Aggression between dogs is a significant behavioral welfare issue that places both dogs and humans at risk. Understanding its causes and applying evidence-based management reduces harm.
Interdog aggression causes welfare harm at multiple levels: the dogs engaged in conflict experience fear, stress, and physical injury; owners face a stressful, often dangerous household dynamic; and dogs who cannot be safely managed together are sometimes separated permanently or relinquished. The welfare goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of conflict while improving the emotional state of all dogs involved. This requires understanding the specific triggers and motivations driving aggression — not just managing symptoms — and applying behavioral modification under professional guidance. Dogs who live in chronically conflicted households experience prolonged welfare compromise even if they are not frequently injured.