Your first 24 hours
- 1
Prevent more incidents
Use baby gates, closed doors, leashes and crates to separate your dog from known triggers: guests, children, other dogs.
- 2
See your veterinarian
Pain, thyroid problems, neurological conditions and other medical issues can cause or worsen aggression. Ask for a full exam and tell the vet about the behavior.
- 3
Stop punishing
Yelling, hitting or 'alpha rolls' can make aggression more dangerous and less predictable.
- 4
Write down what happened
Note triggers, body language, time of day and what happened before and after. This helps professionals.
- 5
Plan for visitors
Keep your dog behind a closed door or in a crate when guests come. Never leave children unsupervised with a dog showing aggression.
- 6
Arrange professional help
Look for a veterinary behaviorist or credentialed behavior consultant. See how to choose one.
Breaking up a dog fight
Never reach between fighting dogs with your hands. If you can do so safely, try loud noise, spraying water, throwing a blanket over them, or placing a barrier (a board, a chair) between them. Prevent future fights by separating the dogs and calling a professional.
Equipment that can help
- A basket muzzle, introduced gradually with treats (see muzzle training)
- Baby gates and closed doors
- A secure harness and a strong leash
- A crate or quiet room your dog enjoys
Management buys time. Training changes the behavior, and a professional should guide it. See our gear guide.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Tell us what's happening. There's no judgment here. If you'd like, we'll pass your request to independent behavior professionals near you who work with aggression and reactivity. It's free and confidential on our end, and you're under no obligation.
- No judgment, ever
- Free to request, no obligation
- Independent behavior professionals, not affiliated with this site
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911