Interdog aggression rehabilitation requires structured behavior modification programs that address the emotional state underlying aggression rather than simply suppressing the behavior.
Interdog aggression rehabilitation is a welfare challenge for multiple parties: the aggressive dog experiencing fear or frustration, the target dog bearing injury risk, and the owner experiencing chronic stress and management burden. Effective rehabilitation addresses the emotional state underlying aggression — typically fear, frustration, or redirected arousal — rather than suppressing the behavior through punishment that increases the negative emotional state. The combination of environmental management, structured desensitization, counter-conditioning to build positive associations, and pharmacological support where indicated provides the most welfare-positive approach. Realistic prognosis communication is also a welfare responsibility — owners who pursue rehabilitation with unrealistic expectations may delay making decisions that would improve welfare for all parties, including rehoming when circumstances indicate it is the best option.