Skip to main content

Is your dog aggressive toward you? It might be your own fault

In today’s tumultuous society, having a guard dog can be a comfort. Without question, it’s nice to own a live-in protector who not only announces when strangers are at the door but also makes it clear he won’t tolerate any funny business from those outside the immediate family.

But what happens when that same protector becomes aggressive toward members of the family? Whether your dog has always been a bit moody, or the behavior comes on suddenly growling, barking, snarling, and lunging — even biting — can cause emotional as well as physical harm to other pets or humans living in your household and must be addressed. Here’s why some dogs are aggressive toward their owners and what you can do about it.

small dog baring teeth and human hands
Piotr Wawrzyniuk / Shutterstock

What might be causing the aggression?

There are a variety of reasons why your dog may be displaying aggressive behavior toward you or other family members.

Fear. Dogs who feel threatened may exhibit aggressive behavior as a form of self-defense, especially if the aggression has been successful in preventing scary situations. If your dog is fearful, refrain from punishing him when he is aggressive. Doing so will only make him more fearful. Instead, learn your dog’s body language so you can remove him from the situation before it occurs. Work on basic obedience skills so you can redirect your pup in a positive manner. And ask your veterinarian to recommend supplements that may help reduce his fear or anxiety.

Illness. If your dog suddenly becomes aggressive or moody without warning, it might signal an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Older dogs especially can suffer from a variety of diseases, including joint pain and cancer, that cause significant pain. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatories or pain relievers to help alleviate the symptoms. Knowing the diagnosis will also help family members understand the reason for your pet’s discomfort so they can change their interactions with him accordingly.

Neglect. Some neglected dogs react aggressively toward people or animals, especially when food is involved, they perceive they are being threatened, or their abuser is nearby. Speaking in a calm voice and establishing safe places in your home where they can feel safe are important steps in dealing with aggressive behavior in an abused dog.

Improper discipline. Dogs who have been disciplined with yelling, leash yanking, and other forms of physical punishment can become fearful and, as a result, develop aggressive behavior.

brown dog guarding bone
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can the aggressive behavior be changed?

Possibly. It really depends on why your dog is acting aggressively in the first place, the severity of the aggression, and what steps you’re willing to take to keep the dog as a family member. Changing this behavior will take time and patience and may include a mixture of the following methods.

Behavior therapy. Your veterinarian may recommend seeking help from a dog behaviorist, who has specialized training in canine conduct. These college-educated professionals can assess why your dog is behaving aggressively and suggest ways in which you can change the behavior.

Medication. Dogs who are exhibiting aggressive behavior because of a medical condition, such as cancer, osteoarthritis, or anxiety, may benefit from medications designed to treat their symptoms.

Exercise. Dogs who don’t get a daily dose of mental and physical exercise might expend their pent-up energy in a negative, aggressive manner. As a general rule, most healthy adult dogs need a minimum of 30 minutes to two hours of activity each day. Talk with your veterinarian about the amount of exercise that’s best for your dog. Consider investing in some puzzle toys that stimulate your dog’s mind, too.

Where to go from here

The first place to start is to consult your veterinarian. They will examine your pet thoroughly to determine whether there are any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the problem and if so, prescribe a course of treatment. If your pup is given a clean bill of health, your vet might recommend working with a dog behaviorist to determine the cause of your dog’s aggression.

If your dog has become a beloved member of the family, as they do in most, it’s understandably difficult to bear the thought of rehoming or euthanizing him. Realize that changing his aggressive behavior will take a long time — possibly years — with no guarantee that he’ll ever be completely reformed. With patience and proper guidance, however, you can manage the situation to ensure the welfare of your pet as well as those who live with him.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
5 surefire ways to keep your dog off your bed and get a good night’s sleep
Dog sleeping in the bed? Here are some ways to avoid that behavior
Big dog lying on bed

One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it's time to go to sleep.

Dogs don't always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that's not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Read more
Are ‘dog years’ really 7 human years? How to calculate your dog’s age
Time to bust the myth: A dog year may not equal 7 human years
A dog licks a person's finger with yogurt on their nose

There are many ways to identify a dog's age and translate dog years to human years — other than knowing their birthday, of course — from the formation of their teeth to the development of their body. Then there’s the classic rule of 7: 1 year in "human time" equals 7  "dog years". However, research shows that figuring out exactly how to translate dog years to human years may not be as simple as multiplying a number by 7. So how can you calculate your dog’s age?
Let’s dive into the latest and most accurate techniques for canine age calculation. Once you know how to apply this knowledge, you'll be able to figure out what stage of life your dog is in.  This calculation is yet another way to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your best buddy — and it’s fascinating to know either way.

Is 1 dog year 7 human years?
Despite the popularity of this trope — that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years — it’s not quite that simple. In fact, the dog-to-human age equivalent can change from year to year depending on the age and size of your pet. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), all pups will gain about 15 human years within their first actual year of life, while the second year of life equals another nine years.
Past year two, however, the numbers tend to differ. Larger breeds will “age faster” on paper, meaning their human age equivalent will be higher than that of a smaller dog who was born at the same time. This may sound a bit sad, or even worrisome, so it’s important to remember that age isn’t an indicator of health or life expectancy. As we tell humans, age is just one number.

Read more
Taking your dog’s collar off at night: Safe move or safety risk?
What to know about taking your dog's collar off at night
A man clips a leash on a beagle's collar.

When you and you dog are out and about, your dog's collar is an important part of keeping them safe. It holds their tags, which has vital info that can help you reunite if your dog gets lost, is a convenient place to hold onto if the leash breaks, and it lets other people know that your dog isn't a stray if they get lost.

However, some dog owners take their dog's collar off while they're at home. For some, this sounds like the perfect opportunity to give their dog some time to relax. For others, this might sound like a safety hazard. So which is the truth?

Read more