Understanding and preventing canine aggression

狗的攻击性严重威胁着人类和动物的安全，也是导致狗安乐死和被送到收容所的首要行为原因之一。先前对狗的攻击性的研究主要集中在准确识别具有当前攻击倾向的个体，并评估不同的治疗方法是否有效。虽然轻微到中度攻击的治疗通常可以通过药物治疗和强化训练，但由于相关的风险或所需的时间和精力，主人可能不愿意接受这些治疗。首先预防这些问题行为是一个更好的解决方案。当前研究计划的长期目标是确定哪些行为和生理特征以及环境因素使狗容易发展出攻击性。

Canine aggression is a serious threat to human and animal safety, and is one of the top behavioural reasons for dog euthanasia and relinquishment to shelters. Previous research on aggression in dogs has largely focused on accurately identifying individuals with current aggressive tendencies, and assessing whether different methods of treatment are effective. While treatment of minor to moderate aggression is generally possible with drug therapy and intensive training, owners may not be willing to undertake these treatments due to associated risks or the level of time and effort required. Prevention of these problem behaviours in the first place is a better solution. The long-term objective of the current research program is to determine which behavioural and physiological characteristics and environmental factors predispose dogs to the development of aggression.