Dog Aggression Risk and Bite Risk Pre-Assessment Calculator

Dog Aggression – Why This Calculator Exists

Dog aggression is one of the most stressful, scary, and confusing situations a dog owner faces. Friends offer conflicting advice. Trainers vary wildly in approach. The internet is full of misinformation. Meanwhile, the question that matters is:

Is my dog dangerous? What do I do next?

This calculator gives you a structured pre-assessment using the Ian Dunbar Bite Scale — the gold standard used by veterinary behaviorists worldwide — combined with evidence-based risk factors.

Questions This Calculator Answers

• “Is my dog dangerous?” — Structured risk assessment using validated Dunbar scale
• “Will my dog bite again?” — Past bite history is the single strongest predictor
• “Should I keep my dog with kids in the house?” — Children under 5 highest bite risk
• “Do I need a behaviorist or just a trainer?” — Distinguishes training-level from veterinary-behaviorist-level cases
• “Is medication appropriate for my dog’s aggression?” — Higher tiers benefit from fluoxetine, clomipramine, trazodone
• “What is the realistic prognosis?” — Dunbar level provides evidence-based framework
• “When is rehoming or behavioral euthanasia ethical to consider?” — Level 5-6 with no improvement
• “Should I get a basket muzzle?” — Yes for Level 2+ bite history or moderate+ risk
• “Could pain be causing this?” — Medical workup essential first

The Ian Dunbar Bite Scale – Gold Standard

Used worldwide by veterinary behaviorists for prognosis assessment.

Professional Resources by Severity

Find Professionals

• DACVB Find-A-Specialist: dacvb.org
• IAABC certified consultants: iaabc.org
• CCPDT certified trainers: ccpdt.org
• APDT: apdt.com

Medical Workup First

Pain is a leading cause of new-onset aggression in adult/senior dogs:

• Arthritis (LOAD score)
• Dental pain (especially fractured carnassial teeth)
• IVDD
• Otitis externa
• GI pain
• Neurologic (brain tumor in senior with rapid onset)

Thyroid dysfunction can contribute (T4 / TSH testing).

Cushing’s, hepatic encephalopathy, electrolyte abnormalities possible.

NSAID trial (Galliprant, Rimadyl, Onsior, Metacam) often diagnostic — aggression improvement suggests pain was contributing.

Medications – When and Why

SSRIs and tricyclics make behavior modification possible by reducing baseline arousal. Not a substitute for training, but an essential adjunct in moderate-severe cases.

4-8 weeks for full SSRI effect. Combined with positive reinforcement training under DACVB guidance.

Common Aggression Myths

❌ “Some breeds are inherently aggressive”

REALITY: Breed-specific legislation has no evidence base. Any dog of any breed can develop aggression. Individual factors (genetics, socialization, training, environment) far outweigh breed.

❌ “Show him who’s boss / dominance training works”

REALITY: Dominance theory based on flawed 1970s wolf research (revised by author Mech in 2000). Modern animal behavior science consistently shows positive reinforcement is most effective. Punishment worsens fear-based aggression.

❌ “He bit out of nowhere”

REALITY: Dogs almost always give warning signs (lip lift, freeze, hard stare, growl). Humans miss subtle cues. Punishing warnings creates “no warning” biters — most dangerous outcome.

❌ “If he growls, he’ll bite next”

REALITY: Growling is communication – the dog is trying to avoid biting. Punishing growling teaches dogs to skip warnings and bite directly. Thank a growling dog for the warning.

❌ “Drugs are a cop-out”

REALITY: Anxiolytics reduce arousal threshold making behavior modification possible. Like SSRIs for human depression. Ethical and often essential.

❌ “Behavioral euthanasia is selfish or wrong”

REALITY: For dogs with severe untreated aggression causing repeated injury, lifelong isolation/muzzling/anxiety may not be ethical quality of life. BE is sometimes the most humane and responsible choice. Veterinary behaviorist guidance critical.

Resource Guarding – The Most Common Aggression Type

Dog protects food, toys, sleeping area, sometimes person.

Management:

1. Don’t take things away – trade UP with higher-value items
2. Add resources rather than approach to take
3. Counter-conditioning – approach predicts good things added, not taken
4. Address underlying anxiety
5. NEVER punish growling – communication essential

Fear-Based Aggression – Most Common Form

Dog perceives threat, flight not possible (cornered, restrained), fights as last resort.

