What is Aggression Toward Familiar People?
Aggression in dogs toward familiar people is a frustrating situation that dog owners may face during the ownership of their companion. Growling, barking, biting, snarling, lunging, or any type of aggressive behavior can be caused by a variety of reasons. Many people view the term “aggression” in different ways; some feel that if a dog bites a familiar person it is considered aggression, while others may feel that a growl or snarl to a familiar person is a signal for aggression. What is important to understand is that if a dog has been a member of your family for a period of time and has had time to “bond” with everyone, it is important to be mindful of any behavioral changes. If your companion has never snarled or growled before, and all of a sudden begins to do that (without being threatened or provoked) then it may be time to visit the veterinarian.
Aggression in dogs toward familiar people occurs when a dog, well known to its family or family friends, becomes aggressive towards them, causing emotional harm or physical harm to his loved ones.
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Symptoms of Aggression Toward Familiar People in Dogs
Aggression is on such a wide spectrum of behaviors, and that is why it is so important to keep a documentation of any regular “times” or “triggers” that are leading to any negative change in behavior of the dog. Symptoms can include:
- Snarling
- Lip licking
- Biting
- Barking
- Growling
- Lunging
- Having a tense or stressed demeanor
- Inability to relax in certain situations
- Being unhappy or seemingly irritated
- Moodiness
- Averting their gaze
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
Types
There are many types of aggression in dogs and it can occur in many different situations. Types include:
- Dominance aggression
- Aggression related to an incident
- Competitive aggression
- Conflict aggression
- Maternal aggression
- Anxiety induced aggression
- Pain related aggression
Causes of Aggression Toward Familiar People in Dogs
Aggression can occur more often in certain breeds if not handled properly. There are breeds that are known or considered to be more aggressive than others, and this is still widely debated. Studies do show that this is the case at times. Causes of aggressiveness toward familiar people can include:
- Inconsistent training
- Hectic environment
- Mishandling of the dog
- Improper and inappropriate discipline of the dog
- Neglect
- Genetics
- Underlying medical conditions
Diagnosis of Aggression Toward Familiar People in Dogs
If your dog has suddenly or gradually over time become aggressive toward you, other family members, or friends, it is imperative to make an appointment with your veterinarian before the symptoms progress. The veterinarian will ask for a detailed history of the dog, including his home environment, habits, routines, discipline, training, and any other questions he feels is necessary to properly diagnose the underlying condition, if any.
The veterinarian will perform a complete examination which may include medical testing, such as blood work, a urinalysis and other tests. It is very important to tell your veterinarian of any changes in diet, or if the dog is showing any symptoms of illness. The medical professional will check for anxiety issues or dominance issues by asking you specific questions pertaining to these disorders.
Treatment of Aggression Toward Familiar People in Dogs
With a diagnosis of aggression, the veterinarian will usually recommend a tailored program so it doesn’t become worse. Treatment may include:
Behavioral Therapy
This will often be the main form of treatment, and the veterinarian will usually recommend a canine behaviourist to help your dog and your family. Behavioral therapy may include modification of the dog’s behavior, desensitization, eliminating triggers, training and much more. The behavioral therapist must get to know your dog and may come into the home to help you, and will even teach you strategies to help your dog. This may take time, and things may have to be eliminated from the dog’s life in order to decrease his aggression, but will be worth it in the end.
Medication
If your dog is suffering from anxiety, the veterinarian may choose to prescribe medication. This is questionable and debated, though, because what is crucial in dog aggression is to address the underlying issue. If the dog has an illness that has caused him to suddenly become aggressive the veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medication if needed e.g. pain relief and anti-inflammatories for joint disease.
Lifestyle Change
Making sure that your home environment is calm and predictable may be a recommendation by the veterinarian or behavioral therapist. If you do not have a routine with your dog, and his day-to-day living is very unpredictable, a change will need to be made. Consistent and proper routine management is one step to helping dog aggression.
Diet
There are times when a low-protein and high-tryptophan diet may help in conjunction with therapies and any medication.
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Recovery of Aggression Toward Familiar People in Dogs
Recovery and management depends on the severity of the aggression. Dogs can be cured of this, but it does take much dedication and time from you, the loving and patient owner. Many dogs who display aggression towards familiar people are rehomed or surrendered to an animal shelter. If a dog has attacked a person, causing suffering and severe injury, they may be euthanized. This is why it is crucial to get the dog’s aggressiveness under control before it is too late. The dog’s chances of recovery are much higher if he is taken to the veterinarian and started on therapy early on.
Recovery takes time, perhaps years, and over this time the methods learned must be followed. Follow-up visits with the veterinarian and behavioral therapist (if the therapy has ended) are necessary to be sure the dog is on the path to recovery. There is no “cure” for dog aggression; however, there are ways to drastically minimize any recurrences. It takes dedication and persistence from the whole family in order to help the dog with this condition.
