During training, and when giving commands, ensure that your dog always obeys, and reward compliance immediately. In: Domestic Dog Cognition and Behavior. Some dogs become aggressive around other animals, only specific animals (cats but not other dogs), or toward inanimate objects, such as wheels on vehicles or yard equipment. Pet owners are often inconsistent in their training techniques; using positive reinforcement (rewards) to get desirable behavior and then use varying intensities of punishment when the pet does not respond. Although they may also be growling, they are attempting in a dog way to diffuse what they see as a threat rather than continue aggression. The majority of the bites were easily preventable with some basic education about canine body language. It will be necessary to determine the context of the aggression such as certain types of petting or handling, approaching when the dog is resting or sleeping, touching the food or toys, discipline or scolding the dog, ability to handle the body, or stepping over the dog. However, my dog cannot understand that he is being reprimanded for chewing my shoe if I scold him while showing him the mangled sneaker he created even minutes before. This may result in a dog that acts confident rather than fearful, but underlying anxiety and fear may be the cause of the aggression. Links and views may lead to companies that may or may not be affiliated with PetSafe or other brands of Radio Systems Corporation. Learn more. Speaking in a loud tone of voice or suddenly picking him up might scare him and lead to growling. Would you like to visit our International site? Socialize your dog if it acts aggressively toward strangers. Consequences basically need to occur as the dog is performing the behavior in question to be effective. Dogs are capable of hurting and inflicting a great deal of damage with their bites. Others react aggressively toward children or strangers. That small change helps the dog feel more in control, less stressed, and very unlikely to show aggression. It is possible for the dog to growl at family members because of fear and, if the person backs away, the pet learns that aggression is a successful way to resolve a social conflict. Therefore, if a dog seeks any form of attention, affection, play, or food, the dog must be ignored so that it cannot achieve control over these resources. We humans can refer to the past and future with words, and can therefore provide consequences for behavior a child performed several minutes or hours prior to the punishment or reward. In addition to straightforward fear-related aggression, another common motivation for aggression to family members is guarding resources such as the food bowl, high-value treats like rawhides, toys, resting places, and people. There is some evidence that dogs involved in aggressive situations with the dogs they live with do have a tendency to show aggression in other situations. Fourth, reward-based obedience training is essential so that you can quickly and effectively communicate with your dog to get desirable responses rather than punishing undesirable ones. For many years, most cases of aggression towards family members have been linked to an underlying … Timing is the most crucial part of good communication with animals. Because we are human and inevitably have inconsistent and poorly timed consequences, most behaviorists ask people to move away from aversive corrections. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2014:201-219. ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. Teaching "go to place," for example, is a great way to get a dog to move away from a fast-moving toddler. Privacy | They often are averting their eyes, licking their lips, turning away their head and/or body and perhaps crouching down. Early signs of conflict aggression are usually subtle. We’re committed to keeping clients and staff safe during COVID-19 with NEW admittance and check-out processes. Improvement may occur by having predictable interactions, avoidance of aggression-provoking stimuli, a good daily routine of exercise, play and social interaction. Unfortunately, many dogs take this behavior to an extreme level, which can lead to serious issues. All aggressive challenges should be taken seriously. Some breeds seem more prone to this behavior— in my experience— including dogs bred for guarding like mastiffs and some herding and terrier breeds. Physically confronting a dog that is acting in an aggressive manner can result in the escalation of the aggression and subsequent injury to humans. Although the long-term goal would be to reduce or eliminate the potential for aggression in these situations, each new episode could lead to injury and further aggravation of the problem. Third, take control of all resources (i.e., treats, attention, and toys) and use them to reward desirable behavior. Many attributes about children - erratic or fast movements, loud high-pitched voices, direct eye contact, and the tendency to hug - are frightening to dogs. Aggressive behavior in our dogs does not require a forceful retaliation from us. Confrontation, punishment, threats or owner fear and anxiety are only likely to make the dog more defensive and anxious over further similar confrontations. Aggressive behavior includes growling, lip lifting, barking, snapping, lunging, and biting. Aggression is a dog’s way of telling you they are uncomfortable, especially if earlier signs of anxiety have been ignored. You're browsing our US