Warning ladder (ignore at your peril):

1. Lip lick, yawn
2. Turn away
3. Freeze
4. Hard stare
5. Growl
6. Snarl
7. Snap
8. BITE

Punishing warning signs at any rung creates “no warning” biters – the most dangerous outcome.

Treatment: counter-conditioning + desensitization + medication often essential.

Households With Children Under 5 – Highest Risk

Children injured by family dogs most often. Bite to face/neck typical (height of child). Resource guarding around toys/food common triggers.

Reisner 2007: children bitten 65% by familiar dog, 50% during interaction initiated by child, 22% resource-guarding-triggered.

Strict Management

• Active supervision ALWAYS
• NEVER leave alone EVER – no exceptions
• Basket muzzle for unavoidable interactions
• Separate sleeping areas
• Teach child appropriate interaction (no hugging, no reaching for food, no disturbing sleeping dog)
• Board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) consultation if any bite history

Basket Muzzle Training – Essential Tool

Brands: BUMAS (custom-fit), Trust Your Dog, Baskerville Ultra.

Conditioning:

1. Gradual positive association – treat through muzzle, brief wear with reward
2. Build duration progressively
3. Allows panting (heat regulation), drinking, treats while preventing bites
4. Humane – allows safe walks, vet visits, household activity

NEVER use “closed” muzzles for more than brief vet exam – heat stroke risk (dog can’t pant).

Immediate Management Checklist

1. Basket muzzle conditioned and used in trigger situations
2. Separation from trigger (children, visitors, other dogs)
3. AVOID rehearsal – every aggressive incident makes pattern stronger
4. Medical workup – full vet exam, bloodwork, T4, address pain
5. NO PUNISHMENT-BASED training – shock, prong, alpha rolls WORSEN
6. Reduce stressors – exercise, enrichment, predictable routine
7. Emergency plan – know who to call if incident
8. Liability insurance – check homeowner’s/renter’s policy
9. Family education – all members consistent rules

Liability Considerations

Bite incidents can result in:

• Dog declared dangerous
• Mandatory containment
• Court-ordered euthanasia
• Lawsuits, criminal charges (jurisdiction-dependent)

Many homeowner’s/renter’s insurance policies EXCLUDE certain breeds OR exclude all bite history. Document training efforts, professional consultations, and management protocols for legal protection.

Realistic Prognosis Framework

The earlier you address aggression, the better. Most cases improve with appropriate intervention. Even Level 4+ cases can often be managed safely with:

• Veterinary behaviorist guidance
• Appropriate medication
• Strict management protocols
• Realistic family commitment

Some severe cases are not manageable safely – and that’s a legitimate reason for behavioral euthanasia consultation with a DACVB. You are not a failure if your dog cannot be made safe – some genetics, early trauma, or untreatable neurological disease create unmanageable risk.

Conclusion

Dog aggression has a structured assessment framework – the Dunbar Bite Scale + risk factors give you an evidence-based answer to “is this dangerous?” Past bite history is the strongest predictor. Children under 5 are highest-risk targets. Medical workup first – pain is a common cause. Professional help hierarchy matches severity – positive-reinforcement trainer for mild, DACVB for severe. Modern behavior science rejects dominance theory and punishment in favor of counter-conditioning + medication. Basket muzzles are humane management tools. Behavioral euthanasia is sometimes the most ethical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dog bite again if he bit once?

