Aggressive dogs can cause serious injury and even death. In addition to the tragedy sometimes caused by canine attacks, owners can be subject to civil and criminal liability for their pet’s behavior. Call your veterinarian – If your dog shows signs of aggression such as growling, snarling or snapping, call your veterinarian immediately for a behavior evaluation and counseling to help you train your dog. Most behavior problems can be successfully treated with a strict training regimen. In addition to your veterinarian’s advice, follow these tips:

• Socialize your dog so he feels at ease around people and other animals
• Don’t put your dog in situations where he may feel threatened or teased
• Obey leash laws
• Don’t let your dog roam free
• Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "sit" and "come"