Understanding and preventing canine aggression

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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. In this particular proposal we will examine four key questions: 1. Do particular temperament traits predispose dogs to the development of two common types of aggression in companion dogs - possessive and fear-based aggression? 2. Do key environmental factors, such as training, obedience and prior negative experiences influence the development of aggression? 3. Do dogs with possessive or fear-based aggression have neuroanatomical changes in their brains, and are these changes associated with underlying variations in impulsiveness? 4. Do possessive and fear-based aggression influence the affective states, or feelings of dogs. The current proposal is a first step towards early identification of at-risk dogs, and development of tools and strategies for early intervention and prevention.