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Center for Companion Animal Health

Companion Animal Behavior Program

DOG AGGRESSION
bibliographies, websites & resources

dog with black noseOverview

Blackshaw JK. 1991. An overview of types of aggressive behaviour in dogs and methods of treatment.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science.  Vol. 30(3/4): 351-361.

Cameron DB.  Canine dominance associated aggression:  Concepts, incidence, and treatment in a private behavior practice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.  1997  Vol.52(3-4):  243-263.

Golab GC. 1998. New task force addresses canine aggression. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Oct 15;213(8):1097, 1108.


Interdog Aggression

Campbell WE. 1977. Multiple dog aggression. The classic bitch case [Problem behavior in dogs]. Mod. Vet. Pract. Apr 58(4): 369-370, 372-373.

Juarbe-Diaz SV. 1997. Social dynamics and behavior problems in multiple-dog households. Veterinary Clinics of North Americal Small Animal Practice. 27(3):497-514.

Shyan MR, Fortune KA, King, C. 2003. “Bark parks" -- a study on interdog aggression in a limited-control environment. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 6(1):25-32.
Abstract:
As limited-control dog parks become more popular, concerns arise about whether these parks encourage interdog aggression. Systematic observations made at 1
park in Indianapolis, USA over 72 h (between 1600 and 1830 h, 3-5 times a week) across 8 months (between March and November 2001) found that 28 conflicts or potential conflicts occurred ( < 0.5%). Of these, 14 were clear aggressive episodes. Each lasted less than 1 min ( < 0.33% of total observation time). There were 14 other incidents of possible aggression that were ambiguous in nature. Each lasted less than 30 seconds ( < 0.17%). None of these incidents led to serious injury. Of the 177 dogs observed, only 9 were aggressive toward other dogs (5%): 6 aggressors, once each; 2 aggressors, twice each and 1 aggressor, 3 times. Results indicate that aggression in limited-control dog parks may be relatively rare and probably presents only a limited risk to dogs and their caregivers (owners). In part, this may be because owners who frequent dog parks are self-selecting, self-monitoring and self-limiting in regard to dog aggression.
   In Database: CAB

Roll A, Unshelm J. 1997. Aggressive conflicts amongst dogs and factors affecting them. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 52(3-4):229-42.
Abstract:
Over one year, 206 dog owners were questioned in a veterinary clinic. The survey included two groups: 151 owners who visited the clinic because of an injury to their dog caused by another dog and 55 people who owned dogs that caused injuries to others. The questioning served to compare aggressors and victims of dog fights. The form contained 43 questions concerning the dog, the owner, and the incident of intraspecific aggression. The results reveal that both groups, victim and aggressor, showed regularities regarding the breeds, gender, and process of the fight. Important factors included housing conditions, criteria concerning the selection of a dog, and the dog's training. Significant differences were found comparing the owners of aggressors and their victims, including the owner's gender, profession, age, his/her attitude towards dogs, the selection of a specific breed, training methods, the purpose of keeping a dog, and previous experiences owning a dog. Further conclusions were drawn regarding the time and location of the incidents. Their influence on a potential solution to the problem caused by aggressive dogs is discussed.

Rugbierg H, Proschowsky HF, et al. 2003. Risk factors associated with interdog aggression and shooting phobias among purebred dogs in Denmark. Preventitive Veterinary Medicing. 58(1-2):85-100.
Abstract:
The prevalence of behaviour problems is reported from a questionnaire study among members of the Danish Kennel Club (DKC). In total, 4359 dog owners were included in the analyses. With logistic regression, we analysed four behaviour problems: dominance towards the owner, interdog dominance aggression, separation anxiety and shooting phobia. Compared to Labrador Retrievers, the following breeds and breed groups had higher odds of being reported to have interdog dominance aggression: Belgian Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Hovawarts, Pinschers, Rottweilers, Scent dogs and Spitz dogs. Poodles, retrieving/flushing dogs, Sheepdogs, Spitz dogs and terriers had higher odds of shooting phobia. The odds of interdog dominance aggression were higher among dogs owned by younger dog owners compared to dogs owned by older dog owners. Dogs living in the capital area of Copenhagen had increased odds of interdog dominance aggression as compared to dogs living in other parts of Denmark. Dogs belonging to owners with limited knowledge of the breed before acquiring the dog had higher odds of interdog dominance aggression. Dogs attending obedience training classes had reduced odds of shooting phobia. Dogs belonging to dog breeders had reduced odds of being reported to have the investigated behaviour problems.

