Stop Canine Aggression

Tips To Help You Understand and Prevent Canine Aggresssion

Stop K9 Aggression Early The statistics are staggering as to how many dogs are unnecessarily either euthanized or dropped off at shelters each year due to canine aggression. This aggressive behavior is one of the most misunderstood dog behaviors that pet owners deal with, often this is due to the many varieties of aggression a dog may possess.
K9 aggression is easily correctable but can also turn fatal if not understood and dealt with immediately.

Your Actions Strongly Influence Behavior

The issue of unwanted aggressive behavior is twofold. Both the human and the dog generally play a factor in the aggression, whether it stems from the development of the dog or interaction of the victim. Yes, in some cases canine attacks appear seemingly unprovoked, but I assure you there is an underlying issue. You may consider consulting a professional to help identify what the issue is, as well as helping you work through correcting it.

Diligence will be required when understanding that dogs are not human, they respond to body language and territorial boundaries, among other things. Educating your self will go a long way to prevent such attacks. Be quick to immediately train or correct any behavior that can pose as threatening. These behaviors include jumping, biting, growling, snarling, and lunging to the end of the leash.

For starters, canine aggression is often misconstrued with playful behavior such as jumping, and nipping, especially when it comes to puppies and small breeds. This is a mistake! You should be aware of how to judge aggressive behavior.

Signs of aggression can include but are not limited to:

Barking
Growling
Snarling
Showing of Teeth
Snapping
Guarding Food Bowl
Guarding Toys

Furthermore, early forms of Aggressive Behavior can include:

Jumping on human pack members
Lunging to end of leash
Lunging at barriers (car window, door, pet gate, etc..)
Snapping hard during playtime
Becoming territorial on furniture, bed, etc..

Trust me it’s not cute, no matter how small or fluffy they are, it’s just developing!

Whether you are raising a puppy or a full grown dog, be sure to properly train them to interact with people appropriately no matter the age. Also, have this intensive socialization take place in as many settings as you are able.
This training is for both dogs who are already aggressive, as well as those who show no signs of aggression.

If your dog is already showing signs of aggression, be sure to take the proper precautions to ensure they are unable to take out there aggression on others. In this instance you may need to muzzle them and ensure they are on a leash at all times. I recommend depending on the level of aggression, you take small steps.
Start with a single person to whom the dog is already familiar, someone calm, non-threatening and unafraid of dogs. If they are scared, the dog will pick up on this fear and be more likely to show aggression toward that person. Fear will be seen as weakness by the dog.

"Training is for both dogs who are already aggressive, as well as those who show no signs of aggression"

In the beginning it would be best to do this exercise outside the home, in a neutral environment, directly following a nice long walk. Removing some of the dog’s energy will help his disposition. Be sure to keep a short but loose leash, and remain calm. If you have tension on the leash the dog will feel your stress and be more likely to react.

Ask your friend to approach you slowly and calmly, as the dog remains calm, reward him with big praise, pats on the head, or even treats.
Have your friend without making eye contact with the dog, throw a couple of treats to the ground near the dogs feet, after receiving treats from someone other than you your dog will begin to understand that approaching people are not necessarily a threat.

However, if the dog immediately reacts to the approaching friend with aggressive behavior,
do not have your friend retreat, this will be telling your dog to act aggressively if you want someone to leave.

What you need to do, is redirect the dogs attention with a firm "NO" if need be you can do an about face and walk them for 20-30 feet and return back to your friend. The moment your dog is calm, give him "Big Praise".

Your Can Get Rid Of The Aggression Problem Forever

Use this concept in as many scenarios as you can think of. This will take dedication on your part, as well as your ability to remain calm and assertive. Do your best to choose calming environments to do your training in so as to avoid startling your dog and triggering fear aggression.
Lastly, as I stated before, if for any reason you feel uncomfortable do not be ashamed to consult a professional to assist you.