THIS IS AWESOME! My favorite dog trainer and dog whisperer of all time has just released a free video online explaining how to eliminate 94% of all unwanted behavior in ANY dog. Her name is Krista Cantrell and I absolutely LOVE the way she teaches. Click on the video to watch. You'll be glad you did...

For the top guide for managing all types of dog aggression, including dog on dog aggression, aggression between dogs and strangers, dogs and children, and so forth… Be sure to have a look at Secrets to Dog Training:

Aggressive Dog Behavior

Aggression in a dog is scary. The first time your once adorable and affectionate puppy makes a decision to snap or lunge at someone in your home, you likely break out in a cold sweat and begin stressing about how much further it could go.

But, dealing with those aggressive tendencies doesn’t always need to be the tense, nearly untenable circumstance you worry about. Over 99% of all dogs with aggression and biting tendencies can be trained and handled safely. You simply need to know where to start.

Getting Beyond the Anxiety

A dog that likes to snap at people is scary, and you’re forgiven for being frightened the very first time. But, remember that this is your dog. When you show fear to it, you’re simply going to further those bad behaviors and worsen it.

Therefore, step one in overcoming these undesirable habits is to take control of your home and get rid of fear. You don’t only need to tell your dog you’re in charge, you have to believe it and demonstrate it. Much of what a dog conveys is by means of body language and when yours says “I’m afraid” they’ll react accordingly.

Once you’ve got past this point, things can get much easier. However, the actual steps you will take depend mainly on which particular aggression difficulties you’re having.

The Aggression and Its Roots

Aggression comes in many forms. A dog does not merely wake up one day and decide it really wants to attack anything that moves (unless of course there is something physically or mentally wrong with it). Consequently, you need to figure out exactly where all the growling and snapping is originating from.

* Dog to Dog Aggression - A dog aggressive toward other dogs in your home probably doesn’t know their position inside your home. They want to guard you and their perceived space. Seize control as the alpha leader and show them that neither dog has the right to be aggressive.

* Leash Aggression - Leash aggression arises from being restrained from a target. Teach a dog to overcome this by making them to sit whilst on a leash within viewing distance of their source of aggression. Treats and clickers can help here.

* Stranger Aggression - If your dog is aggressive with strangers, they might be nervous or not sure of themselves. This comes down to providing a strong, leadership presence and showing them their place in the home.

* Food Bowl Aggression - Feed them in a separate room from other dogs, and try to reassure them when they are eating. Food aggression is often tough to fix and is very dangerous, even with very well behaved dogs.

In case your dog exhibits food bowl aggression, consider changing meal times, shifting locations, and giving reassurance. In the event that does not work, speak to a vet to rule out any medical issues that can result in increased aggression.

* Random Aggression - A dog that grows aggressive with little warning and without any provocation is very dangerous. It could be as a result of illness or mental instability, so you’ll want to visit your vet without delay.

Each of these is a very different situation that will require a different approach. And also, you need to bear in mind. If your dog’s aggression results in biting which you can’t manage and does not fall into any category, you must seek out an expert.

A dog is an extremely dangerous animal if it can’t be controlled, and local law enforcement will treat it that way. Do whatever you can, but be responsible and if you are among the 99% of individuals whose dogs merely need some discipline along with a clear role in the house, you should be fine.

Just a reminder, for the ULTIMATE guide to coping with all types of dog aggression, including dog on dog  aggression, aggression between dogs and strangers, dogs  and children, and so on… Make sure you take a look at  Secrets to Dog Training:

Aggressive Behavior in Dogs

No TweetBacks yet. (Be the first to Tweet this post)

Technorati Tags: , ,

Tagged with:

Filed under: General Dogs Discussion

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!