For most dogs, training is a walk in the dog park. But if you’re having trouble with training, consider investing in pet insurance. Many plans cover prescribed behavior modification for conditions like separation anxiety. Plan ahead and start searching for pet insurance today.
Aggression Toward Familiar People Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Aggression Toward Familiar People Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labstaff
One Year
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Our dog was not socialized as a puppy due to the pandemic. We adopted him about 2 months ago but he growls and barks at things he is unfamiliar with. Recently he has began showing aggression towards our 7 year old son. He whines or begins to bark when we are interacting with our son and today growled at our son for being in the same room. We figure professional training could help, but in the meantime, what should we do?
Feb. 27, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
8 Recommendations
Hello, yes a professional dog trainer would be best. In the mean time try to reward your dogs good behavior with treats when your son comes into the room and doesn’t growl give your dog a treat and tell them they are good.
Feb. 27, 2021
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Dachshund
Nine Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
sudden aggression. Biting
Dec. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, SO sorry to hear that your dog is suddenly having aggression issues. He could have a medical issue causing him to be aggressive. Things like GI pain and back pain can cause dogs to bite if they are hurting. Some dogs develop dementia as they get older and will also be more aggressive. It would be best for your vet to examine your dog to see if there is anything wrong. After that, try figuring out what is starting these aggressive behaviors. Then you can start with training him to not react to these instances aggressively.
Dec. 27, 2020
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Treeing Walker Coonhound
Two Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
He’s is barking and growling at our mother he’s known her since we got him
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, over an email, it isn't possible for me to say what might be going on with your dog. Behavior can be a very complicated thing, but if it's something that has just started happening, it may be easily resolved. I think the best thing to do would be to start working with a behavior trainer, and if you do not know of one, your veterinarian can recommend one for you. They can often work with you in the house, and may be able to see what is triggering this problem so that this problem can get better. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Sept. 29, 2020
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Chow Chow mix
One Year
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
I adopted a chow chow mix and he is now 1 year old now. He’s sweet and playful to all members of the family except with my sister with autism. I noticed that lately my dog was aggressive towards my sister.
One evening, my sister was about to go to bed when my dog tried to bite her and chased her all the way out of the bedroom.
My sister has always accidentally stepped on him before. Would it be the cause of the aggression?
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
16 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I think it is quite possible if your sister accidentally stepped on him that she is not his favorite, yes. It may be best if you can keep the two of them separated, and having a trainer work with your dog with your sister presents would be a really good idea. It would be nice for you to be able to trust that your sister is safe. If you do not know a good trainer, your veterinarian will be able to recommend one for you. I hope that all goes well for everyone.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Rottweiler and pitbull
One Year
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Growling
My dog is more aggressive towards my boyfriend. He tries to lick his face and than bite it. It’s not super aggressive but it’s still kinda of scary. Sometimes he’ll look at my boyfriend and just growl. He still has his balls im on a waiting list to get them removed. I feel Iike the aggression could be apart of that. He also with my friend golden doodle grows at him when he walks by or laying near each other.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I would get behavior training for your dog as soon as possible. He is a big dog, and you need to be able to know if he is going to bite a person or a dog. Having him neutered is a good first step, but having a trainer work with him would be a good idea. Your veterinarian can help you find a trainer in your area.
Oct. 9, 2020
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Poodle x Shih-Tzu
Zona
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anxiety
We recently rescued a 3yr old poodle mix female from a "puppy mill" situation. She is about 14lbs. We knew she was very timid, and especially around males. (she had bonded with me right away) Now that she has warmed up to me, my husband, and my daughter, she is still very nervous around my 16 yr old son. He can't even get near her. Now, the second he opens his bedroom door to come downstairs, she growls and sometimes barks. It's a very nervous growl. She doesn't lunge towards him or anything, but it's constant. I feel for my son that feels like he can't even leave his room without getting growled at. She's such a good dog, and has come a long way. It's been 2 months of struggle with my son, and I don't know what's best for this situation. Do I get after her, do we ignore it? What else can we do? We've tried having him give her treats every time he comes downstairs. He's ignored her, and not pushed too far, to my knowledge. With the COVID outbreak, he's with her all day and night. Please help!
Chow Chow Rottweiler mix
Kyler
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
My dog has been acting out of the ordinary for a few days now. He got into some type of fight I assume from the appearance of multiple injuries on his back, neck, and legs. I'm a little afraid he might have been exposed to rabies, but he refuses to go anywhere with me, including to the vet, to get checked out. He's also very very aggressive with my other dog Shorty, even when Shorty's nowhere near him. Usually they're friendly. It's gotten to the point where if Kyler's sitting out front I have to leave out the back. I have to park out back as well because if I walk around front he will chase me to my car, snarling and barking.
Aggression Toward Familiar People Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