Sherman CK, Reisner IR, et al. 1996. Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 99 cases of aggression between dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 47(1-2):91-108.
Abstract:
99 cases of aggression between dogs treated at the Animal Behaviour Clinic at Cornell University between 1983 and 1993 were analysed. In 73 cases the aggression was a conflict between dogs in the same household, whereas in 26 cases the aggression was directed at non-household dogs. 71% of the dogs that started fights were purebred and German Shepherd dogs were most numerous of the 38 breeds represented. Compared with American Kennel Club registrations, household aggression was less frequent among toy and sporting breeds, and more numerous among herding and non-sporting breeds. Terrier breeds were more prevalent among cases of non-household aggression. Overall, more females initiated household aggression, whereas more males attacked non-household dogs. For household aggression, same-sex pairs, especially females, were far more numerous than opposite-sex pairs. Of dogs that started household fights, 58% were younger and 59% arrived in the home more recently than the target dog. Household fights were more serious than fights with outsiders; fights between female house-mates tended to be more severe than other gender combinations. Excitement was the most frequent trigger of household fighting. Treatments recommended for household aggression were desensitization with counter-conditioning and obedience training; neutering and a head halter were most often suggested for non-household aggression. In the owners' opinion, treatment improved 59% of household cases and 52% of non-household cases. After treatment, 56% of dogs exhibiting household aggression could be together when supervised, whereas 76% of those exhibiting non-household aggression could be around outsiders under leash control. Cases of household aggression in which the attacking dog was younger than its target, a person had been bitten, or the owner could not predict aggressive episodes were less likely to be improved than cases in which these situations did not occur.


Dog-Human Aggression

Appleby DL, Bradshaw JW, Casey RA. 2002. Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life. Vet Rec. Apr 6;150(14):434-8.
Abstract:
The early experiences of dogs showing signs of avoidance behaviour or aggression were compared with those of dogs from the same clinical population that did not show such behaviour. The occurrence of each behavioural sign was tested for its association with the dog's maternal environment, the environment it experienced between three and six months of age, and the age at which it had been acquired. Non-domestic maternal environments, and a lack of experience of urban environments between three and six months of age, were both significantly associated with aggression towards unfamiliar people and avoidance behaviour. Aggression during a veterinary examination was more likely in dogs from non-domestic maternal environments. There was no significant association with either environment for aggression towards familiar people, or towards dogs.

Avis S.P. 1999. Dog pack attack: hunting humans. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. Sep;20(3):243-6.
Abstract:
Dog bite-related fatalities, although unusual, accounted for 304 deaths in the United States between 1979 and 1996 and 6 fatalities in Canada between 1994 and 1996. Fatal dog pack attacks and attacks involving human predation are less common. The following describes a dog pack attack on a family of four involving 2 fatalities with predation of the victims. Factors previously identified that contribute to pack attacks and predation, including prior group hunting, social feeding, territorial defense, lack of human interaction, and prey stimuli, are discussed.

Butcher R, deMeester R, et al. 2001. Dangerous dogs -- are we getting it right?. European Journal of Companion Animal Practice. 12(1):41-8. This paper originally appeared in: J. Vet. Intern. Med. 2001, 15, 209-216.

Dodman NH;  Moon R;  Zelin M. 1996. Influence of owner personality type on expression and treatment outcome of dominance aggression in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Vol.209(6):  1107-9.

Langley J. 1997. Controlling dangerous dogs. New Zealand Medical Journal. 110:1056, 427-8.

Luescher AU. 2000. Animal behavior case of the month. Aggression toward household members. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Oct 15;217(8):1143-5.

Manteca X. 1998. Animal behavior case of the month. A dog was evaluated because of severe aggression directed exclusively toward one of its owners. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Sep 1;213(5):616-8.

Overall KL. 1995. Animal behavior case of the month. Periodic aggression toward the owner. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Mar 1;206(5):629-32.

Overall KL, Webber W. 1998. Aggressive behaviour in dogs. Companion animal session and veterinary nursing session, 75th Jubilee NZVA Conference, Rotorua, New Zealand, 29 June-2 July. Veterinary Continuing Education. 185:67-85.

