Do not treat aggression issues with aggressive training techniques such as alpha rolls, shock collars, and abusive use of choke and prong collars. This only serves to make an angry dog angrier, and a frightened dog may believe he now is fighting for his life. If you do not understand why your dog is behaving in an aggressive way, consult a professional who has kept himself current on modern training techniques.

Do not reprimand a dog for growling. this may cause him to stop growling and move right on to biting. If your dog growls, try to calm him or simply remove him from the situation without ceremony. Do not comfort and pet and reward growling either. Aggressive behavior requires us to walk a very fine line, and it is always best to consult a professional trainer or behaviorist to assess the dog's motivation for growling.

Regarding biting-the more chances a dog gets to bite and have it work for him, the more he will bite. Dogs do what works. The first time a dog bites someone, get help. One bite does not mean that a dog has become vicious, but it can indicate future aggression under certain circumstances. Get an informed opinion before you give your dog a death sentence.

I do not treat dog to human aggression. I do not feel that I am qualified to work with this problem.  If you believe you have a dog that is dangerous, please contact a good animal behaviorist. An animal behaviorist is a person who has a master's degree in animal behavior. They are not a trainer who has given themselves this title.

Dog to dog or dog to cat aggression is not unusual, and is usually caused by lack of early socialization to other animals. It does need to be treated as much as possible. For some reason humans seem to think that if a cat kills a bird it is a natural act. Yet, if a dog kills a cat, he is dangerous. Not fair, but it is the way it is. Socialize puppies early on, and do not allow your dog access to other animals if he cannot be trusted with them.

 A growl or a snap at another animal as a warning to "buzz off" is not aggression in the dangerous sense. It is the only way a dog can tell another dog that they do not wish to have their space invaded, and if a dog get punished for being "impolite" in this way, resentment can build and what started off as a negative moment can turn into a real problem. Dogs have their own code of ethics and most of the time dog fights and attacks are caused by humans.

A wagging tail does not always mean a happy, friendly dog.

• An erect tail wagging vigorously means that the dog feels confident and sometimes even aggressive.
• A tail carried low and wagging slowly indicates that the dog is feeling apprehensive.
• A tucked tail is a sign that the dog feels worried or frightened.

Dog language for "Get away from me"

• Holding very still
• Growling
• Hiding under something
• Baring teeth or snapping
• Crouching down with tail tucked under
• None of these things mean you have an "aggressive" dog. If your dog displays any of these behaviors, assess the situation before you assume that he has become vicious. Dogs never bite when a growl will do, and what seems unprovoked to you may be something that is very upsetting to a living being who has a different perspective from your own.