Inter-dog aggression is one of the most common behavioral problems in pet dogs and represents significant welfare concerns for both the aggressive dog and potential targets.
Dogs engaged in chronic inter-dog conflict experience sustained fear, anxiety, and stress that severely compromise welfare. The aggressive dog is not enjoying its behavior but is typically responding to perceived threat. Similarly, the targeted dog lives under constant threat. Multi-dog households where conflict is poorly managed represent significant welfare failures. Safe management requires honest assessment of the prognosis for rehabilitation and willingness to separate dogs permanently when peaceful coexistence cannot be achieved.