Dog aggression toward other dogs, cats or other species is a major welfare and safety concern that frequently leads to injury and surrender, and is largely preventable through early socialisation and positive training.
Dogs that are fear-aggressive experience chronic anxiety in environments where they may encounter triggers. Reactive dogs pulled away from triggers on leads often receive inadvertent punishment through lead corrections that worsen reactivity. Aggressive dogs are frequently surrendered, exposing them to the additional welfare costs of kennel stress. Victims of dog aggression including cats and other dogs experience acute pain and chronic fear.