Aggressive behavior in dogs can be frightening and ultimately dangerous if left untreated. In order to best help your dog with this type of behavior, you need to know what’s causing your dog to react aggressively.
There are numerous reasons for canine aggression, including a lingering fear of other dogs from your pet’s youth, or it could be a question of dominance between you and your alpha pet.
Whatever the cause, I’ll show you how to stop aggressive behavior in dogs – yours or your neighbor’s dog in easy steps.
The Reasons Behind Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
Socialization is pertinent to a puppy’s well-being, and aggression can start as young as six weeks old. From the time your puppy is born, up until about 14 weeks of age, your dog is beginning the key socialization needed for life.
It’s imperative, during these first few weeks of life, your puppy gets the proper behavior skills in order to be able to socialize with other dogs and to behave around people (that means no nipping or biting).
Overly Harsh Punishment Causes Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
What does this mean for your training methods? In order to make sure your puppy gets proper socialization, there are important steps you have to take. For one, dog aggression behavior is taught when you punish your puppy too harshly (such as hitting or yelling at your young pet).
The First Ten Weeks of Life
The first ten weeks of your puppy’s life should be gentle and calm. Also, because your puppy needs interaction with other dogs, you must keep your puppy with the rest of its litter for at least the first eight weeks of life, and your pet should have proper socialization with other dogs (and people) by at least three and a half months of age.
Spay or Neuter Your Dog
There are numerous things that can trigger aggressions in your dog. Aside from a lack of proper socialization, hormones associated with lack of being spayed or neutered can cause unwanted aggressive behavior, as well. Also, certain breeds of dog are known to have a natural, hereditary aggression.
No matter what age you take your puppy from its litter, or what breed of dog you own, the number one factor regarding aggressive behavior in dogs is actually the environment your dog is raised in.
Stop Aggressive Behavior in Dogs: Make Your Living Space Safe
In order to stop aggressive behavior in dogs, it all comes back to the old “nature Vs. Nurture” theory. That means your pet is more likely to be overly aggressive if the living conditions are cruel or if your pet is victim to harsh treatment.
There Needs to Be a Balance
Of course, you can’t be too soft on your pet, either. It’s very important that you, as the owner, establish your dominance as the master of your pet. Dogs are particularly alpha, and if they think you’re too submissive, they will take on the dominant role.
Certain actions from your dog, such as biting or aggressive postures, are definitely a sign of dominance, which means you need to regain control of the situation.
But there needs to be balance.
For instance: If your dog growls when you try to take his food, in a strong voice (don’t yell), say “No!” When your dog retreats, immediately reward him but rubbing him and telling him “Good dog.!”
When he growls, don’t yell. Wait for him to stop growling, then say “No.!” firmly, then reach in to take the toy or whatever it is you need from him. And always praise him heartily for letting you do it.
How to Stop and Control Unwanted Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
The first thing to remember is no matter how frightened or angry your dog is, you must never reward aggressive behavior (this only promotes the behavior).
At the time of your pet’s sexual maturity (at a little over a year old), if he begins behaving aggressively, even after being spayed or neutered, then it’s time you take command and become the dominant one.
Only by becoming the leader in your household, will you be able to curb your dog’s aggression. You must train your dog to be on a routine food and exercise schedule, and you must ensure your dog learns to obey your commands in order to establish your dominance as the pet owner. See the article “How to train your dog to listen”
Take Him To Cageless Doggy Day Care Center
Is your dog striking out at other people? This could actually be defensive-aggressive behavior which stems from improper socialization. In order to control this kind of aggression in your pet, you should find a cageless doggy day care center.
I happen to use Running Paws in New York City. .
Never leave a defensive-aggressive pet in the care of a stranger or near small children.
Dog Obedience, House Training, Dog Health Care Guide All In One
Most aggressive behavior in dogs can be brought under control with DIY dog training books and videos. In fact, The Dog Training Mastery Multimedia Package is one such DIY home dog training system.
This comprehensive resource comes complete with a 256 page ebook called Secrets to Dog Training: Stop Your Dog’s Behavior Problems!, 150 online videos of professional dog trainers teaching you step by step how to train your dog to do a variety of commands, dog house training guide and a dog health care guide and a grooming book.
Remember, 9 out of 10 times, aggressive behavior in dogs can be dealt with at home if you have the right dog training information. Read my article on basic dog training commands and start teaching your dog the basics of how to obey your commands.