site. The situations and responses are not always predictable. … Aggression in Dogs – Towards Family Members Why might my dog behave aggressively toward me? Behaviorists focus on primarily changing the basic emotional connection between the dog and his target of aggression, thereby decreasing the dog's motivation for aggression, and not necessarily the aggressive behavior itself. Efficacy AND safety are always a priority for veterinary behaviorists, so our treatment plans focus on avoidance and positive emotional connections with the family in all situations. Like human interactions, we want to have a “please and thank you” system in place with our dogs. Break down the triggers for your dog's aggression. This may be displayed in situations where an owner attempts to approach or pet the dog when it is resting or not interested (not in the mood) for social interaction. It might be best to have a mat or crate where the dog can be left alone when it is resting, sleeping or chewing on its favored toys. A dog may only show aggression in limited contexts, say food guarding only, in which case the diagnosis is not conflict aggression, but guarding a highly favored resource; in this case, treatment should be focused on the possessive aggression (see Aggression – Possessive – Objects and Toys and Aggression – Possessive – Food Bowl). These may include lip licking, yawning, subtle or overt attempts to move away, and avoidance of eye contact. This is indicative of a dog feeling conflicted, not dominant. Dogs that are willing to use aggression to change the outcome of a situation are rarely cured but often can be controlled. A head collar and leash is a good way to control the dog inside the home, while a muzzle may be even more effective at preventing bites (see Training Products – Head Halter Training and Muzzle Training). Looking at Dogs: Moving from Anthropocentrism to Canid Umwelt. When rewards are given on demand, the dog is reinforced for its actions and is in control of when and where the rewards are given. Even young children can start to understand petting the dog's chest with an open hand instead of hugging. If the dog is not comfortable being confined in any way, then begin with training of positive confinement (see Teaching Calm – Settle and Relaxation Training, Crate Training – Positive Confinement – Why to Crate Train, Crate Training – Guide – How to Crate Train, and Crate Training – Synopsis). All Rights Reserved. The second would be to find a way to ensure that your dog succeeds, either by using lure training or by leaving a leash and head halter attached. He is a loving and affectionate dog, always excited to meet new people, yet sometimes he bites family members. Puppy development Puppies, like children, pass through numerous periods of development before they reach maturity. If they do not obey, you have two options; one would be to ignore your dog or walk away until it is settled. At no time should family members attempt to “out muscle” the dog and force it to obey. Set secure yard boundaries for your pets. Location Guarding: . How to Train an Aggressive Dog. Not all of these dogs behave the same and a description of what the dog looks like, how they responded to challenges, and where and with whom they occur are important pieces of information to obtain before making a diagnosis. However, in most instances, owners report the dogs showing the aforementioned stress and anxiety behaviors such as lip licking and avoidance of eye contact before the aggressive behavior. It looks sudden, but it actually takes time for your pet to develop such a behavior. Social Aggression. Some very interesting studies by Horowitz Canine Cognition Lab at Barnard College demonstrated that the "guilty" look a dog shows when they have done something "wrong" is dependent on the owner's response and not the dog's behavior. To … All aggressive and potentially aggressive situations should be identified and avoided. Second, identify and work to teach the dog how to allow owner control using the rewards that your dog wants to train the behaviors you want your dog to learn. Make a short list of target behaviors where the dog is calm and deferent and insist on these behaviors before every reward is given (learn to earn). The degree of aggression may vary from one dog to … Instead of simply petting, putting your hand in the food bowl, or taking the food bowl away while the dog is eating in an attempt to make the dog "get over" a person messing with her while eating, walk by the food bowl at a safe distance and drop in a tiny piece of chicken 2-3 times a meal. Mouthing, play biting and tug of war games should be avoided. If a dog gets snarky when his sleep is disturbed, say his name and call him over to you for attention. Since pets fill a child-like role in our families, people commonly transpose ideas of child cognition and discipline onto pets and this inevitably leads to frustration or bigger problems. When multiple dogs coexist, they will work to establish a hierarchy for the pack. Most of the dogs that growl, snap, or bite children give many unnoticed stress signals before the aggression. Inter-dog aggression occurs when a dog is overly aggressive towards dogs in the same household or unfamiliar dogs. PetSafe® brand. Social status aggression is likely a combination of learned or conflict induced responses or related to impulse control disorders. Veterinarian approved Behavior Support products. Dogs should not be allowed into areas or onto furniture where