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Large breed dogs get a bum rap for becoming aggressive, violent animals, however in a lot of instances, it is the smaller breed dogs that in fact bite. Small dogs’ reputation as adoring, lovable, cute companions may be deserved, however a poorly handled small dog can be a lot more dangerous than a pit bull. Understanding the reasons behind aggressive dog behavior can help owners lower the odds of their dog hurting someone and help to eliminate the aggression altogether.

As funny as it sounds, a lot of small dogs really do suffer from insecurity as a result of their size. If you notice aggressive dog behavior only when individuals are standing or walking around, chances are, your dog is fearful of being stepped or sat on. Be very careful not to pick up or coddle your dog when it starts barking at people walking past; it could identify that as a reward, and in place of calming down, will simply come to be even more obnoxious. Instead, remove the dog from the area while individuals are moving around and ignore the barking. Allow your dog back into the room only after it has quieted and everyone is seated.

One more basic reason small dogs have a tendency to bite is because they’ve been mistreated by a prior owner. That is especially true of dogs which are naturally loud and “yappy.” Once again, the best option is to take the dog from the area and pay no attention to all attempts to get your attention until finally your dog is quiet. Offer a quiet, safe area where the dog can watch you and your guests until finally it establishes that nobody is a threat.

Charging is an aggressive dog behavior that must not be tolerated for any reason. Small dogs will often charge at people they don’t know, and even close family members, to show their dominance. Never permit your dog to dominate a human! Take care of charging quickly and firmly; always keep a spray bottle of water near the door and any other area where charging is very likely, and use it. Spray your dog directly in the face and tell him, “no,” using a loud, clear voice. The water will surprise your dog, and it will quickly understand that charging is inappropriate. If this technique appears cruel, bear in mind that small dogs could be killed by a single kick by a frightened child.

Even though mouthing might be playful in some dogs, and is generally harmless, dogs must find out that using their teeth on a human is wrong. Mouthing can at times lead to accidental biting, particularly when small kids are playing with your dog, so all mouthing, nipping, and biting must be discouraged. If licking is okay in your household, you could encourage licking instead of biting by putting bacon grease, butter, or salad dressing on your hands. Allow your dog to lick it off, but move away and say, “no,” the second your dog tries to nip or mouth you. Eventually, your dog will understand that biting results in losing a treat, and will stop trying to bite.

For dogs that are really out of control, expert training could be the next step. An effective trainer will work with you and your dog to identify the causes for the aggression, and will then work step by step to train your dog to behave. As a final resort, however, some dogs may require daily medication to control their behavior. If training does not help, talk to the vet about prescribing a mild sedative, and invest in a good kennel to help keep your guests safe.

Are you looking for help with aggressive dog behavior? Be sure to visit my site for tips on how to stop dog aggression.

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