PAST BITE HISTORY IS THE SINGLE STRONGEST PREDICTOR of future bites – this is consistent across veterinary behavior research. WHAT INCREASES RECURRENCE RISK: 1) UNTREATED underlying trigger (resource guarding, fear, pain, etc.); 2) PUNISHMENT-based response to the bite (creates ‘no warning’ biter); 3) CONTINUED exposure to trigger without behavior modification; 4) Multiple previous bites; 5) Bites without warning signs; 6) Higher Dunbar level (Level 4+ deep punctures); 7) Pain or medical contributors untreated. WHAT REDUCES RECURRENCE RISK: 1) Professional behavior modification (DACVB or CAAB certified); 2) Medication when appropriate (fluoxetine, clomipramine); 3) Strict management preventing rehearsal of behavior; 4) Trigger identification and avoidance; 5) Medical workup addressing pain; 6) Family-wide compliance with protocols; 7) Positive reinforcement training. DUNBAR PROGNOSIS BY LEVEL: Level 1 (no contact) excellent recovery with training; Level 2 (no puncture) good prognosis with training + management; Level 3 (shallow punctures) fair with intensive professional work; Level 4 (deep punctures) guarded – veterinary behaviorist + medication + lifelong management; Level 5 (multiple Level 4 incidents) poor prognosis – many DACVBs recommend behavioral euthanasia; Level 6 (victim killed) euthanasia mandatory. WHAT TO DO NOW: 1) Identify trigger from this calculator + observation; 2) MANAGE environment to prevent recurrence while working on behavior; 3) MEDICAL WORKUP first – rule out pain/thyroid/illness; 4) Find APPROPRIATE professional (CPDT-KA trainer for mild, DACVB for moderate-severe); 5) Consider MEDICATION for moderate+ cases; 6) DOCUMENT everything for legal protection; 7) NEVER PUNISH warning signs (growl, snarl, freeze) – thank dog for warnings.

What is the Dunbar bite scale?

THE IAN DUNBAR DOG BITE SCALE is the GOLD STANDARD prognostic tool used by veterinary behaviorists worldwide for assessing severity of dog bite incidents and predicting outcomes. Developed by Dr. Ian Dunbar (veterinarian + animal behaviorist + founder of APDT and SIRIUS Puppy Training). 6 LEVELS: LEVEL 1 – Obnoxious/aggressive behavior but NO SKIN CONTACT (lunging, snapping at air, threatening); excellent prognosis with basic training; LEVEL 2 – skin contact but NO PUNCTURE (tooth scrape may produce red mark); good prognosis with training + management; LEVEL 3 – 1-4 PUNCTURES from single bite; NONE deeper than half canine tooth length; fair prognosis with intensive professional behavior modification; LEVEL 4 – 1-4 punctures, at least ONE DEEPER than half canine length; lacerations from victim pulling away or dog shaking; GUARDED prognosis requiring veterinary behaviorist + medication + lifelong strict management; LEVEL 5 – MULTIPLE BITE INCIDENT with at least two Level 4 bites OR multiple-attack incident; POOR prognosis – many DACVBs recommend behavioral euthanasia for safety; LEVEL 6 – VICTIM KILLED or large body part consumed; euthanasia mandatory in most jurisdictions. WHY THE SCALE MATTERS: 1) OBJECTIVE assessment – removes emotional bias; 2) PREDICTS prognosis based on validated research; 3) GUIDES treatment intensity (training-level vs behaviorist-level vs euthanasia consultation); 4) USED in court/insurance proceedings; 5) HELPS family make difficult decisions with framework. INTERPRETATION TIP: dogs with bite history have ABI (Adult Bite Inhibition) at their highest level – they don’t ‘escalate’ randomly. A Level 2 bite means the dog INHIBITED at that level – this is actually GOOD bite inhibition; the dog CHOSE not to puncture. Level 4+ shows POOR bite inhibition – dog applies serious force when biting. SOURCE: Dunbar I. Dog Bite Scale: An Assessment of the Severity of Biting Problems Based on an Objective Evaluation of Wound Pathology. dunbar.info.

Should I get a behaviorist or trainer for my aggressive dog?

DEPENDS ON SEVERITY – hierarchy of professional help by case level. MILD CONCERNS / PUPPY NIPPING: Positive-reinforcement trainer (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP certified); group puppy class; basic obedience class; cost $200-500 for 6-8 week class. MODERATE BEHAVIOR ISSUES (mild resource guarding, leash reactivity, fear of specific things): Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) for private sessions; Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP); CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant); ~$75-150 per session. AGGRESSION OR FEAR-BASED CASES (bite history, reactive, severe anxiety, multiple bites): CERTIFIED APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIORIST (CAAB or ACAAB) – PhD-level behavior credentials; or VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST – Diplomate American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) – veterinarian + 3-year residency in behavior; CAN PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS (huge advantage); ~$200-500 initial consultation, follow-ups variable. SEVERE / MULTIPLE BITES (Dunbar Level 4+, children involved, multiple incidents): DACVB ESSENTIAL – dacvb.org Find-A-Specialist; medication usually warranted; sometimes telehealth available if no local DACVB; ~$300-800 initial. FIND PROFESSIONALS: 1) dacvb.org Find-A-Specialist (veterinary behaviorists); 2) iaabc.org (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants); 3) ccpdt.org (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers); 4) apdt.com (Association of Professional Dog Trainers). RED FLAGS in trainer selection: 1) Mentions ‘dominance’, ‘alpha’, ‘pack leader’, ‘showing dog who’s boss’; 2) Uses shock collars, prong collars, choke chains; 3) Uses ‘alpha rolls’ or physical force; 4) Guarantees results (no ethical professional does); 5) No certifications visible; 6) Rough handling of dogs. GREEN FLAGS: 1) Positive reinforcement methods only; 2) Modern certifications (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CAAB, DACVB); 3) Reads behavior body language clearly; 4) Continues education (conferences, IAABC); 5) Willing to coordinate with vet; 6) Compassionate handling. INVESTMENT – getting RIGHT professional first time saves money + time + dog’s welfare; wrong choice (especially punishment-based) can make problem permanently worse.