Podberscek AL, Serpell JA. 1997. Aggressive behaviour in English cocker spaniels and the personality of their owners. Vet Rec. Jul 19;141(3):73-6.
Abstact:
The aim of the study was to determine whether there is an association between the personality of the owners of English cocker spaniels and the expression of aggressive behaviour by their dogs. Two-hundred-and-eighty-five owners of purebred English cocker spaniels completed the Catell 16 Personality Questionnaire. One-hundred-and-twenty-eight of them owned 153 dogs previously classified as being 'low' in terms of aggressiveness and 157 owned 172 dogs classified as being 'high' in terms of aggressiveness. Both groups of owners were similar in terms of a variety of demographic variables, including the number of adults and children in the household, the type of house and the sex of the owner. The dogs in both groups were similar in age, age when acquired and sex ratio. Analyses of the data using unpaired t-tests revealed that the owners of high aggression dogs were significantly more likely to be tense (P < 0.001), emotionally less stable (P < 0.01), shy (P < 0.01) and undisciplined (P < 0.05) than owners of low aggression dogs.

Pryor P. Animal behavior case of the month. An English Cocker Spaniel was examined because of growling and snapping at people and dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003 Oct 1;223(7):954-6.

Rich, M.R. 1999. Animal behavior case of the month. Evaluation of aggression when food was present. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Dec 15;215(12):1780-2.

Schwartz S. 1998. Animal behavior case of the month. A dog was referred for evaluation of aggression towards its owner, visitors, and referring veterinarian. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Apr 1;212(7):959-61.

Takeuchi Y, Ogata N, et al. 2001. Differences in background and outcome of three behavior problems of dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Jan; 70(4):297-308.
Abstract:
In order to characterize the 3 major behavior problems, aggression toward owners, aggression toward strangers, and separation anxiety, backgrounds of dogs and general outcomes of the behavioral treatment were analyzed retrospectively. There were 169 cases of aggression toward owners, 84 cases of aggression toward strangers, and 78 cases of separation anxiety which did not overlap each other during the 5 years from 1993 to 1997 at Cornell University Animal Behavior Clinic. Based on the case records, including discharge instructions, follow-up information, and presentation questionnaires, several variables were compared among these 3 groups. The sexual status of these groups was not statistically different, although dogs with aggression toward owners had the highest proportion of males and there were males in all behavior groups than in the hospital population. Age differences were apparent among the 3 groups in relation to when the dogs were obtained, and the separation anxiety group was different from at least one of the other groups in the age when first obtained, the age the owners first noticed the problem, and the age of behavioral examination. There were no significant differences among behavioral groups with regards to the proportion of dogs reported improved.
PsychINFO Database

Uchida Y, Dodman N, et al. 1997. Characterization and treatment of 20 canine dominance aggression cases. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. 59(5):397-399.
Abstract:
20 cases of dominance aggression in dogs presented at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Massachusetts, USA, between December 1995 and June 1996 were characterized. A behavioural modification programme which was taught to, and implemented by dog owners is described. The efficacy of this non-confrontational behaviour modification programme was investigated for each dog over 8 weeks. The 20 cases included 18 pure breed and 2 mixed breed dogs. 13 of the dogs were male. The dogs were aged between 7 and 84 months (32.1±22.64). There was no correlation between the severity of dominance aggression and the signalment of the dogs. After the 8-week follow up period, 14 dogs (70%) had responded to the treatment to some degree and 6 dogs did not demonstrate any reduction in aggressive behaviour or became more aggressive. It is concluded that the non-confrontational behaviour modification programme is an effective treatment for dominance aggression in dogs.

