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
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Aggression Toward Familiar People Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shepherd mix
Eight Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Snarling, Almost Biting, Aloof And Antisocial
I have had my dog since he was 12 weeks old. My boyfriend and I started dating over a year ago and started living together a few months ago. My dog is very nervous around strangers but he warmed up to my boyfriend quickly when we started dating. After moving in together, there have been some incidents of aggression toward my boyfriend. Most recently, my boyfriend was petting my dog who was curled next to him. My boyfriend moved to stand up and my dog swung his head around as though to bite his hand. He stopped right before but kept baring his teeth at him. He has never acted this way towards me
Aug. 11, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about the behavior changes in your dog.
It sounds like your dog still has not warmed up completely to your boyfriend, or is being protective or possessive of you. I recommend seeking out a veterinary behaviorist to help with this before it does run the risk of escalating into a bite. A lot of behaviorists are even doing virtual consultations right now to avoid contact with COVID. I recommend telling your boyfriend to be careful around your dog and have him speak to him before standing or waking him, and avoid bothering him while he is eating or with valued resources such as a bone, to avoid a bite. I recommend looking for behaviorists who use positive reinforcement only. You can find a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709
Another thing to consider would be having your dog examined by a veterinarian to make sure there is no underlying medical issue, as sometimes things like pain or illness can cause behavior changes in your dog.
I hope that everything turns out well and that your dog and boyfriend live in harmony! Give your dog a treat for me!
Aug. 12, 2020
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Pit Bull
Seven Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
For the past few days , my dog has been very aggressive towards me and other family members . It’s like he’s neglecting us , he came from a really good owner at 3 months old . No sign of neglect or things like that . But lately , he’s been pouncing at us , barking , aggressive biting and scratching . He’s tried attacking my niece who is 2 years old , and today he popped a vein in my moms arm along with grabbing her & biting hard . I’m scared but I don’t want to give him up already . He can be nicest dog you’ll ever meet , but as of now he’s gotten so aggressive and I don’t know what to do .
July 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that you are having behavioral issues with your dog.
Without examining your dog, it is very hard for me to know for sure what might be going on. What you describe could be consistent with an overabundance of testosterone, since it looks like your dog is not neutered. It could also be due to pain, or could be behavioral.
If your dog is truly being aggressive and not just overly playful, this sounds very serious. I recommend keeping him away from anyone that he could possibly injure, like your niece and your mom, until you know more about what is going on. I recommend scheduling a visit with your veterinarian to rule out pain or an underlying medical condition causing him to show aggression. I also recommend finding a behaviorist to help you right away - your veterinarian should be able to recommend one in your area. You definitely want to address this sooner than later, before someone is seriously injured.
I know that this can be a very stressful situation, and I hope that everything goes well.
July 22, 2020
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Chiwawa
Seven Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Biting
My pet has been living with us since she was born. Lately she has become a bit of a puzzle to us really. With my family, my pup will bite only one member of the family and no other family or stranger at that. Apparently my pup will bite my father only at times, but not all the time. Most the time she will play with my father, accept her meals from him, give licks to him at time and even loves to go for car rides with him. What is strange is that she will bite him for no reason such as him giving her her favorite toy to her.
July 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to assess behavioral problems without being able to see the dog, and the family situation. It would be best to start with a visit to your veterinarian, and make sure that she is healthy and doesn't have any problems that are causing this. If she gets a clean bill of health, then hiring a trainer would be a really good idea for her, as they can work with her and you, and see what it is that is triggering this Behavior. I hope that all goes well for her.
July 18, 2020
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German Shepherd
1y 7 m
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My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I work at a vet clinic. I came home tonight and forgot to take my scrubs off, it was semi dark inside and I walked into the dog room. My GSD was laying down sleeping, i approached him and made the mistake hovering too close to his face, he suddenly and without warning attacked me. Growling and barking he pinned me to the ground. He didnt bite, but did scratch my face really bad. My husband had to pull him off me.
I'm thinking this is clearly my mistake, came home smelling strange, in the dark, and got too close to his face while he was at rest.
Just want reassurance that was my fault. Not him
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I"m sorry that happened. While I agree he may have been confused, I'm not sure that response is okay. It would probably be a good idea to have a trainer work with him, and you, to make him more accepting of what you do for a living.
I hope that all goes well for him.
July 9, 2020
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Papillon
Lily
7 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
Hello, my folks adopted a papillon a few years back for my sister from a lady who rescued stray dogs, and despite our dog's apparent disability--her left eye is damaged, the lady found her running on the highway--she has never been aggressive towards anyone in the house. Her name is Lily by the way. At first any growling was to be expected since Lily was in a new environment with new people and new dogs. Lately though, she has been acting really weird. Lily starting biting everybody in the house who tries to pick her up, and anyone who tries to pet her. I noticed that her appetite has changed and her balance has worsened. Because her eye was damaged from when we adopted her, her balance was already off, but now sways when she walks and sometimes she falls over flat. We do not know how old she is, so we are not sure if its anything age related. My guess is maybe 7 or 8. She does scratch a certain spot behind her right ear almost obsessively. Could that be pertinent? We saw a vetenarian and he did some tests but came back with nothing.
Sept. 14, 2018
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Chihuahua
k
12 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Biting
Snarling
Growling
Eye Aversion
My boyfriend has a chihuahua who is 12 years old, ive been living with them for the 6 months. In the first 4 months my relationship with the chihuahua was very good, we were like best friends, id always pet him and he would fall asleep in my arms, we would play together and everything. Im also the one who feeds him everyday. In the last 2 months he has been aggressive towards me, not allowing me to pet him, not coming to me when i call him, trying to bite my hand, snarling, barking at me. I dont remember exactly when it started but it was aeround the time after we took him to the vet for neck pain, but after that vet visit we fell asleep in my arms. Then me and my boyfriend went away for 5 days and he stayed at another friends for 5 days, when i came back the aggressive behaviour started. Also he often comes near me and other parts of my body and rubs himself against it but if i try to touch him he tried to bite me very aggressively.
Aggression Toward Familiar People Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
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