Dog aggression is a significant welfare concern for both the dog and those around them. Understanding the fear and conflict basis of most aggression drives more effective and humane intervention.
Canine aggression causes welfare problems for the aggressive dog through the chronic anxiety that underlies most aggressive behaviour, and for other animals and humans who may be injured. Misunderstanding aggression as dominance rather than fear or conflict leads to responses that worsen the welfare of anxious dogs and increase bite risk by suppressing warning signals without addressing underlying emotions. Welfare-centred intervention addresses the emotional state of the dog rather than just the behaviour through graduated exposure, counter-conditioning, and medication where appropriate. The decision about whether an aggressive dog can be safely rehabilitated or whether euthanasia is the most welfare-appropriate outcome requires careful, honest assessment by qualified professionals rather than either premature euthanasia or continued unsafe situations.