Health/Genetics and Aggression

Articles on specific breeds 

DeNapoli JS, Dodman N, et al. 2000. Effect of dietary protein content and tryptophan supplementation on dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Aug 15;217(4):504-8.
Abstract:
To evaluate the effect of high- and low-protein diets with or without tryptophan supplementation on behavior of dogs with dominance aggression, territorial aggression, and hyperactivity. DESIGN: Prospective crossover study. ANIMALS: 11 dogs with dominance aggression, 11 dogs with territorial aggression, and 11 dogs with hyperactivity. PROCEDURE: In each group, 4 diets were fed for 1 weeks each in random order with a transition period of not < 3 days between each diet. Two diets had low protein content (approximately 18%), and 2 diets had high protein content (approximately 30%). Two of the diets (1 low-protein and 1 high-protein) were supplemented with tryptophan. Owners scored their dog's behavior daily by use of customized behavioral score sheets. Mean weekly values of 5 behavioral measures and serum concentrations of serotonin and tryptophan were determined at the end of each dietary period. RESULTS: For dominance aggression, behavioral scores were highest in dogs fed unsupplemented high-protein rations. For territorial aggression, [corrected] tryptophan-supplemented low-protein diets were associated with significantly lower behavioral scores than low-protein diets without tryptophan supplements. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For dogs with dominance aggression, the addition of tryptophan to high-protein diets or change to a low-protein diet may reduce aggression. For dogs with territorial aggression, tryptophan supplementation of a low-protein diet may be helpful in reducing aggression.

Fatjo J, Stub C, Manteca X. 2002. Four cases of aggression and hypothyroidism in dogs. Vet Rec. Nov 2;151(18):547-8.

Houpt KA, Willis MB, et al. 2001. Genetics of behaviour. The Genetics of the Dog. 371-400.
Abstract:
This review of dog behaviour begins with consideration of wolf behaviour, behaviour changes during domestication and the ontogeny of behaviour and neotenization,
followed by that of genetics and behavioural selection of working and pet dogs. The section on behaviour of pet dogs covers (1) breed differences in behaviour, (2) intelligence and trainability, (3) aggression, (4) abnormal behaviour, (5) obsessive compulsive behaviour, (6) sex differences in behaviour, and (7) candidate genes for misbehaviour.

Penturk S, Yalcin E. 2003. Hypercholesterolaemia in dogs with dominance aggression. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med. Sept 50(7):339-42.
Abstract:
Serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations have been associated with dominance aggression in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between serum lipids, including cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio and dominance aggression in dogs. Levels of serum TC, triglyceride and HDL-C were significantly lower in dogs with dominance aggression compared with non-aggressive dogs (P < 0.001). These results suggest that a relationship exists between serum lipid profile and dominance aggression in dogs, and hypocholesterolaemia exists in dogs with dominance aggression.

Van den Berg L, Schilder MB, Knol BW. 2003. Behavior genetics of canine aggression: behavioral phenotyping of golden retrievers by means of an aggression test. Behavior Genetics. Sep 33(5):469-83.
Abstact:
Molecular genetic analysis of complex traits such as aggression strongly depends on careful phenotyping of individuals. When studying canine aggression, the information provided by the owners of the dogs is often not detailed and reliable enough for this purpose. Therefore we subjected 83 golden retrievers, both aggressive and nonaggressive individuals, to a behavioral test. These tests were analyzed with help of an ethogram, resulting in a behavioral profile for each of the dogs. In this article three methods are described of converting these profiles into a measure of behavioral phenotype. The usefulness of the methods is evaluated by comparing the test results with information provided by owners. Moreover, the hypothesis underlying all these methods, that a lowered threshold for aggressive behavior in general is present in the dogs, is also evaluated. Future research will need to reveal whether the methods meet the high standards that are necessary for studying complex traits.

Virga V, Houpt KA, Scarlett JM.  Efficacy of amitriptyline as a pharmacological adjunct to behavioral modification in the management of aggressive behaviors in dogs.  J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2001 Vol.37(4):  325-30.

Williams NG, Borchelt PL, et al. 2003. Ambulatory monitoring of cardiovascular responses during behavioral modification of an aggressive dog. Biomed Sci Instrum.(39):214-9.
Abstract:
Previous work from our lab has used the Dutch Ambulatory Monitoring System (AMS) to assess the cardiovascular responses and motility of large free-ranging species (e.g. horses). To further examine the utility of using the AMS with non-humans, a study investigating the heart rate (HR) and heart period variability (HRV) of a large canine undergoing behavioral modification therapy was undertaken. This treatment emulated a restraint and tactile pressure technique that has previously been used in horses. Cardiovascular responses and motility were continuously measured pre-treatment (exposure to a stimulus dog), during treatment (in-box), and post-treatment. The treatment consisted of placing the dog in a 110 cm (long) by 45 cm (wide) by 102 cm (height) wooden box that only covered the animals' torso and legs and allowed the head to be free. Once the dog was in the box, the body was covered with a lightweight material (grain product) to effect restraint and tactile pressure, which was followed by a repeat exposure to the stimulus animal. Results indicated decreased heart rate and an increased HRV during the intervention as compared to baseline with indices of motility changing in the expected directions. Estimates of respiratory frequency derived from the autoregressive spectral analysis indicated changes in respiration did not account for the cardiovascular effects. In conclusion, tactile pressure and restraint may be an important tool for behavioral modification in both humans and animals, and the AMS is a useful tool for collecting cardiovascular data on a variety of species in a great many contexts.

