AGGRESSIVE DOG BEHAVIOR – HOW TO CORRECT IT
Establishing yourself as the Alpha dog so that your dog respects you is critical. This is the first step to stop aggressive dog behavior. Correcting your dog’s aggression by communicating your displeasure with how your dog behaves is also crucial. Let’s examine the types of aggressive dog behaviors that are commonly displayed and then we'll see how to stop aggressive dog behavior: Dog to Handler Aggression This type of aggressive dog behavior is when the dog shows aggression towards its owner. This kind of aggression stems from the owner not establishing himself as the “leader of the pack.” Dog to Dog Aggression This type of aggressive dog behavior occurs when dogs exhibit aggression towards other dogs but not to human beings. This type of aggression stems from fear and a need to be territorial. Here are some of the warning signs: · Stiff and rigid body language · Dominant body language (puffing up to make itself look bigger than the other dog) · Showing teeth · Hair raised on back of neck Sibling rivalry is often the cause of this kind of aggressive dog behavior. For instance, if you have two dogs from the same litter and the same sex, they tend to be very competitive. This causes many dog fights to occur. What’s the solution? Make
sure you lavish each dog with lots of attention so that one doesn’t feel neglected. Remember, they’re the same as
siblings in human families. If one child gets more attention than the other, hurt feelings occur. Dogs have
feelings too. This type of aggressive dog behavior involves dogs killing other animals like chickens, roosters, and other pets. Although all types of dog aggression are serious, this type especially should be addressed by going to an animal behaviorist to rule out genetic factors. Once your doctor or behaviorist has diagnosed the problem, ask her or him to recommend an obedience training course that specifically addresses this problem. Pain-Reactive Aggression This type of aggression occurs when a dog is hurt. Have you ever tried to help a dog after he’s been hit by a car? He growls at you or anyone else that comes near him because he’s afraid you’re going to inflict further pain on him. Approach the dog very slowly. The goal is to stop aggressive dog behavior, not aggravate it. Don’t make any sudden moves, or the dog will snarl and bite you. Before you approach the dog, talk to him soothingly. A soothing voice is very reassuring and calming. Talk to him as you would a child that’s afraid. Once the dog hears your soothing voice, his body language will relax and he may wag his tail and whimper – giving you the signal that it’s okay to come closer and help him. You can stop aggressive dog behavior easily. You just need to understand the type of aggression your dog is displaying first before you find a solution.
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