Do you own a dog that was once a cute lovely puppy but now is an uncontrollable beast that always growls or snaps at your guests? You had never set out for an aggressive dog, hadn’t you?
In almost all cases, dogs give signals of their aggressive behavior over time, which are often overlooked by the owner. After all, he is protecting your home, and it’s good. But dog aggression doesn't ensure your family's safety because intruders now use many ways to get through dogs - no matter how aggressive they may be.
A dog with a bad temperament is not actually bad! But he needs your help to reform such behavior and set him on the right path. Being the owner, if you don't pay much attention to him, there can be severe consequences such as medical bills, injury to you or your loved ones, infection from dog bites, and lawsuits.
Signs of dog aggression – biting, growling, snapping, and lunging
Coming to the point, how to handle an aggressive dog? When helping your pet with his temperament problem, keep realistic expectations. Not all aggressive dogs can be cured entirely.
Understand the Real Cause of Dog’s Aggression
Never make assumptions about why your dog behaves violently. To address his hostile behavior rightly, you must know the actual cause of the problem. The most common causes of dog aggression are:Breed
Many dangerous dog breeds, such as American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier, have been bred to fight. However, some dogs can have genetic issues that make them aggressive toward strangers.
Gender
Male dogs have a greater tendency to bite than female dogs. Also, mother dogs with pups are very protective of their babies and quickly snap on noticing perceived threats.
Fear
If dogs feel threatened, mistreated, frustrated, or afraid, they show anger to defend themselves against anyone approaching them.
Pain
Dog growl at others when hurt because they don't want to be hurt more.
Resource Guardian
Some dogs bite or growl when somebody touches their food or favorite toys.
Other causes of dog aggression include – lack of exercise, no calm-assertive leadership, and predatory.
Know precisely what drives this behavior in your dog; otherwise, you may accidentally create more problems than you had previously.
The veterinarian helps identify the correct cause of this behavior and suggests treatment or medication to improve your dog’s behavior.
Seek assistance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Because dog aggression is a significant problem, owners should never attempt to fix it alone.
Professional dog trainers and behaviorists create a plan to manage your dog’s behavior. Their experience handling similar cases can help you put your dog on the right path.
Though obedience training doesn’t cure aggression, a dog who gives good eye contact, follows all your commands and walks nicely does well when modifying his aggressive behavior.
This is why dog socialization is a must! Ideally, you should start socializing your dog when he’s still a puppy. A dog trainer can also help!
Take your dog to dog classes, parks, stores, and every place you think is good for your pet’s supervised interaction and socialization.
Good socialization makes your dog comfortable and familiar with strange people, animals, and new places and situations.
Whether or not your lifestyle allows, take your dog for a walk and exercise him daily.
The worst-case scenario is that your aggressive dog bites and causes personal injury to somebody. In these cases, you should immediately approach your physician.
Other causes of dog aggression include – lack of exercise, no calm-assertive leadership, and predatory.
Know precisely what drives this behavior in your dog; otherwise, you may accidentally create more problems than you had previously.
Work With Your Veterinarian
If your dog shows premature signs of aggression, talk to your veterinarian. You can resolve the problem by having your dog neutered or spayed if the problem is sex-related. If he is tempered out of illness, pain, or injury, only your vet can handle it.The veterinarian helps identify the correct cause of this behavior and suggests treatment or medication to improve your dog’s behavior.
Talk To A Professional
All dogs have early signs of aggressive behavior. Take action at the first sign; otherwise, the problem may become severe.Seek assistance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Because dog aggression is a significant problem, owners should never attempt to fix it alone.
Professional dog trainers and behaviorists create a plan to manage your dog’s behavior. Their experience handling similar cases can help you put your dog on the right path.
Use the Right Tools
If your dog behaves aggressively, you can use non-punishment equipment, such as a head halter. These tools give you better control of your pet in the beginning. Talk to your dog’s veterinarian or trainer to get suggestions on tools. The dog can also benefit from style wraps, coats, prescription medications, and holistic supplements.Obedience Behavior Training
Obedience behavior training lays down the foundation for working with an aggressive dog. This training teaches how to communicate with your pet and make your dog more obedient. This training can be beneficial when your dog is in aggressive mode.Though obedience training doesn’t cure aggression, a dog who gives good eye contact, follows all your commands and walks nicely does well when modifying his aggressive behavior.
Socialization
Under-socialized dogs are often timid and frustrated and quickly turn aggressive. They don’t know how to react to new people, other animals, and new situations.This is why dog socialization is a must! Ideally, you should start socializing your dog when he’s still a puppy. A dog trainer can also help!
Take your dog to dog classes, parks, stores, and every place you think is good for your pet’s supervised interaction and socialization.
Good socialization makes your dog comfortable and familiar with strange people, animals, and new places and situations.
Other Considerations
Keep things upbeat and consistent. Never punish your dog; it can escalate the problem, such as biting without warning.Whether or not your lifestyle allows, take your dog for a walk and exercise him daily.
The worst-case scenario is that your aggressive dog bites and causes personal injury to somebody. In these cases, you should immediately approach your physician.
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