What should you do if your pet behaves aggressively?

Aggressive behavior in pets is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and responsible action on the part of the owner. Calgary has a comprehensive system in place to address aggressive animal behavior, including municipal bylaws, specialized services, and professional behavior correction resources.

Municipal regulations and legal consequences

The City of Calgary takes aggressive animal behavior very seriously through its Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Dogs that attack people or other animals may be subject to strict regulations or, in severe cases, confiscation.

To combat animal aggression in Calgary, a Specialized Aggressive Animal Investigation Team has been established. Their role includes:

  • assessing incidents individually to determine contributing factors and necessary interventions;
  • establishing conditions such as self-closing gates, training programs, or equipment, including muzzles and double leashes;
  • regularly monitoring owners' compliance with safety requirements.

In severe cases, dogs may be classified as “vicious”, requiring the wearing of a muzzle in public places, the use of a two-point leash system, and mandatory training for owners and dogs.

A vicious dog is defined as one that has chased, injured, or bitten any other animal or person, caused damage or destruction to public or private property, or threatened or created a reasonable fear of threat to a person.

Reporting and response procedure

Animal owners in Calgary are required to report bites within 24 hours of the incident. This can be done by:

  • providing the owner's and animal's details to the injured party or an officer;
  • using the city's 311 service by phone or online.

To report aggressive animal behavior:

  • within Calgary, call 311;
  • outside Calgary, call (403) 268-CITY (2489).

You will need to provide your name, address, home and work phone numbers, as well as the location, date, and time of the incident. Anonymous complaints will not be accepted — identification is required.

Animal Services:

  • Address: 2201 Portland Street S.E.
  • Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

Professional Behavior Correction Services

Calgary Humane Society

The Calgary Humane Society offers comprehensive behavior correction resources through its free behavior assistance service.

They offer:

  • Fearful Fido Class — for dogs that are prone to running away rather than fighting, and feel nervous around new places, people, and experiences.
  • Private consultations for dogs and cats.
  • Positive reinforcement techniques to shape desired behaviors.

Canine Minds and Manners

Canine Minds and Manners offers a Reactive Rescue program for $472.50. The program is designed for dogs with fear, reactivity, and aggression issues.

  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Scope: 9 hours of specialized training
  • Group size: up to 4 dogs

Instructor: Tina Sarantis, certified behavior consultant and trainer.

Canine Behaviourist

J-C St. Louis is an aggression specialist with 40+ years of experience and a former Calgary police dog handler. He offers private training, assessment, and consultations. He has helped 5,000+ dogs and their owners throughout his career.

ImPAWSible Possible Dog Training

ImPAWSible Possible has been operating in Calgary since 2009, offering programs for dogs with reactivity, aggression, territoriality, fears, and other issues.

Cultured Canines

Cultured Canines conducts outdoor training and offers a Board and Train program for dogs with extreme behavioral issues. They use e-collars and emphasize that when used correctly, they are a humane and safe method.

Clever Canines

Clever Canines is a dog training and daycare center that has been in business since 2005. They offer training programs with lifetime support for owners and dogs.

Raising Fido Dog Training

Raising Fido offers consultations for dogs that show signs of fear or aggression. Private lessons are the starting point for correcting problem behavior.

Veterinary Care and Rehabilitation

Habitat Vet

They offer veterinary spinal manipulative therapy (VSMT) and individualized care to improve the physical condition of animals, which can reduce pain-induced aggression.

Healing Traditions Holistic Veterinary Clinic

Offers physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore mobility, body function, and reduce pain. Phone: (825) 882-2282

Legacy Veterinary Clinic

Offers comprehensive mobility assessment, sports medicine, rehabilitation, and acupuncture to improve the lives of animals.

The Canine Fitness Centre

Specializes in restoring musculoskeletal function: spine, rib, and pelvic correction, muscle and tendon therapy.

Emergency veterinary care

  • Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital — 24-hour care. Phone: (403) 233-2888
  • VCA Canada CARE Centre — 24/7 emergency care.

Phone: (403) 520-8387

  • Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE) — Okotoks, 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Phone: (403) 995-3270

Legal consequences and penalties

  • Penalties for dog attacks: up to $10,000.
  • Euthanasia may be ordered by a court.
  • In 2024, an owner was fined $18,000 and banned from owning animals for 15 years after his dogs attacked someone.
  • Owners must license their animals. The fine for not having a license is $250.

Preventive measures

The Calgary Humane Society identifies factors that contribute to aggression:

  • tethering dogs,
  • lack of socialization,
  • insufficient training,
  • roaming without supervision,
  • lack of sterilization.

Prevention includes positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior.

Practical recommendations

  • Act immediately if your pet shows aggression.
  • Do not ignore the problem — it will not go away on its own.
  • Consult a professional trainer or behavioral consultant.
  • Use muzzles, strong leashes, and avoid provocative situations.

Calgary offers a wide range of resources and professional support for pet owners dealing with aggressive behavior issues. From municipal services to specialized trainers and veterinary clinics, the city has a comprehensive network of support. The key to success is early intervention, professional help, and consistency in applying correctional methods.