Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

InFocus

Dispelling common myths about inter-dog aggression

“As the first port of call for concerned dog owners, vet professionals can help bust the long-held myths surrounding inter-dog aggression”

Aggression, including barking, growling, lunging, snapping and biting, directed towards unfamiliar dogs is a common behavioural concern for pet owners. It is reported by 22 percent of UK dog owners, with increasing levels of aggression and fearfulness reported in dogs obtained during lockdown (Casey et al., 2013; Sacchettino et al., 2023). Aggression towards other dogs presents not only a welfare issue but also a safety one.

Owners may approach their veterinary practice for first-line advice and referral to a qualified behavioural professional. Many myths are held by owners surrounding dog aggression. These unfounded beliefs can result in owners following inappropriate guidance, increasing the severity of the issue and putting dogs at risk of injury. As the first port of call for concerned dog owners, veterinary professionals can help bust the long-held myths surrounding inter-dog aggression and help clients get support from qualified behaviourists.

Top myths about inter-dog aggression

Myth 1: Dogs showing aggression need only general training to overcome it

Clients may be keen on joining a training class to help their dog overcome aggression issues, but general training is not appropriate or helpful if dogs are displaying aggression. We cannot train our way out of aggression because it is an emotional disorder. While trainers teach animals specific tasks or undertake more general training, aggression cases require specialist behavioural support due to the underlying emotional cause. Behaviourists assess and help dogs displaying undesirable, inappropriate or dangerous behaviours.

General training is not appropriate or helpful if dogs are displaying aggression. We cannot train our way out of aggression because it is an emotional disorder

Later stages of behavioural modification programmes may use training approaches to teach dogs new behaviours when around other dogs. However, this is only suitable once the emotional cause of the behaviour has been determined and any underlying factors have been resolved.

Myth 2: Dogs that are aggressive to other dogs were not socialised

Early life experiences are of crucial importance to shaping adult behaviour. The socialisation period for puppies (from 3 to 12 weeks) is a pivotal time for developing appropriate conspecific behaviours and preventing fear responses in later life. A lack of appropriate socialisation with dogs can be a causative factor in the development of inter-dog aggression issues. But equally so, inappropriate socialisation – for example, where puppies are repeatedly overwhelmed by other dogs or are exposed to poorly trained dogs in dog parks or at poorly managed puppy parties, etc – can also result in inter-dog aggression. This is because dogs become sensitised and more fearful, rather than less, over time.

Tailoring socialisation experiences to the individual puppy is of prime importance. Some puppies may sail through and cope with high levels of exposure to other dogs, whereas some puppies may be much more sensitive and need more careful socialisation. Having skilled staff, including puppy-specific trainers and a specialised behavioural team, can help identify at an early age which puppies may need more controlled socialisation, thus preventing fear responses from developing.

Puppies that exhibit abnormal fear responses during their first visits to the veterinary clinic may need additional help. Early behavioural intervention rather than waiting until adolescence when the issues may be compounded is recommended.

Myth 3: Aggressive dogs need more exposure to other dogs to “get over it”

For dogs with pre-existing negative emotional responses, uncontrolled exposure to other dogs risks making matters worse, not better. Owners may look for opportunities to “socialise” their dogs with aggression issues, but adult dogs exhibiting inter-dog aggression need behavioural help to determine the underlying cause. They may also require management in the early stages to ensure exposure to other dogs is reduced rather than increased.

For dogs with pre-existing negative emotional responses, uncontrolled exposure to other dogs risks making matters worse, not better

Aggressive dogs may require systematic desensitisation, counter-conditioning behavioural programmes and modifications to the dog’s life to reduce stress and promote naturally rewarding behaviours. Controlled social contact may be helpful in later stages but often requires professional guidance to minimise risk and ensure the safety of all dogs involved.

Owners who have not had appropriate guidance may intentionally or unintentionally “flood” their dog – this involves forcing their dog to “face their fears” by repeatedly exposing them to the scary stimulus without the option to escape. Flooding generally makes the dog much more fearful in the long term and can cause them to display more aggressive options (ie bite rather than growl) in the future. Flooding may cause dogs to “shut down” and become behaviourally inhibited when exposed to other dogs, so it may look as if the “flooding” has been successful at the time – the “fallout” (increased fear responses) will come later.