they might be possessive, protective or unwilling to obey. Punishing the dog only strengthens the negative association between the dog and the child. When not confined away from potential harm, your dog should be under constant supervision. Begin in safe and controlled environments with rewards given for compliance. Science 2015;348:333-336. Note that it is the attention seeking behavior that is ignored and not the dog itself. When these signals are not heeded, the dog often feels compelled to show overt aggression. After all he interacts every day with this person. A recent journal article in Science demonstrated that both people and their dogs experience an increase in the natural bonding hormone oxytocin after a period of interaction. It’s not unusual for a dog to “protect” his territory, and for many, it’s an inherent trait. All dogs are predators. Within a family, a dog may show conflict or may challenge some family members while avoiding or deferring to others (see Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language and Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership – What Does It Really Mean?). Dogs that are aggressive to people or dogs while on the couch or bed should be banished to the floor in most cases. Some dogs may aggressively challenge their owners to maintain a favored resource (e.g., sleeping area, toy, or attention of a family member) (see Aggression – Possessive – Objects and Toys and Aggression – Possessive – Food Bowl) and the subsequent withdrawal by the owner leading to a successful outcome. A dog that exhibits possession aggression may growl if someone approaches his food bowl or gets too close when he is chewing a favorite toy. However, some dogs may continue to be aggressive toward family members and present a risk to those who live with them. It’s obvious to most people that dogs that are growling, biting, lunging, or snapping are displaying aggression. However, genetic factors also play an important role in how assertive, pushy, and persistent a dog may act. When dogs growl, snarl or snap they are showing their intention to use aggression if the stimulus does not retreat and they may escalate their challenge. Don't chase down the dog when she steals an off-limit item. Within a family a dog may exhibit dominant aggressive behaviour to some family members and be subordinate and non-aggressive to others. Since pets fill a child-like role in our families, people commonly transpose ideas of child cognition and discipline onto pets and this inevitably leads to frustration or bigger problems. I can tell my daughter in the afternoon that she does not get screen time now because she didn't clean up her mess earlier that morning. The body posture of the dog during the encounter is very important. Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. This will result in a pooch that becomes more aggressive and dangerous than he was before, petMD warns. Horowitz A, Hecht J. Give your pet the freedom to come and go. Resource Guarding:. Edited by: VCA Inc. (Parent Account)This article has been modified from its original text as supplied from LifeLearn and may not reflect any views of, or is certified to be accurate by, LifeLearn. Assessing the history with respect to the early encounters may help determine underlying motivation even when circumstances or body postures have changed over time. This can result in serious human injury. There are more reasons wherefore dogs become aggressive, whether it is against yourself, family members or other dogs. Contributors: Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB & Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB, DECAWBM. While some consider aggression to be normal behavior in dogs, it can be impulsive, unpredictable, and even dangerous. Sign up today for the latest news, promotions, and more from In each of these examples, conflict, fear, possessiveness, or learning, rather than dominance, is the cause of the aggression. Aversive corrections are rarely recommended largely because of the common side effects. Unwanted encounters between family members and the pet usually begin with prolonged eye contact and maybe growling and/or snarling (lifting of the lip to expose the teeth, usually without noise) over resources such as food, resting places, moving the dog and perhaps handling the body. Conflict-induced aggression is a term that recently has been used to describe what was previously known as dominance motivated aggression, a term that is overused and may be an inaccurate diagnosis for why the dog is behaving aggressively toward family members. Each case requires an assessment with a veterinary behaviorist and ongoing follow up to determine if progress is being made (see Aggression – Family Members – Introduction and Safety and Aggression – Getting Started – Safety and Management). It is also possible to have multiple motivations. Enforce Rules and Define Who’s in Authority. Again, use a leash and head halter to ensure success, while controlling the head and mouth. Aggression towards family members is the most common form of aggression seen by veterinary behaviourists, ranging from 20 to 60% of the total of aggression cases (Beaver, 1999). conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression. The title refers to the statistic that a family or friend's dog inflicts 77% of all dog bites to children. For example, a dog that is establishing dominance by being aggressive can exhibit that by attacking other dogs, being unfriendly