Each instance is a little different, but an important thing to know is that aggression — untreated — always escalates, so this is a behavior you never want to ignore. A dog who growls this time (at your toddler or a houseguest or the neighbor’s dog) is likely to bite the next time.

In most cases, dog aggression towards humans can be alleviated by tactics that reinforce to the dog that people always “outrank” dogs in the dog pack order. These tactics are gentle and humane and over time actually increase the dog’s sense of security and position.

Aggressive behavior is more often prompted by fear and insecurity than it is by a desire to dominate. Aggression can also be caused or increased by brain imbalances.

Katherine can test your dog for this and provide treatment with flower essences as part of an overall program to end aggressive behavior.