Dogs differ in their likelihood to show aggressive behavior in any particular situation. Some dogs tend to respond
aggressively with very little stimulation. Others may be subjected to all kinds of threatening stimuli and events, and
never attempt to bite. The difference in this threshold at which a dog displays aggressive behavior is influenced
by both environmental and genetic factors. If this threshold is low, a dog will be more likely to bite. Raising the
threshold makes a dog less likely to respond aggressively. This threshold can be raised using behavior modification
techniques. How easily the threshold can be changed is influenced by the dog's gender, age, breed, general
temperament, and by whether the appropriate behavior modification techniques are chosen and correctly
implemented. Working with aggressive dogs can be potentially dangerous, and should be done only by, or under
the guidance of, an experienced animal behavior professional who understands animal learning theory and
behavior.