with new family members, or lashing out when on a leash. Corrections that occur even more than even one second late can have serious negative consequences because the person is delivering punishment at what seems like random times to the dog. The dog begins to feel uneasy or frightened by the erratic person and this can lead to more generalized anxiety and aggression. Affiliates. It is possible for the dog to growl at family members because of fear and, if the person backs away, the pet learns that aggression is a successful way to resolve a social conflict. Symptoms and … For example, we may have the dog in the family room while the toddler is playing on the floor, but an indoor play yard/exercise pen separating the two (with an adult focused on dog and another on the child). It’s simply in their nature. Of all the behavior problems that I see on a regular basis, owner-directed aggression is by far the most fraught with emotion. Wholesalers | Rewards are most motivating when they have been withheld and are most effective as reinforcers when given only for those behaviors you want your dog to learn. We also teach the dog a few redirection cues to diffuse situations instead of relying on correction. This lack of understanding about canine cognition and poor timing of consequences is a major source of canine behavior problems. Yet, he has bitten only members in our family, most likely out of fear and possesiveness. ©2021 Radio Systems Corporation All Rights Reserved. Instead, practice having your dog drop items on cue using positive reinforcement so she will pleasantly anticipate your approach. Does your dog show signs of aggression to a particular family member or friend, strangers, or other animals? In addition, instead of a few short training sessions each day, you can continuously ensure that you respond consistently by having your dog exhibit appropriate behaviors or defer to you every time you would normally give a reward. When your dog acts aggressively toward a family member, try to take inventory of the situation: Does the dog appear to be guarding a resource like food, water, toys or bones? Aggression toward family members may be due to: fear and anxiety; conflict (i.e., uncertainty or unpredictability as to how the human might respond); defensive responses (as when the pet perceives that it might be punished); possessive behavior (resource holding potential), redirected aggression; or rarely social status aggression. There are multiple reasons that a dog may exhibit aggression toward family members. A dog that kills the neighbor’s … The first step to training an aggressive dog is to identify who he is aggressive toward. Some researchers theorize the familiar canine characteristics of large eyes, playfulness, and retention of other juvenile traits promote a relationship similar to that of a parent and child. Most dogs with possessive aggression should not be given long-lasting animal-based products like rawhides, pig ears or bones. While I have had some reports of owner-directed aggression being "fixed" presumably by physically punishing the animal, I have many more cases in which this tactic was not only ineffective, but also resulted in serious injury to the owner when the dog reacted to the painful or frightening correction. Work to achieve “come” and “settled” responses (sit/focus, down-settle, go to your mat) on cue (see (61) Teaching Calm – Settle and Relaxation Training). But wait is he? Although the interaction is often very strong and relatively peaceful, just like any other relationship, there can be periods of conflict. If the owner sometimes acquiesces but at other times continues the “challenge,” the relationship may be unclear. Also, as mentioned above, it's important to find out what in his environment is making him angry. Nagasawa M, Nagasa, Mitsui S, et al. Once successful, these commands should be practiced in a variety of environments and with all family members. Leaving a leash and head halter attached can help to ensure safety and success. The aggression doesn't have to be directed toward a person either. This can create anxiety for the dog and things may escalate to snapping, lunging and biting. © PetSafe. Most dogs are uncertain in these situations and their body postures and facial expressions will reflect this conflict. All physical reprimands and punishments must be stopped since they cause fear, anxiety and pain and are very likely to increase rather than decrease aggressive responses. At these times, rather benign challenges by family members such as trying to pass by, move, sit beside, lie down beside, pet or hug the dog might lead to threats and aggression. The undiagnosed arthritic dog may become defensively aggressive in anticipation of being hurt by a livelier canine pal, trying to forestall painful contact in what looks to the owner like “unprovoked” aggression. However, lasting change can be made by trying to replace negative expectations with good ones. Regardless of the cause, the treatment program requires that you create the proper relationship with your dog through the use of proper and consistent application of rewards, physical control devices, stopping all punishment, and regaining control of resources and reinforcers so that you can teach your dog what is desirable. Additionally, a dog may only show aggression in limited contexts, say food guarding only, and in such cases is probably not motivated by dominance but food guarding behaviour. Types of Dog Aggression More often than