Raw Food and Dog Aggression

Ultimately though, how an owner treats, trains, and handles their dog is one of the single greatest determiners of how aggressive it will be. Fear-based aggression is relatively common, and largely stems from a dog’s anxieties surrounding the unknown. These unknown factors can include new people, dogs, and environments, which a responsible owner should seek to expose their dog to in a positive manner as much as possible, ideally from a young age. When combined with positive conditioning so that dogs build pleasant associations with previous triggers, fear-based aggression can often dissipate. For example, a dog may become anxious and even aggressive when their owner begins to use a household appliance such as a hoover or hairdryer. The specific trigger for this reaction is likely uncomfortable levels of noise, given how sensitive a dog’s sense of hearing is. In this instance, positive conditioning training may lead a dog to associate said trigger with something that it enjoys, i.e. a high value toy or treat.

Additionally, it is imperative that dog owners provide their pets with the structure, consistency, and leadership that will allow them to thrive. Dogs learn through repeated experiences, and are remarkably receptive to becoming accustomed to specific routines. Routine is a source of comfort and stability for many dogs, and providing them consistency is a very significant element to promoting their overall mental wellbeing, which in turn reduces their overall aggression levels.

While this article should not be taken on its own as complete guidance on how to reduce a dog’s levels of aggression, we hope that it clarifies some aspects of this subject including the myth that raw food makes dogs more aggressive. As always, though, experienced trainers should be consulted if you have concerns about your dog’s behaviour.