Usually conversations about serious behavioral problems include three primary options for dealing with all serious behavioral problems: 1) Keep the dog and work with a trainer or behaviorist to mitigate or manage the problem, 2) re-home the dog if it can be done safely and responsibly, and 3) euthanize the dog.

There is primarily only one reason dog owners consider euthanizing their dog for behavior issues. That issue is moderate to severe human aggression. Dog owners frequently forget that dogs who are significantly aggressive are also fearful and anxious too. Their quality of life may not be particularly good as a result.

How to Calm an Aggressive Dog

1. Be calm. If your dog growls over a bone, snarls at another dog, or lunges at a child—your first instinct is likely to scream, “NO!!!!”.
2. Practice prevention. It’s important to make a note of what caused the aggression.
3. Understand body language.
4. Never punish aggressive behavior.

Stay calm, and back away slowly. Instead of screaming, or yelling at the dog, speak to him in a soothing tone as you slowly back away. Don’t make direct eye contact. Staring in the eyes of an aggressive dog may prompt him to attack.

This rule essentially means that the owner of the dog is basically free from liability the first time the dog bites someone. However, after the first bite, everything changes. Once your dog has bitten someone for the first time, the likelihood of your dog biting again increases. Dogs normally bite out of fear.

You should NOT punish a dog for biting. This method may also teach the dog not to give a warning prior to the bite. This dog is now more likely to bite a child next time he sees one, rather than growling to warn her away, since he has learned that his growling makes us unreasonably aggressive.

Learn your dog’s body language, as well as key signs that may lead to a bite. When you’re around people, pay attention to your dog and know when aggression is building up. Stop it or remove your dog from the situation before it escalates. Do not discipline your dog with physical, violent, or aggressive punishments.

If a dog bites you, take these steps right away:

1. Wash the wound.
2. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
3. Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
4. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
5. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
6. Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.

The following fifteen dogs are among the most dangerous breeds evidenced by statistics that include attacks on the owners.

1. American Pit Bull Terrier. These dogs repeatedly make headlines for attacking people.
2. German Shepherd.
3. Rottweiler.
4. Doberman Pinscher.
5. Wolf-Dog Hybrid.
6. Bullmastiff.
7. Cane Corso.
8. Great Dane.

• Loss of Interest. As a dog draws closer to death, they may begin to lose interest in things and people around them.
• Extreme Fatigue or Loss of Energy. One of the most common signs that a dog may be dying is a severe loss of energy.
• Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control.
• Appetite Change or Loss of Appetite.
• Odd Breathing.