Avoid Troubles By Learning How to Handle an Aggressive Dog
It is important to know how to handle an aggressive dog. Dog bites are not uncommon. There are millions of dog bites reported each year, but many go unreported. Additionally, there are dog maulings that can be fatal.
Most of these attacks are on young children. While dogs are considered man’s best friend, people generally have a low tolerance for owners of vicious, out-of-control dogs that roam free and terrorize a neighborhood.
One the positive side, being a dog owner is a wonderful experience. Dogs can provide companionship and in most cases offer a measure of safety since they have the ability to sense danger and warn others.
Keys to preventing aggression in a dog include making sure a dog’s needs are met, teaching the dog social skills and providing adequate supervision.
Dog owners must be responsible
When an individual decides to become a dog owner, he/she assumes the responsibility for meeting the animal’s needs. Dog owners must also provide adequate monitoring and supervision that prevents the dog from harming other people.
A pet owner is responsible for the animal’s actions. Prior to taking a new pet into the household, the owner should be certain that the animal has had some training that will reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
Some breeds of dogs, known for their aggressive tendencies might not be the best choice in a household or situation where they could become easily agitated. This could lead to aggressive behavior such as biting or mauling. Every dog owner should know how to handle an aggressive dog.
Help the dog develop social skills
Socialization should begin when the dog is young. Socialization is the process of teaching the puppy how to behave around other animals and people. This process helps dogs to develop trust that will prevent aggressive behavior.
A puppy must learn how to behave in many situations. Taking the puppy to parks or shopping centers and allowing them to experience situations where there are different people will help them adjust to new environments.
Get the required vaccinations
Dog owners should make sure their dogs receive the required vaccinations. This is a way to prevent aggressive behavior associated with diseases like rabies. One solution related to how to handle an aggressive dog is to have it neutered. This can reduce aggressive behaviors in male dogs that tend to be more aggressive than females.
Never teach a dog aggressive behavior
Playing games to agitate a puppy could encourage the animal to develop aggressive behavior. Wrestling and playing tug-of-war with a dog can cause it to exhibit aggressive behavior. Never train a dog to attack other animals or people.
How handle an aggressive dog
Once you know how to handle an aggressive dog, you can reduce your risk for injury. Never approach as stray dog. If a dog appears aggressive or acts strange contact your local animal control service.
Signs that a dog may be aggressive include growling, snarling, and hair that stands up along the dog’s back. On a frightened dog the ears may lay down, but the dog can still attack or bite. Never challenge a dog by staring them in the eyes or charging at them. This can provoke biting or worse, mauling.
If approached by an aggressive dog, never run. There is a saying that states “be like a tree.” This involves standing very still with the legs together and fists under the neck. When the dog leaves, walk away slowly.
If you happen to be lying down, lay still, face down with the fists covering the back of the neck with the forearms covering the ears. Keep the legs together and wait for the dog to leave. Children should also be taught how to handle an aggressive dog. Moreover, everyone in the family should know how to handle an aggressive dog.
