Aggression, defined as an appropriate or inappropriate threat or challenge that is ultimately resolved by combat or submission, is one of the most common behavioral problems in companion dogs. Aggression can occur in any breed, age or gender of dog and can be directed towards people or other animals.
If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior, finding out why the behavior started in the first place is an important step to resolving this negative behavior. Once a dog begins to display aggressive behavior, it is important to try to note what was happening when the behavior appeared. There are two main causes of aggressive behavior in dogs: the aggression is either caused by a behavioral issue or a medical issue.
Behavioral problems involving aggression in dogs are difficult to correct with simple advice and generally necessitate the direct and continued involvement of either a trainer experienced in dealing with aggression problems or a veterinarian specialized in animal behavior. Realistic expectations suggest that although one may be able to modify this behavior, it is unlikely to be completely corrected, especially if the problem has been ongoing and is now entrenched.
If your dog plays too rough, it may be the case that he has not learned how to play properly. Supervised interaction with people is critical and is an excellent approach to curbing undesirable behavior.