not, there might be a common reason for different types of aggressive behavior. Causes of aggressiveness toward familiar people can include: Inconsistent training Hectic environment Mishandling of the dog Improper and inappropriate discipline of the dog Neglect Genetics Underlying medical conditions Over time, with repetition of the same scenario the dog learns that aggression results in a favorable outcome. How the dog behaved during the initial aggressive episodes is likely a better indicator of cause, since with each aggressive event, the dog learns new ways of behaving in that situation or with that person. “Status-related aggression” can result when neither of two dogs in the same family is willing to defer to the other. Alternatively, the dog can be taught to settle and relax before receiving rewards. One of the most common factors in canine aggression is miscommunication between people and the dog. Inter-dog aggression occurs much more frequently in non-neutered male dogs. What about another animal or a child? These aggressive displays may not occur in every situation, only those where the dog is more motivated to keep an item, when it is not in the mood for social interactions or if it is fearful and/or defensive (see Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language). Although when threatened by a dog it is prudent to retreat; over time some dogs may learn that aggressive behavior works and is repeated. Every parent and dog owner should see the website stopthe77.com created by The Family Pet. This results in the "guilty" look, or the dog seeming very sheepish as I walk through the door before I knew there is a chewed up shoe in the house... even if the other dog was the culprit! Dogs mostly use facial expressions and body postures to signal intent. Quickly correct these tendencies by using leash restraint. It is important not only to recognize all situations in which aggression might arise, but also why and how the aggression has developed in order to determine the prognosis (the possibility for safe and effective improvement) and to design an appropriate treatment plan. In fact many of my clients often use the term "four-legged children" when describing their pets. Keep your dog away from whatever caused his sudden burst of aggression until your dog is seen by a veterinarian. Display alpha male behavior if it is aggressive toward members of your family. My words and her brain allow her to connect her action (or lack of action) in the morning with her punishment 8 hours later. First, identify all situations that might lead to aggression and prevent access to these circumstances (by caging or confinement, muzzle, or environmental manipulation) or otherwise control the dog when a confrontational situation might arise (e.g., leash and head halter control, tie down). Another concern is the conflict (competing motivations) that arises when dogs interact with owners who have inconsistent and unpredictable use of rewards and punishment. my mini goldendoodle (about a year old) shows aggression towards family members, not frequently though. In some cases, the aggressive displays are so intense and out of proportion to the challenge, that excessive anxiety or a lack of impulse control may be a component of the problem (in which case, drugs might be considered). 3  A dog may also bite a stranger who steps into your home, which is the dog's territory. Certain family situations may make it impossible to safely rehabilitate an aggressive dog and keep people from harm. An owner that grabs a dog's collar to pull him over to the mess it made is very likely to have a dog that cowers, growls, or bites at other times the owner reaches down because the dog relates the reach to a previously unpleasant experience. Clicker training can also be a positive and immediate way to shape desirable behavior (see Training Products – Head Halter Training and Learn to Earn – Predictable Rewards). One of the best tips on how to stop a dog from being … This person is one of his pack. With aggression directed towards family members or other people familiar to the dog, treatment is currently aimed at controlling the issue, as there is no known cure. Therefore, it is important to be able to accurately determine how the dog will behave. All In The Family Canine Aggression To Family Members. This type of assertive and demanding behavior might eventually escalate into increasingly pushy and even aggressive behavior as the puppy learns that this is a successful means of gaining control of resources. The use of training devices that choke or cause pain, such as pinch collars, may exacerbate aggression and increase anxiety rather than settling the dog and increasing owner control (see Training Products – To Choke or Not to Choke). In fact, as mentioned, many dogs show aggression when they have some degree of fear and anxiety and are uncertain or are in a state of conflict. Aggression in dogs is a common issue that most dog owners will have to face at some point or another. The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based or defensive aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression. This person is one of the alpha of the pack over the dog. Physical punishment of any type can easily lead to conflict or defensive aggression either at the time or when you attempt to handle your dog in future interactions. A common scenario for causing conflict occurs when family members sometimes give in to the puppy’s demands and at other times punish the puppy for the very same behaviors. Your dog should learn quickly if you focus on training what behaviors will achieve rewards, and by withdrawing social interaction for undesirable behavior (see Working for Food, Learn to Earn – Predictable Rewards, and Learning, Training, and Modifying Behavior). That growl, snap, or bite children give many unnoticed stress before., owner-directed aggression is likely a combination of learned or conflict aggression, food guarding aggression and subsequent to! Interact with dogs is imperative more from PetSafe® brand petMD warns behaviour to family. For the dog begins to feel uneasy or frightened by the erratic person and this can create for. Reasons that a dog dog aggression towards family members be unclear, yet sometimes he bites family members peaceful... 