Whenever the dog is outdoors it should be confined to an escape proof pen or run, or controlled securely by the owners. A leash and head collar or a leash and muzzle, can help to ensure safety when out for walks. Pain-induced aggression is usually elicited by some form of handling or contact that elicits pain or discomfort. Fear and anxiety further compound many of these cases. Once your dog learns that aggression is successful at removing the stimulus, aggression may recur when similar situations arise in the future, whether or not the pain is still present.
Treatment first requires that the medical or painful condition is resolved.
Next, you will need to identify the types of handling and situations that have led to aggression in the past. With desensitization and counterconditioning, your dog can slowly and gradually be accustomed to accept and enjoy these situations. Once the dog learns that there is no more discomfort associated with the handling, but that there may be rewards, the problem should be resolved. A muzzle or leash and head collar, may be the safest way to begin the retraining. Maternal aggression is directed toward people or other animals that approach the bitch with her puppies.