Is my dog dangerous? How can I tell?

USE STRUCTURED ASSESSMENT – not gut feeling. KEY FACTORS THIS CALCULATOR USES: 1. BITE HISTORY (single strongest predictor): a) None – low risk; b) Snapped/lunged without contact – moderate concern; c) Single minor bite (Dunbar 1-2) – manageable with training; d) Multiple bites or Dunbar 3+ – serious; e) Dunbar 4+ – high risk. 2. WARNING PATTERN: a) Clear warnings given (growl, lip lift, freeze) before biting – actually GOOD sign (communicating, inhibition intact); b) Minimal warning – concerning; c) NO WARNING – most dangerous pattern; usually result of punished warnings over time. 3. TRIGGER PREDICTABILITY: a) Predictable single trigger (e.g., guarding food bowl) – manageable; b) Multiple triggers – more complex; c) Random/unprovoked – most concerning (rule out medical first). 4. INTENSITY: a) Inhibited bite (Dunbar 1-2) – bite inhibition intact, dog choosing restraint; b) Damaging bite (Dunbar 4+) – poor inhibition, applies serious force. 5. SIZE/INJURY POTENTIAL: same bite severity from giant breed = more injury than toy breed; not ‘more aggressive’ but consequences differ. 6. CHILDREN/VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS in household: dramatically increases risk weight; bite to child’s face/neck severe. 7. TRIGGER AVOIDABILITY: can you reliably manage trigger? Resource guarding food = manageable; aggression to all visitors = harder to manage. 8. MEDICAL FACTORS: untreated pain commonly drives aggression – treatable. WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE: a) MINIMAL RISK: no bite history, clear warning pattern, manageable triggers, no medical issues, predictable behavior; b) LOW-MODERATE: snapped without contact, mild trigger like resource guarding, otherwise manageable; c) MODERATE: one bite Dunbar 1-2, identifiable trigger, addressable with training; d) HIGH: Dunbar 3 bites, multiple triggers, household children, no warning signs; e) VERY HIGH: Dunbar 4+, no warning signs, child-directed, unprovoked, lifelong management or behavioral euthanasia consideration. ACT QUICKLY – aggression is treatable but each rehearsal makes pattern stronger. Higher tiers = more urgent professional help needed.

Can pain cause dog aggression?

