Dominance Aggression, Canine - contd.
Because of the dangerous and complex nature of dominance aggression and the variations between each case, specific treatment of individual cases requires the guidance of a veterinarian with knowledge and experience in the management of canine aggression.
Human safety being the first concern, the veterinarian will first ensure that the animal's behavior is not posing a threat to members of its household. It is particularly dangerous to keep dogs with dominance aggression in homes with children. Due to their small size and their physical movements and actions, young children are potentially more challenging to dominant dogs because they are at eye level and are likely to unintentionally exhibit behaviors that are considered a challenge by the dog.
As much as possible, the circumstances in which the aggression occurs should be avoided in order to prevent the aggressive behavior. For example, if the dog guards its food, it should be fed away from people. Training aids such as head halters and basket muzzles may be necessary to control the dog and prevent its aggression. Physical punishment is dangerous for both the owner and the dog since dogs with dominance aggression become more aggressive in response to punishment.
An important option to consider is neutering. Castration has approximately a 50 percent probability of reducing aggression in intact male dogs. Conversely, there is evidence that spaying intact female dogs that are exhibiting signs of dominance aggression will increase the aggression.
Although obedience training alone will not treat dominance aggression, trainers can help develop behavioral "tools" that can be used in conjunction with specific behavior modification programs. These programs, such as the "Nothing in Life is Free" approach, which requires the dog to defer to the owner by obeying commands before receiving attention, food, or affection, frequently are used to modify the dog's role in the household. Desensitization programs to reduce the dog's reaction to triggers for aggression are often helpful. Both the family and the animal should learn commands such as "sit-stay" or "down-stay" that can help control a dog's behavior in situations in which aggression is likely to occur.
A behavioral specialist may recommend changes in the way the family interacts with the dog to change the dog's perception of its status within the household. Lavish attention and coddling should be permanently withdrawn. In fact, temporarily withdrawing all attention from the dog except for the necessities of life will help "set the stage" for behavior modification. Changes in the dog's feeding routine, exercise schedule, and sleeping or resting sites may have to be made as well.
Finally, drugs that increase the availability of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, as well as other medications that facilitate impulse control, may be recommended for severe cases.
