Interdog Aggression on Walks
The owner should avoid high-density dog areas and times on walks; if other dogs are encountered, the owners should create space between their dog and the other, and leave as soon as possible. Walks in less-populated areas, such as business parks and industrial parks, may be more manageable and provide safe exercise. Head collars can provide enhanced control. The dog should always be on a set-length leash; retractable leashes offer less control and should be avoided.
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Owner-Directed Aggression
In this situation, a high priority is prevention of injury to family members. To accomplish this goal, the owner’s strategies might include the following: avoid disturbing the pet when it is resting, keep the pet from sleeping on the owner’s bed or couch, and feed the pet without disturbances to prevent food-related aggression. A history should include identifying specific situations during which the pet has become aggressive so that a plan can be devised to avoid similar circumstances.
Aggression Toward Visitors
Providing safety for those who might encounter the animal is paramount. When visitors will be present, the dog or cat must be placed in another area before allowing the guests into the house. This confinement must be secure (eg, a room with a lock, a locked crate, or a securely fenced yard), and the animal should be placed into confinement by an adult. To facilitate catching a dog, a leash can be left by the door or left on the dog when someone is home and awake. If the visit is a planned one, the pet should be confined long before arrival of the guests.
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Territorial Responses at Windows, Doors, & Fences
Prohibiting ongoing aggressive responses is the first step. Blocking visual access out windows or doors by restricting entry to the room or covering the windows and keeping the front door closed are useful strategies. When outdoors, the pet should be supervised and preferably wearing a head collar and leash held by an adult.
Separation Anxiety
If possible owners should try to avoid leaving the dog alone for periods that evoke the distress response. Such options as doggy day care, pet sitters, and day boarding might be useful. Pheromones and medication are often indicated as well.
Related Article: Talking With Pet Owners about Canine Separation Anxiety
Fighting Between Pets Within the Home
When dogs or cats have a tendency to fight, the animals should be supervised at all times or separated if supervision is not possible. For cats, allocation of such resources as food and water bowls and litter boxes can increase harmony. Separation while eating, owner control of toys and high arousal situations, and use of leashes and head collars may be helpful in homes where dogs are fighting.
Unruly, Destructive, & House-Soiling Issues
For dogs that are difficult to control in the home, having the dog wear a head collar and drag a leash when someone is home and awake will allow better control and redirection away from problematic responses. See Aids & Resources for food-dispensing toys to keep pets busy.
For dogs that get into the garbage or take food off the counter, some advance planning can help. Keep food-related garbage under the kitchen sink and use a baby lock to secure the cabinet. Place other food items up high or in cupboards to thwart counter “surfing.”
For house-soiling dogs, be sure to go outdoors with the pet to confirm outdoor elimination and keep the dog nearby using a leash when home to monitor the need to eliminate. For house-soiling cats, be sure to provide plenty of clean litter boxes in private, quiet areas.