White MM, Neilson JC, Hart BL, Cliff KD. 1999. Effects of clomipramine hydrochloride on dominance-related aggression in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Nov 1;215(9):1288-91.
Abstract:
To compare effects of the serotonergic drug clomipramine hydrochloride with those of placebo for treatment of dominance-related aggression in dogs. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. ANIMALS: 28 neutered dogs > 1 year old with dominance-related aggression. PROCEDURE: Dogs displaying > or = 3 aggressive episodes/wk toward > or = 1 human family member in response to identifiable behavioral triggers were included in the study. Owners were instructed not to change patterns of interaction with their dogs during the study. After 2 weeks of baseline observations, dogs were treated for 6 weeks with clomipramine (1.5 mg/kg [0.7 mg/lb] of body weight, q 12 h; n = 15) or placebo (13). Responses to triggers were assigned the following aggression scores: no response, 0; growl or lip curl, 1; snap or bite, 2. Mean scores for responses to triggers were obtained during the 2-week pretreatment period (baseline) and during the first and second weeks, third and fourth weeks, and fifth and sixth weeks of treatment. At the end of the study, owners assigned a score designed to evaluate their overall perceived change in aggressiveness; this was referred to as the global score. RESULTS: Mean aggression scores decreased at the fifth and sixth week of treatment in both groups, compared with baseline scores. However, mean scores between groups were not different. Global scores, assigned by the owner, generally reflected changes in mean aggression scores. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with placebo, clomipramine administered to dogs at the dosage recommended for treatment of separation anxiety did not reduce aggressiveness toward human family members.


Legislation

AKC Legislative Alerts

Breed Specific Int'l Legislation

SF Dog Press and Action Alerts

Yorkton Vicious Dog Legislation

Brown, N. 2001. UK and American "dangerous dogs" legislation.
Aust Vet J. Dec;79(12):805.

Gale, R. 1995. Dangerous Dogs Act. Vet Rec. Apr 8;136(14):371.

Other Articles

Biting:  Causes, Prevention, and Control.DVM Frisby, Holly
List factors that may cause, control, and prevent biting, a form of aggression in companion dogs.

News Stories

Avoiding on Leash Dog Aggression. Canine University.

CBS News- "When the Dog Bites" How to avoid dog bites.

Guide Dogs for the Blind- Tips for keeping your little angel from becoming a devil dog.

SF/SPCA- Aggression: What you need to know.


avoid dog aggression - selected articles

American Veterinary Medical Association Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions.A community approach to dog bite prevention.J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 Vol. 218(11):  1732-49.

Hart, BL;  Hart, LA.  Selecting, raising, and caring for dogs to avoid problem aggression.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1997  Vol.210(8):1129-34.

Heath S. Socialising puppies. Vet Rec. 1995 Vol..22;137(4):  103. 

Love M, Overall KL.  How anticipating relationships between dogs and children can help prevent disasters.  J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 Vol 219(4):  446-53.

Riegger MH, Guntzelman J.Prevention and amelioration of stress and consequences of interaction between children and dogs.
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1990 Vol. 196(11):1781-5.

Tortora, Daniel F.  Safety training:  The elimination of avoidance-motivated aggression in dogs. 
Journal of Experimental Psychology:  General.  1983  Vol.112(2):  176-214.

additional

Biting:  Causes, Prevention, and Control. DVM Frisby, Holly
List factors that may cause, control, and prevent biting, a form of aggression in companion dogs.

Educational Resources for Dog Bite Prevention.  American  Medical Association
The site contains links to educational resources recommended by the AVMA.


behavioral treatments

Blackshaw, J.K.  An overview of types of aggressive behaviour in dogs and methods of treatment.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 1991  Vol. 30(3/4): 351-361.

