Aggression in dogs and cats can be offensive (eg, direct staring, barking, growling, hissing, swatting, snapping, biting) or defensive (eg, piloerection, stiff body posture, looking away, leaning away). Regardless of the display, these behaviors should be recognized, and the stimuli should be identified and removed or avoided.
Aggression can have a variety of motivators (eg, conflict, fear, territorial, play, pain, maternal, redirection [especially in cats]). Regardless of the cause, treatment should include management to reduce the need for an aggressive response and avoidance of the triggers. Providing a safe haven area and avoiding aggressive triggers can be helpful. Positive reinforcement training should be used, and positive punishment (eg, saying, “No,” yelling, hitting, placing in “time out”) for the behavior should stop. Tools such as a basket muzzle, gates, and exercise pens can increase safety. In cats, separation behind closed doors or crate training may be necessary.
Behavior modification with DSCC can include reintroduction of triggers. Redirection and reducing arousal (eg, via target training or conditioned relaxation on a mat) can be helpful. Consistent interactions through a cue–response–reward interaction can reduce both aggression among dogs and resource guarding; this can also benefit cats. Daily and situational medications can help lower overall arousal levels and reactivity.20,21