Helping Your Dog Overcome Dog Agression Towards Other Dogs
Dog aggression towards other dogs can have a debilitating effect on dogs and their families. While it may seem helpful to avoid taking your dog anywhere, this act will only make your dog’s aggression worsen and not all situations can be avoided.
It’s nearly impossible to avoid all other dogs while visiting the vet, for example. If your dog suffers from dog aggression, it should be dealt with as soon as possible to lessen the chance of injury to yourself, your dog, or other dogs.
Causes For Dog Aggression Towards Other Dogs
There are many causes of dog aggression towards other dogs. It can become difficult to pinpoint the exact reason your dog shows this behavior. Some dogs are aggressive at a certain age, such as the dog adolescent period. This type of aggression is hormonally driven and similar to human teenage years. It is typically a passing phase, and is more easily dealt with by positive reinforcement.
Other dogs have had traumatic circumstances take place, such as being attacked by another aggressive dog. Still others have an innate sense of property protection that causes them to have dog aggression towards other dogs.
Another cause of dog aggression towards other dogs is the failure to socialize dogs at a young age. These dogs are just unsure of how to act around other dogs. No matter what the cause, it is important to stop the aggressive behavior as soon as possible.
How to Stop and Prevent Dog Aggression Towards Other Dogs
The first step in dealing with dog aggression towards other dogs is to expose your dog to situations where he would encounter other dogs.
This may sound scary at first, but taking it slow will help to ensure a smoother transition. You can do this by taking your dog on a walk and keeping him on a short leash. Have your dog watch other dogs from a distance.
Praise your dog and give them treats when another dog appears.
This will associate positive feelings for your dog about other dogs. After a week or so of practicing this behavior, move him closer to the other dogs. If he seems to be doing well, remember to praise him. If not, try again the next day. By moving closer each day, your dog will be ready to begin meeting other dogs.
Once you feel your dog is feeling more comfortable, it will be necessary to meet another dog. Make sure to discuss your training with the other dog’s owner beforehand in order to prevent any injuries. Have the dogs approach each other from the side. Verbally praise your dog as he gets closer to the first dog.
If he starts wagging his tail and smelling the other dog, then he is becoming less aggressive. If he starts growling, pull him away and try again another day. It may take several months of training for your dog’s aggression to diminish.
When to seek expert advice
If your dog’s aggression has not improved after several months of training, then it is time to seek professional advice. Veterinarian Behaviorists are trained to diagnose and treat behavior issues with dogs.
Treatments may include spaying or neutering your dog, private training sessions, and medications. By following this advice and being consistent, you and your dog will be happier. Persistence is the key in eliminating dog aggression towards other dogs.
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