Cameron, D B.  Canine dominance associated aggression:  Concepts, incidence, and treatment in a private behavior practice.
Applied Animal Behaviour Science.  1997  Vol.52(3-4):  243-263.

Dodman, NH;  Moon, R;  Zelin, M.  Influence of owner personality type on expression and treatment outcome of dominance aggression in dogs.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1996  Vol.209(6):  1107-9.

 Lindell EM.  Diagnosis and treatment of destructive behavior in dogs.  Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1997 Vol 27(3):  533-47.

Marder AR.49:   Animal bites: behavior modification of the offending animal. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim). 1991 Vol.6(3): 192-8.

Sherman, C.K.  Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 99 cases of aggression between dogs.  Applied animal behaviour science.  1996  Vol.47(1/2):  91-108.

Uchida, Y;  Dodman, N;  DeNapoli, J;  Aronson, L.  Characterization and treatment of 20 canine dominance aggression cases.
J Vet Med Sci.  1997  Vol.59(5):  397-9.

Virga V, Houpt KA, Scarlett JM.  Efficacy of amitriptyline as a pharmacological adjunct to behavioral modification in the management of aggressive behaviors in dogs.  J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2001 Vol.37(4):  325-30.

Voith VL, Borchelt PL.Diagnosis and treatment of dominance aggression in dogs.Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1982 Vol.12(4):  655-63.

Young MS.  Treatment of fear-induced aggression in dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1982 Vol.12 (4):  645-53. 

Behavior:  Understanding and Modifying it.  Moore, Cindy Tittle.
This site simply presents the causes and solutions of common dog problems such as aggression, destructiveness, and barking.


pharmaceutical treatments

Dodman, NH; Donnelly, R;  Shuster, L;  Mertens,  P;  Rand,  W;  Miczek,  K.  Use of fluozetine to treat dominance aggression in dogs.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1996  Vol.209(9):  1585-7.

Dodman NH, Miczek KA, Knowles K, Thalhammer JG, Shuster L.  Phenobarbital-responsive episodic dyscontrol (rage) in dogs.  J Am Vet Med Assoc 1992 Vol.15;201(10): 1580-3

Dodman, NH;  Moon, R;  Zelin, M.  Influence of owner personality type on expression and treatment outcome of dominance aggression in dogs.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1996  Vol.209(6):  1107-9.

Lindell EM.Diagnosis and treatment of destructive behavior in dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1997 Vol. 27(3):533-47

Sherman, C.K.  Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 99 cases of aggression between dogs.  Applied animal behaviour science.  1996  Vol.47(1/2):  91-108.

Uchida, Y;  Dodman, N;  DeNapoli, J;  Aronson, L.  Characterization and treatment of 20 canine dominance aggression cases.
J Vet Med Sci.  1997  Vol.59(5):  397-9.

Virga, V;  Houpt, KA;  Scarlett, JM.  Efficacy of amitriptyline as a pharmacological adjunct to behavioral modification in the management of aggressive behaviors in dogs.  J Am Anim Hosp Assoc.  2001  Vol.37(4): 325-330.

White, MM;  Neilson, JC;  Hart,  BL; Cliff,  KD.  Effects of clomipramine hydrocholride on dominance-related aggression in dogs.
J Am Vet Assoc.  1999  Vol.215(9):  1288-91.


dog aggression

Selected Journal Articles :

Appleby, DL;  Bradshaw, JW;  Casey, RA.  Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life.  Vet Rec  2002  Vol.150(40):  434-8.

Beaver, B. V.  Profiles of dogs presented for aggression.  Journal American Animal Hospital Association.  1993. Vol. 29(6): 564-569. 

Blackshaw, J.K.  Dominance aggression of a dog towards one member of a family.  Australian Veterinary Journal. 1996  Vol.74(5):  349-350

Bouw J.Aggressive behaviour in dogs. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 1989 Vol.114 Suppl 1:  97S-98S.

Campbell, WE. Behavior Problems in Dogs, 2nd edition. Amer. Vet. Pubs, Goleta,CA 1992. 202-204.

Dodman, NH;  Moon, R;  Zelin, M.  Influence of owner personality type on expression and treatment outcome of dominance aggression in dogs.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1996  Vol.209(6):  1107-9.