Myth 4: Dog aggression is always due to anxiety

Anxiety is a common cause of inter-dog aggression, but it is not the sole cause. Many dogs are frustrated around other dogs, and this negative emotional state may lead to aggression. Dogs who are frustrated often cannot be helped simply by letting them “say hello” to other dogs, as they may have inappropriate socialisation skills or greeting other dogs may not be the interaction they seek. Many dogs are “conflicted” and struggle with both anxiety and frustration. A qualified behaviourist can determine the underlying emotion and develop a programme to help combat it.

Dogs in pain may be sensitive and anxious about being approached by other dogs; they may also be frustrated that they cannot perform certain behaviours

Pain or ill health is the underlying cause of a large proportion of dog aggression cases. These underlying clinical conditions may contribute to feelings of anxiety or frustration, but the causative factor is the dog’s poor health. Dogs in pain may be sensitive and anxious about being approached by other dogs; they may also be frustrated that they cannot perform certain behaviours. A review of 100 caseloads found that 28 to 82 percent of behaviour cases involved pain, with the authors recommending investigating the pain early rather than waiting until the dog fails to respond to behavioural therapy (Mills et al., 2020).

Myth 5: Correcting or punishing the dog can stop problem behaviours

Punishment may seem like an attractive quick fix for inter-dog aggression to owners, especially given the rise of unqualified punishment-based and “balanced” trainers who have a huge following on social media. Aversives that inflict fear, pain or discomfort to reduce unwanted behaviours (such as the prong collar, E-collar, slip lead corrections, etc) are increasing in popularity with the public, yet present great risk in reality. Punishment often goes hand-in-hand with disproven dominance theories where the dog’s behaviour is blamed on the dog being “dominant” or “in charge” when, in reality, the dog is likely to be anxious or in pain, thus not addressing the underlying cause.

Studies show that the use of punishment-based methods result in (Beerda et al., 1998; Blackwell et al., 2008; Casey et al., 2013, 2021; Cooper et al., 2014; Herron et al., 2009; Hiby et al., 2004; Lubin et al., 2008; Polsky, 2000; Reisner et al., 2007; Schalke et al., 2007; Schilder et al., 2004):

  • Reduced welfare
  • Increased stress responses
  • Increased instances of aggression
  • Risk of associating aversive with other stimuli in the environment with resultant increased aggressive responses
  • Reduced ability to respond to future behaviour therapies, including impaired task learning and increased pessimism
  • Development of additional behaviour problems, including increased aggression

Owners should, therefore, be dissuaded from using punishment and instead guided towards a qualified behaviourist who uses ethical techniques based on positive reinforcement.

Myth 6: Owner anxiety causes dog aggression

Many owners may be concerned that their own anxiety at walking their dog is the cause of the aggression. In reality, most owners only become anxious about walking their dog as a result of inter-dog aggression, not beforehand. Although owners may lose confidence and stop enjoying walking their dogs due to this aggression, behavioural therapy should also address the human half of the partnership by helping the owner rebuild their confidence in their ability to handle their dogs.

Behavioural therapy should also address the human half of the partnership by helping the owner rebuild their confidence in their ability to handle their dogs

Owners may also worry that the dog is “guarding” or “protecting” them from other dogs, but it is relatively uncommon. Most dogs exhibit inter-dog aggression due to their own emotional issues or pain rather than owner factors. However, dogs that have issues with guarding and/or possessive behaviour may react badly to other dogs coming into close proximity with their owner or the resources they are carrying (food, toys, etc). Ultimately, assessment by a qualified professional can determine what the motivation of the dog is and why they are showing aggression.

Take-home messages: how can veterinary professionals help owners reduce inter-dog aggression?

  1. Direct concerned owners with aggressive dogs to qualified professionals
  2. Investigate the patient for pain and help owners understand the link between pain/ill health and undesirable behaviour
  3. Suggest stress-reduction guidance while they await behavioural help. This involves reduced exposure to dogs on walks, the use of private “freedom fields”, increased enrichment activities that the dog enjoys and the use of pheromonal therapy, etc

Have you heard about our
Membership?

The number one resource for veterinary professionals.

From hundreds of CPD courses to clinical skills videos. There is something for everyone.

Discover more