How To Treat Aggressive Behavior In Dogs

Don't Engage In Overly Rough Play Time

Some aggressive behavior isn't motivated by fear or irritability. Instead, this behavior is rooted in your dog's desire to play. For whatever reason, your dog could have been socialized to think aggressive actions including growling and biting are part of play behavior and they don't understand why that behavior isn't appropriate. If this is the case, don't engage in overly rough play time when you are with your dog. You can have a huge impact on your dog's behavior by cutting out the overly rough play and replacing it with something a little more sedate. You should still make sure your dog is stimulated and gets plenty of exercises, but cut out wrestling or playing tug of war to help your dog better understand playing isn't the same thing as showing aggression.