Feddersen-Pettersen, DU.  Biology of aggression in dogs.  Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr.  2001  Vol.108(3):94-101

Goodloe, Linda P; Borchelt, Peter L.  Companion dog temperament traits. 
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.  1998  Vol.1(4): 303-338.

Golab, GC.  New task force addresses canine aggression.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1998  Vol.213(8):1097, 1108.

Guy, N C, Luescher, UA; Dohoo, SE; Spangler, E; Miller, J B; Dohoo, I R; Bate, L A.  Demographic and aggressive characteristics of dogs in a general veterinary caseload.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science.  2001 Vol.74(1): 15-28.

Guy, N C, Luescher, UA; Dohoo, SE; Spangler, E; Miller, J B; Dohoo, I R; Bate, L A.  A case series of biting dogs:  Characteristics od dogs, their behaviour, and their victims.  Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2001 Vol.72(4):  43-57.

Hunthausen, W.  Effects of aggressive behavior on canine welfare.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1997  Vol.210(8): 1134-6.

Luescher, AU.  Animal behavior case of the month.  Aggression toward household members.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  2000  Vol.217(8):  1143-5.

Netto, Willem J; Planta, Doreen J U.  Behavioural testing for aggression in the domestic dog
Applied Animal Behaviour Science.  1997  Vol.52(3-4):  243-263.

O'Farrell, V.  Behaviour problems in the dog:  aggression towards people.  The Veterinary annual. 1990  Vol.30:  196-199

Olivier B, Mos J, van Oorschot R, Hen R.Serotonin receptors and animal models of aggressive behavior.   Pharmacopsychiatry. 1995 Vol. 28 Suppl 2:  80-90. 

Pal, S K; Ghosh, B; Roy, S.  Agonistic behaviour of free-ranging dogs (Canis familiaris) in relation to season, sex and age. 
Applied Animal Behaviour Science.  1998  Vol.59(4):  331-348.

Reisner,  IR.  Differential diagnosis and management of human-directed aggression in dogs.
Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Practice.  2003  Vol.33(2): 303-20

Reisner,  IR; Mann, JJ;  Stanely, M;  Huang, YY;  Houpt, KA.  Comparison of cerebrospinal fluid monoamine metabolite levels in dominate-aggressive dogs and non-aggressive dogs.  Brain Res.  1996  Vol.714(1-2): 57-64.

Rich, MR.  Animal behavior case of the month.  Evaluation of aggression when food was present.
J Am Vet Med Assoc.  1999  Vol. 215(12):  1780-2.

Suzik, HA.  AVMA forum focuses on aggressive dogs.
J Am Vet Assoc.  1997  Vol. 210(3):305-6.

Svart, Kenth; Forkman, Bjoern.  Personality traits in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) 
Applied Animal Behaviour Science.   2002  Vol.79(2): 133-156.

Wright JC.  anine aggression toward people. Bite scenarios and prevention. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1991 Vol. 21(2):  299-314.

1. Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification
Author: Brenda Aloff          Published: 2002

2.  Understanding and Handling Dog Aggression
Author: Barbara Sykes      Published: 2001

3.  Dealing with your dogs aggressive behavior
Author:  Katherine Houpt  &   Myrna Watanabe   Published: 1999

AGGRESSION:  What you need to know. San Francisco SPCA
This site explains the myths and facts of aggression and how it is the most serious behavior problem in our common pet dogs. 
Aggression.  Know the signs of this serious behavior problem. DVMTripp, Roland
List of factors that may be the leading factors of aggression in dogs.

Biting:  Causes, Prevention, and Control. DVM Frisby, Holly
List factors that may cause, control, and prevent biting, a form of aggression in companion dogs.

Behavior:  Understanding and Modifying it.  Moore, Cindy Tittle.
This site simply presents the causes and solutions of common dog problems such as aggression, destructiveness, and barking.

Educational Resources for Dog Bite Prevention.  American  Medical Association
The site contains links to educational resources recommended by the AVMA.

videos -

Dog Aggression: Biting.  ISBN 1-888047-15-1

Dog Aggression: Fighting.  James & Kenneth Publishers. 1998  (home use).  (1-888047-16-X).  DDC: 626.7.   

contributors: Vita Ng and Karla Opp

UC Davis Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Tel 530.752.7295