dog without notifying the future owner of the behavior. Dumping an aggressive dog at a shelter is equally reprehensible. Only consider rehoming an aggressive dog if someone who is completely aware of the dog's problem behaviors is willing to take him and attempt treatment or management.
Euthanasia
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Euthanasia may be the kindest option for incurably aggressive dogs. Nobody likes to put a healthy dog to sleep, but aggressive dogs are only physically healthy. Mental health is also important for a dog's quality of life. If treatment is impossible or not feasible, humane euthanasia should be considered.
Other Considerations
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Aggression is sometimes the result of a hormonal disturbance or neurological illness. If the behavior appears suddenly rather than gradually, physical illness may be to blame. Before making a decision on what to do with an aggressive dog, consider bloodwork and possibly other diagnostic methods to determine whether the behavior may be related to a healthy problem.
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