YES – PAIN IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES of new-onset aggression in adult dogs, and ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED. WHY PAIN CAUSES AGGRESSION: 1) Dog associates handling/movement with pain experience; 2) Pain irritability lowers threshold to react; 3) Pain memory creates anticipatory aggression to similar situations; 4) Pain disrupts normal sleep, increasing irritability; 5) Pain affects neurochemistry similar to chronic stress. COMMON PAIN SOURCES that drive aggression: 1) ARTHRITIS especially senior dogs – LOAD osteoarthritis severity score; 2) DENTAL PAIN especially fractured carnassial teeth, dental abscess; 3) IVDD (back pain) – chondrodystrophic breeds Dachshund/Bassett/Frenchie/Beagle especially; 4) OTITIS EXTERNA chronic ear infections; 5) GASTROINTESTINAL pain – chronic IBD, pancreatitis; 6) NEUROLOGIC pain – brain tumors, especially senior with rapid onset; 7) HIP DYSPLASIA – large breed; 8) URINARY pain – UTI, cystitis; 9) EYE PAIN – corneal ulcer, glaucoma. SCENARIO RED FLAGS suggesting pain-driven aggression: 1) SUDDEN onset in previously friendly adult dog; 2) Increased irritability with handling specific body part; 3) Aggression only when touched/picked up/moved; 4) Reluctance for activities previously enjoyed; 5) Resource guarding new-onset (could be pain when standing up to engage); 6) Sleep disruption / restlessness; 7) Age over 5 with new behavior changes. WORKUP for suspected pain-driven aggression: 1) Full physical exam including dental, orthopedic, neurologic; 2) Bloodwork (CBC, chemistry, T4, urinalysis); 3) Radiographs of suspected painful areas; 4) NSAID TRIAL diagnostic – 2-3 week course of Galliprant/Rimadyl/Onsior/Metacam; aggression improvement during trial = pain was contributing; 5) For chronic pain – multimodal pain management (NSAID + gabapentin + Adequan + supplements + physical therapy); 6) For dental – thorough oral exam under anesthesia, treat all painful teeth. RESULTS – treating underlying pain often DRAMATICALLY improves behavior; sometimes aggression resolves completely with adequate pain management; complementary behavior modification ensures learned patterns don’t persist. ALWAYS DO MEDICAL WORKUP FIRST before behavior modification – skipping this misses treatable cause + behavior modification less effective in pain-driven cases.

Should I muzzle my dog with bite history?

YES – BASKET MUZZLE TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL for any dog with Dunbar Level 2+ bite history or moderate aggression risk. WHY MUZZLES ARE HUMANE TOOLS: 1) PREVENT BITES while behavior modification works (months to years); 2) REDUCE OWNER ANXIETY about incidents; 3) ALLOW SAFE participation in normal life (walks, vet visits, household activity); 4) PROTECT dog from being labeled ‘dangerous’ and confiscated; 5) PROTECT family/visitors/other dogs; 6) PREVENT future bite incidents that worsen prognosis. BASKET vs CLOSED MUZZLES: BASKET MUZZLE (RECOMMENDED) – allows panting, drinking water, taking treats, normal breathing; used long-term safely; humane. CLOSED MUZZLE – sleeve type that holds mouth shut; ONLY for brief vet exam (minutes); HEAT STROKE RISK if used longer (dog can’t pant for cooling). BASKET MUZZLE BRANDS: 1) BUMAS – custom-fit using 3D scan; most comfortable; ~$150; 2) BASKERVILLE ULTRA – good basic basket muzzle; ~$20-30; common starter; 3) TRUST YOUR DOG – high-quality custom; ~$80-150; 4) JAFCO MUZZLES – economical option ~$20; 5) MIA’S Custom Muzzles – high-end personalized. CONDITIONING (NEVER force on without training): 1) Show muzzle, treat (just looking is enough initially); 2) Feed treats into open muzzle held by you; 3) Dog puts nose into muzzle for treats; 4) Brief wear – clip closed for 1 second, treat, remove; 5) Gradually extend wearing time with treats; 6) Practice walks with muzzle on; 7) ALWAYS positive association – never punishment-associated. WHEN TO USE: 1) Outside on walks if reactive to triggers; 2) Vet visits (vets appreciate it and treat dog same); 3) Visitors in home; 4) Grooming; 5) Around children/vulnerable individuals; 6) New situations of uncertain risk. ETHICAL OWNERSHIP – muzzling is responsible management, NOT cruel. The most progressive UK/EU dog cultures normalize muzzle use for any dog with concerns; some breeds (Greyhounds in many countries) routinely muzzled in public despite no aggression. NEVER PUNISH or use muzzle as punishment – destroys positive association. RECOMMENDATIONS – normalize muzzle use, get appropriate-quality muzzle (Baskerville Ultra ~$30 minimum, BUMAS for full conditioning), train methodically with positive reinforcement, use consistently in trigger situations while behavior modification works.

Can aggression be cured?

