It’s difficult to admit that you have an aggressive dog because people start to assume that you’re not doing the best you can. I think that the opposite is worse – owners who turn a blind eye to their pet’s behavior and pretend that everything is normal. A dog who reacts badly to other dogs should be handled carefully to avoid incidence.
So, today we’re going to talk about what to do if you have a dog, who is aggressive to other dogs or puppies and how to keep it from attacking them. We will begin by looking for the root of the problem.
Understanding the Root of Dog-to-Dog Aggression
Let me tell you about my neighbor’s dog, George—a sweet, cuddly Golden Retriever who happily accepts pets from anyone passing by. But the moment he spots another dog or a cat across the street, it’s like flipping a switch. He bolts to the fence, barking and growling like he’s ready to go to war.
What gives?
George is a textbook case of something known as fence aggression. It’s what happens when a dog sees something they want to investigate, interact with, or chase—but can’t get to it. That frustration builds, often escalating over time, especially if the behavior is repeated day in and day out. Picture two boxers sparring every day through the ropes—eventually, they’re going to want a real match.
But frustration isn’t the only cause of dog-to-dog aggression. Here are some of the most common triggers:
- Territorial behavior: Your dog sees your yard as his domain. Any strange dog is an intruder, and your dog may act out to defend “his” space.
- Poor socialization: Dogs that weren’t properly socialized as puppies may struggle to understand how to interact with other dogs in a healthy way.
- Fear: A scared dog may lash out as a defense mechanism, especially if they feel cornered or overwhelmed.
- Dominance: Some dogs are naturally more assertive or may feel the need to show who’s boss—especially when meeting other dogs of the same sex.
- Past trauma: Abuse, neglect, or bad experiences with other dogs can leave lasting scars that manifest as aggression.
How to Keep an Aggressive Dog in Check
If your dog goes ballistic every time he sees another dog through the fence or on walks, the first thing you can do is reduce his exposure to the trigger.
#1: Block the Trigger
Out of sight, out of mind. If he can’t see the other dog, he’s less likely to fixate and escalate. Here’s how you can do that:
- Fence aggression: Try planting tall shrubs, installing a privacy screen, or even putting up a second barrier. Anything that breaks your dog’s line of sight can help reduce the reactive behavior.
- On walks: Use parked cars, bushes, or even your own body as a visual barrier. See another dog approaching? Step off the path or cross the street to avoid a direct encounter.
The other part of this is making sure your dog’s needs are being met. A lot of reactive behavior comes from excess energy and boredom.
Let’s go back to George. He spends all day in the yard with nothing to do but bark at every squirrel, cat, or dog that passes by. The barking becomes self-rewarding—the dog walks away, so George thinks, “Success! I chased him off!” And the cycle continues.
A tired dog is a happy dog. Try upping your dog’s physical and mental exercise. Longer walks, more playtime, puzzle toys, scent work—whatever it takes to wear him out in a healthy, positive way.
#2 Stay calm
If you know that your dog is going to react badly to another approaching pooch, you’ll probably tense in anticipation of troubles.
George feels that you’ve suddenly gone from relaxed to worried, and it will put him on edge. He will react aggressively towards the other dog in an attempt to protect you.
That’s why you have to remain composed when in the presence of other canines. Don’t let George feels that you’re uncomfortable. Stay calm and relaxed, and in time he will start mimicking your behavior.
If another dog approaches, here are a couple of things to try to avoid a confrontation:
- Completely ignore the other pair to teach your pooch that meeting another dog is nothing significant
- Do not trap your dog between you and the other dog or he will feel compelled to act aggressively
- Walk away in the opposite direction or move away and wait for the other pair to pass
- Cut your walk short if your dog gets aggressive or agitated
Now that you’re calm, check out this great video on how to calm down any dog!
#3 Use positive reinforcement
Your dog won’t learn to feel better about other dogs by being punished. In fact, that usually makes things worse.
Instead, use positive reinforcement and desensitization to change how they feel.
- See another dog? Mark the moment your dog notices but doesn’t react. Then give a treat.
- Practice in quiet, low-stress areas at a safe distance
- Slowly close the gap only as your dog stays calm
You’re rewiring their brain to think “dog = treat,” not “dog = threat.” It takes time, consistency, and patience—but it’s worth it.
#4 Understand Leash Reactivity (and Why It’s So Common)
You may have noticed that your dog is perfectly fine at the dog park but turns into a snarling mess on a leash. That’s called leash reactivity, and it’s more common than you think.
When a dog is on a leash:
- They feel restrained and vulnerable
- They can’t use natural calming signals (like walking away)
- Their flight option is gone, so they go straight to fight
Your job? Help your dog feel like they have options even while on a leash.
Try this:
- Use a longer leash (6–8 ft) to give more space
- Practice attention cues like “watch me” or “let’s go”
- Reward calm behavior when passing other dogs
Over time, your dog will start to associate the leash and dog sightings with good things—not high-alert drama.
#5 Create a Safe Indoor Setup
If your dog is aggressive to other dogs in the home—whether you’ve brought home a new puppy or you’re fostering—it’s important to set clear boundaries right away.
- Use baby gates or exercise pens to separate dogs safely
- Feed them in different rooms to avoid food aggression
- Give each dog their own bed, crate, and space
- Supervise all interactions closely and keep initial intros short and sweet
Think of your home like zones in a peacekeeping mission. Everyone gets their space until they’ve earned the right to share it safely.
Know When to Get Professional Help
Some cases of aggression go beyond DIY training. If your dog is lunging, snapping, or has already had a biting incident, don’t wait.
Call in a certified dog behavior consultant or a vet behaviorist. They can:
- Pinpoint the cause of aggression
- Design a customized behavior modification plan
- Help you work safely through triggers
And if your dog needs medication to take the edge off while training? That’s okay too. You’re not failing—you’re using every tool available to keep your dog safe and happy.
Final Thoughts: Managing, Not Ignoring, Aggression
Aggression isn’t something you can just “love away.” But it can be managed—and in many cases, improved dramatically—with time, consistency, and compassion.
Your dog isn’t a bad dog. He’s a dog struggling to communicate or feeling unsafe. And you? You’re the one stepping up, facing the issue head-on, and doing the work to make things better.
So give yourself some credit.
And remember: Even if your dog never becomes a social butterfly, they can still have a full, happy life with the right boundaries and support.
