If you are getting your dog as a puppy, try to meet both of your pup’s parents. If the parents show any signs of aggressive behaviour or high levels of fear when you meet them, consider these red flags that your puppy might have a similar personality issues when older;
Ensure your pup has been socialized from a young age with adults, children, dogs of all sizes, and other domestic species, such as cats;
Retain a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer, who can teach you and your dog using reward-based methods. Dogs that are trained using positive methods bite less as adults compared with dogs trained using punishment-based methods;
Visit your veterinarian and, according to their recommendations, ensure that all medical conditions that may cause your dog to be aggressive are managed promptly;
Get to know what your dog needs in terms of relaxation, companionship, exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs that do not have these needs adequately met can become anxious and frustrated, which can lead to more aggression; and,
If you are getting a dog through a rescue organization, do your due diligence. Ensure they pass on the dog's full behavioural history to you, or if this is not available, they may be able to provide insights from foster carers since the dog came into their care.