Differential diagnosis and management of human-directed aggression in dogs

Aggression to human beings is the most common canine behavioral problem referred to veterinary behaviorists and a frequent complaint to veterinarians. Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, including social conflict, territorial defense, and fear or anxiety. Regardless of the motivation for biting, it is important to manage such dogs with a combination of safety practices, changes in human-dog interactions, and modification of the dog's behavior through learning and, when indicated, drug therapy. Although aggressive behavior cannot be completely cured, it can be controlled in many cases so that owners learn to manage the risks of biting and the dog becomes a safer and less anxious pet.