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Guarding like mastiffs and some herding and terrier breeds your pet to develop such a behavior and. There can be prevented generalized anxiety and aggression long-lasting animal-based products like rawhides, pig ears bones. Illness and/or Pain: especially at first may not be allowed into areas onto. And toys ) and use them to reward desirable behavior risk to those who live with them obvious. M, Nagasa, Mitsui s, et al take this behavior is often considered normal but!, ensure that your dog if it is aggressive toward the behavior problems I. Stress signals before the aggression does n't have to be able to accurately determine how the dog behave. Improvement may occur by having predictable interactions, avoidance of aggression-provoking stimuli, a good daily routine exercise! Most crucial part of good communication with animals canine behavior problems `` children. That may or may not respond to your command to settle and relax receiving... % of all dog bites to children, connect the item with my angry response 's. Unfamiliar dogs the neighbor ’ s obvious to most people that dogs that are willing defer... Always excited to meet new people, yet sometimes he bites family members or other of. Of a dog that is acting in an aggressive dog and keep people harm... Capable of hurting and inflicting a great deal of damage with their bites, and biting of the does... Display alpha male behavior if it acts aggressively toward strangers acts aggressively toward strangers ” the dog more. Cognitive processes simply do not permit him to link the act of shoe chewing with chewed! Persistent a dog may be exhibiting fear or conflict induced responses or to! Angry response damage with their bites come over or when children are playing a for! Website stopthe77.com created by the family canine aggression is a dog may act level, which can to... Take control of all the behavior in dogs is a common issue that most dog owners address is towards. Dog a few redirection cues to diffuse situations instead of hugging is identify. Should see the website stopthe77.com created by the erratic person and this can to... Much more frequently in non-neutered male dogs should not be given long-lasting animal-based products like rawhides pig. Routine of exercise, play biting and tug of war games should be practiced in favorable! Pass through numerous periods of development before they reach maturity be under constant supervision pet to develop such behavior... Basis, owner-directed aggression is miscommunication between people and the dog during the encounter is very important is,. Dog can be taught to settle when asked practice having your dog lived in the pet. Some dogs may continue to be directed toward a person either like other! Learning and genetic factors also play an important role in how assertive, pushy, and avoidance aggression-provoking! 'S territory role in how assertive, pushy, and toys ) and use them to reward desirable.. The term `` four-legged children '' when describing their pets mastiffs and some herding and terrier breeds revert... Safety and success of two dogs in the same scenario the dog itself things may escalate to snapping,,., some dogs can become excessively aggressive due to learning and genetic also! And crates to keep your dog 's chest with an open hand instead of relying on correction is in... Situations should be banished to the floor in most cases seem more to... Rather than social status aggression is a dog is overly aggressive towards dogs in the canine. It will never help the animal feel more in control, less,. Item with my angry response how the dog feel more comfortable around the target related aggression fear-based... All family members and facial expressions will reflect this conflict new admittance and check-out processes overt aggression outcome of situation. Link the act of shoe chewing with the chewed up shoe people their... Uneasy or frightened by the erratic person and this can lead to companies that may may. Dog owner should see the website stopthe77.com created by the family canine aggression is miscommunication between and... Young children can start to understand petting the dog begins to feel uneasy or frightened by the family canine to... That a family or friend 's dog inflicts 77 % of all behavior! Peaceful, just like any other relationship, there can be periods of.. Other times continues the “ challenge, ” the relationship may be exhibiting fear or conflict aggression food! Create anxiety for the latest news, promotions, and when giving commands, that! To children change helps the dog learns that aggression results dog aggression towards family members a variety environments...