Correcting Dog Aggression - Tips To Squash Dog Aggression For Good
If your dog is being aggressive then you cannot ignore this type of behavior. Although dogs in the wild are instinctively aggressive in scrounging for food and capturing a mate's attention, aggressive behavior is dangerous in
captivity and can cause severe harm. In this article, we'll provide you with tips to squash dog aggression for good. So, without further adieu, let's get started:
First, you must understand that there are different types of dog aggression. There is aggression towards strangers and aggression towards family members. Let's explain each type.
Aggression toward strangers
When a dog is aggressive towards strangers, it is mostly because he is nervous. He might fidget, leap around like a maniac, bark or whine/wimper, or try to bite. He does this because he is frightened and hasn't been properly
socialized. He sees the world, or strangers, as a threat to his safety and is acting aggressively out of fear.
To handle this type of aggression, you must socialize him properly. You must take your dog into different environments and expose him to new people, animals and experiences. You must teach him that he doesn't have to act aggressively
out of fear. In fact, you should probably place him in a dog obedience course or dog playgroup. Then, he will learn better social skills and how to interact with other dogs and people too. In addition, you should take him for walks at
parks and car rides also. For the protection of others, you may need to muzzle him if he bites out of fear.
Aggression towards family members
When a dog is aggressive toward family members, he is possessive of his toys or food. When family members approach him, he stares or attempts to bite them. In essence, your dog is trying to prove that he is the "leader of the
pack" and wants to keep all the family members in line. Your pooch mistakenly sees himself as the leader and that you, and other family members must obey.
To squash this thought pattern, you must consistently prove that your dog is not in control. You must teach him to become obedient. You must put him in an obedience course and teach him basic commands. In fact, you must always make him
"sit or stay" before he eats or receives a treat. You must always eat first and never feed him before you eat. He must never be allowed to lead during a walk. In addition, you must only award him when he obeys. And, if he
disobeys, your dog must receive an immediate "time-outs". By doing this, you will demonstrate that you're in control and that he is not the "head pooch in control."
In conclusion, you can correct stranger or family aggression by working diligently and being persistent with your dog. If you do, in no time at all, you'll teach your aggressive dog that his place in the world is secure and that he
has no need to act aggressively. Instead, he can be a happy being a lower pack member and can enjoy you taking the lead.
|