DEPENDS ON SEVERITY AND CAUSE – some aggression cases resolve completely; others require lifelong management. CATEGORIES BY OUTCOME: 1. COMPLETELY RESOLVABLE: a) Pain-driven aggression – treating pain often eliminates behavior completely; b) Puppy nipping/biting (normal development, training-responsive); c) Single-trigger fear with extensive desensitization; d) Thyroid-related (treating hypothyroidism); e) Medication-responsive cases where SSRI alone is sufficient. 2. MANAGEABLE BUT REQUIRES ONGOING EFFORT: a) Resource guarding – usually reduceable, sometimes eliminable; b) Mild fear-based aggression with consistent counter-conditioning; c) Leash reactivity with proper training; d) Most Dunbar Level 1-2 cases with appropriate intervention. 3. REQUIRES LIFELONG MANAGEMENT: a) Severe fear-based aggression in adult dogs; b) Dunbar Level 3+ bite history; c) Multiple triggers; d) Genetic component (some bloodlines/breeds higher aggression baseline); e) Adult dogs with poor early socialization; f) Trauma-history rescue dogs. 4. NOT SAFELY MANAGEABLE (may warrant behavioral euthanasia consideration): a) Dunbar Level 5-6 bite history; b) No warning bites (often) in unpredictable contexts; c) Aggression with multiple severe injuries; d) Resistance to medication + intensive behavior modification; e) Neurologic causes (brain tumor) sometimes; f) Genetic ‘rage syndrome’ (rare). REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: 1) Most aggression cases IMPROVE significantly with appropriate intervention; 2) RESIDUAL caution often remains – dog may always need management around specific triggers; 3) Time investment significant – typically 6 months to 2 years of consistent work; 4) Family compliance critical – inconsistent rules undermine progress; 5) Setbacks normal – one incident doesn’t undo all progress; 6) Some dogs reach ‘safe with appropriate management’ rather than ‘completely safe in all situations’. WHAT MAKES SUCCESS LIKELY: 1) EARLY intervention; 2) APPROPRIATE professional (DACVB for serious cases); 3) MEDICATION when warranted; 4) Family-wide consistency; 5) Realistic management expectations; 6) Trigger avoidance during behavior modification; 7) Medical workup first; 8) Patience (months not weeks). WHEN BEHAVIORAL EUTHANASIA IS ETHICAL: 1) Severe ongoing safety risk to humans/other animals; 2) No improvement despite proper intervention; 3) Lifelong isolation/muzzling not quality of life for dog; 4) Family unable to provide required management; 5) Risk to family member life (especially children); 6) DACVB consensus that case is unmanageable. THIS IS A LEGITIMATE AND COMPASSIONATE CHOICE in appropriate circumstances – not failure or selfishness. Veterinary behaviorist guidance essential.

Related PuppaDogs Calculators

Continue building your dog’s personalised care plan with these related PuppaDogs calculators:

• Dog Pregnancy / Whelping Due-Date Calculator
• Puppy Weight Predictor (Adult Weight Calculator)
• Heatstroke Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Bloat (GDV) Risk Calculator for Dogs
• Dog Life Expectancy Calculator (Breed, Body Condition, Lifestyle)
• Spay/Neuter Timing Calculator for Dogs (Breed-Specific)

References & Further Reading

The dosing ranges and safety information on this page are drawn from the following veterinary references. Always defer to your own veterinarian and the manufacturer’s label for your specific product.

1. Dunbar I. Dog Bite Scale: An Assessment of the Severity of Biting Problems Based on an Objective Evaluation of Wound Pathology. dunbar.info.
2. American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) – position statements + Find-A-Specialist. dacvb.org
3. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – position statements on dominance, punishment, use of food in training. avsab.org
4. Reisner IR, Shofer FS, Nance ML. Behavioral assessment of child-directed canine aggression. Inj Prev 2007.
5. Reisner IR. Differential diagnosis and management of human-directed aggression in dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract.
6. Overall KL. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.
7. Crowell-Davis SL, Murray T. Veterinary Psychopharmacology.
8. Mech LD. Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs. Canadian Journal of Zoology 1999 (debunked own previous dominance theory).
9. Ziv G. The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs – a review. J Vet Behav 2017.
10. Herron ME, Shofer FS, Reisner IR. Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2009.
11. Hsu Y, Sun L. Factors associated with aggressive responses in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 2010.
12. Plumb DC. Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook – fluoxetine, clomipramine, trazodone, gabapentin behavioral indications.
13. IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) – certification standards. iaabc.org
14. CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) – certification standards. ccpdt.org
15. Companion Animal Behavior Therapy Study Group (CABTSG) – UK equivalent of DACVB.
16. PuppaDogs. Behaviour Screener (C-BARQ), Puppy Socialization Critical Window, Pain Score Calculator, LOAD Osteoarthritis Tracker. puppadogs.com.

Suyash Dhoot