Training For Aggressive Dogs - Try These Simple Tips
Most people never consider training for aggressive dogs until their dog starts showing some signs of aggressive behavior. This is all too common in dogs that have never undergone any form of training, particularly as puppies. Many dog owners will find that the fun, playful behavior they have with their dogs might some day end up with their cute pet becoming a not-so-cute snarling mean machine! That’s when they need some quick advice on how to treat aggressive dog behavior.
So what simple advice is there? Well, there are many different methods of training a dog. Some are good, and some are not so effective. It’s important to know what to look for in dog training for aggressive behavior. That way you can provide your dog with the best training for their needs, and yours! Here’s a quick summary of simple and well proven tips.
Take Time To Consult A Professional
It may be stating the obvious, but when considering training for aggressive dogs, you should take the time to firstly consult a professional. Sometimes there is a medical cause of aggressive behavior, so it’s wise to check this out first. Take your pooch to the local vet, or a specialist in animal behavior, to discount any such causes. If a cause is identified, the specialist can provide advice on how to treat aggressive dog behaviors.
Be Responsible
If you realise your dog is aggressive, you as the owner must be responsible for its conduct. You need to observe some safety measures. Training for aggressive dogs that may be a danger to the public means that you should be very careful. Never take your dog outside where they can mingle with other people unless you have expert advice; and don’t put your dog into a situation where they might become stressed or anxious, and there is a chance this may lead them to attack someone (even yourself).
Socialize
A good way of how to help an aggressive dog let go of their aggressiveness is make him socialize on a gradual basis with other dogs and people. If you consider your dog to be particularly dangerous then you should put a muzzle on your dog when doing this. Once your dog feels more relaxed about being in the company of other dogs and people, then you can remove the muzzle.
Consider Neutering Your Dog
Sometimes, when dog training for aggressive behavior, it’s helpful to consider neutering or spaying your dog. A spayed or neutered dog is usually easier to train to get rid of aggressive behaviors.
Never Punish Your Dog
When considering how to treat aggressive dog behavior, never resort to punishment techniques. The last thing you want to do is to shut him away alone, or worse still, actually hit him. This does no good at all, and will only make the aggressive behaviors worse. It may even make the dog much more dangerous and lead to him attacking suddenly.
Be Careful Of The Games You Play
We all love playing games with our dog. It’s fun. However, if you want to understand how to help an aggressive dog, then playing physical games that involve rough and tumble activities may only result in the dog becoming more aggressive. So, when training for aggressive dogs, it’s wise not to have wresting matches or play tug-of-war, particularly if the dog ends up the winner.
Don’t Let Your Dog Be The Boss
Dogs need to be taught who the boss is! If you let him be the boss, you’ll have a much harder time dog training for aggressive behavior. Some common examples of what you should not do are:
- Don’t allow him to walk through a doorway before you do.
- Don’t permit him to lie on the bed with you.
- Always feed him after you have finished eating.
- Never allow him to dominate you in any way.
Give Praise Where Praise Is Due
Whilst it’s important to show your dog who’s the boss, likewise don’t be sparing in praising your dog if he/she does something good. This is a good practice in training aggressive dogs. You know that dogs love to please their masters - so this technique, when properly used, will help to reinforce your dog’s good behavior.
Training aggressive dogs takes time. You need to be patient. You can’t expect to convert an ill-mannered dog into a sweetheart overnight. You need to be persistent and put in the required effort. If you do so, you will see results.
Written by Hugh Pate
