How to Correct Dog Aggression
Dog aggression is a serious behavioral problem and it is not always easy to know how to correct dog aggression. There are many different causes of aggression, from a lack of socialization to dog abuse; there is some evidence that suggests certain dog breeds have a natural tendency towards aggression.
Getting Started:
In order to know how to correct dog aggression, you first need to identify your dog’s specific type of aggression. Four common types of aggression are dominant aggression, fear aggression, protection aggression, and redirection aggression.
Dominant aggression occurs when your dog’s position is threatened. If a more dominant male enters the home or property, for example, your dog can become aggressive in order to challenge and fight the dog for the dominant position.
Fear aggression occurs when your dog believes that his safety is at risk and will be harmed. This type of aggression is often a result of abuse; if your dog was abused, he may think when you move to pet his head that you are going to hit him and subsequently bites you.
Protection aggression appears in dogs that feel that they must protect something or someone. This can also manifest in territorial or possession aggression over objects. Redirection aggression is one of the most common problems in dogs.
If your dog is provoked by a person or other animal but is unable to attack, the pint-up aggression may be redirected onto someone or something else.
After identifying the type of aggression, you can better address how to correct dog aggression.
Talk with a Veterinarian:
It is best to check with a veterinarian to discuss the specific type of aggression and to rule out any medical issues that may cause the aggressive behavior. If there is an underlying medical reason for aggression, your veterinarian can prescribe treatment to help correct dog aggression.
Spay or Neuter:
In many dogs, spaying or neutering helps to control hormone levels and correct dog aggression. Neutering male dogs also helps to control roaming habits;
if your dog is roaming, he may encounter another aggressive dog, causing him to get into an altercation. Dogs that remain intact often display dominance and protective aggression.
Isolate You Dog:
If you are aware of your dog’s aggressive behavior, keep your dog away from situations that may provoke him. This is a great way of addressing how to correct dog aggression.
For example, if your dog has dominant aggression, avoid dog parks or other areas where more dominant dogs may be. If your dog shows aggression towards certain objects, hide those objects away until the cause of the aggression is identified and can be corrected.
Consult a Professional:
Professional dog trainers and behavioralists can identify the type of aggression and teach you ways to correct dog aggression. They can help you to know how to correct dog aggression.
What to Avoid:
When correcting dog aggression, never yell, hit, or negatively reinforce your dog. For dogs that experience fear aggression, negative punishment can worsen the aggression. Dominant aggressive dogs may become more likely to bite because the dog feels that you are threatening his dominance.
It requires a lot of patience and can be a long process to know how to correct dog aggression. Over time, using positive reinforcement and remaining consistent, you and your dog can enjoy spending time together now that you know how to correct dog aggression.
