Dogs are commonly considered man’s best friend for a plethora of reasons. For many dog owners, going for a walk or running with their furry pal is one of the highlights of their day. However, what do you do when your dog becomes aggressive towards other dogs? 
This can be a perplexing and frustrating problem to deal with, but fortunately, there are some possible explanations and solutions. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why dogs become aggressive towards other dogs and offer tips on how to help your pup overcome this behavior.
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What Makes a Dog Aggressive to Other Dogs?
There are a number of reasons that a dog might become aggressive to other dogs. The most common include:
Lack of socialization: Dogs that lack regular socialization (or interaction with other dogs) are more likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. This is because they haven’t had the opportunity to learn how to properly interact with their canine counterparts.
Fear: Dogs that are fearful of other dogs are also more likely to be aggressive. This is because they see other dogs as a threat and are trying to protect themselves.
Territoriality: Some dogs may become aggressive towards other dogs because they see them as a threat to their territory. This is most common in dogs that live in homes with yards or in apartments where there isn’t a lot of space.
Possessiveness: Dogs that are possessive of their toys, food, or other belongings may become aggressive towards other dogs that try to take them away. This is because they see the other dog as a threat to their possessions.
Predatory behavior: Some dogs may engage in predatory behavior, such as chasing and attacking smaller animals. This can also extend to small children, as they may see them as prey.
Pain: Dogs in pain may lash out at other dogs because they are trying to protect themselves from further injury. This is most common in older dogs that are dealing with arthritis or other joint problems.
Illness: Dogs that are ill or in poor health may also be more likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. This is because they may be feeling weak and vulnerable and are trying to protect themselves.
Hormones: Dogs that are in heat or have high levels of testosterone may be more likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. This is because they are more prone to territorial and protective behaviors.
Genetics: Some dogs may be genetically predisposed to aggression due to their breed or lineage. This is often the case with breeds that were originally bred for fighting or guarding, such as pit bulls and dobermans.
Training: Dogs that have been trained to be aggressive, either for protection or fighting, are more likely to exhibit this behavior. Unfortunately, this can often make the problem worse, as the dog will see aggression as a way to get what it wants.
Tips for Dealing with an Aggressive Dog
If you have a dog that is aggressive towards other dogs, there are a few things you can do to try to help them overcome this behavior.
Socialization:
One of the best things you can do for a dog that is aggressive towards other dogs is to socialize them properly. This means taking them on regular outings to places where they will be around other dogs, such as the park, pet store, or dog beach. It’s important to let them approach other dogs at their own pace and not force them into interactions. This will help them to slowly get used to being around other dogs and may eventually help reduce their aggression.
Training:
Working with a professional dog trainer can also be helpful in dealing with an aggressive dog. They can teach you how to properly manage your dog’s behavior and may even be able to help them overcome their aggression.
Avoidance:
In some cases, it may be best to simply avoid situations where your dog is likely to be around other dogs. This means avoiding places like the dog park or pet store. If you must take them to these places, make sure to keep them on a leash and under control at all times.
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Medication:
In severe cases, medication may be necessary to help control a dog’s aggression. This is usually only recommended as a last resort, as it can have potential side effects.
Euthanasia:
In some extreme cases, the only option may be to have the dog euthanized. This is usually only done as a last resort, when all other options have failed and the dog is posing a serious threat to other animals or people.
Learn More: My Dog Is Aggressive After Being Neutered! 
When Aggression Cannot Be Controlled
In some rare cases, a dog’s aggression towards other dogs will be impossible to counter-condition. The dog may react to the sight of a dog at any distance, and its reaction is always severe.
It may be the dog suddenly lashes out savagely at another dog without warning, or bites its owner when it cannot attack a dog. Or it could be sudden severe aggression from a dog that never had an issue with other dogs before.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to consult with a professional behaviorist or trainer to develop a management plan. This may involve keeping the dog separate from other dogs at all times, or working on building up its confidence and socialization skills slowly over time.
Whatever the approach, it is important to realize that aggression problems of this severity are not going to go away on their own, and will require patient and dedicated work to resolve.
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If you have an aggressive dog, it’s important to seek professional help in order to deal with the problem appropriately. Trying to handle it on your own can often make the situation worse and put you and others at risk.
