Aggressive Dog? Get Control of the Situation
Having an aggressive dog is a serious issue as well as a potential risk. Dogs that are aggressive are highly unpredictable and dangerous, regardless of their size or breed. Any dog, from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane, can potentially be aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. Unfortunately many owners fail to see how essential early and consistent obedience training and socialization is in preventing their dog from becoming aggressive. Dog training routines that encourage and support both obedience and socialization need to begin from the first day you bring the dog or puppy home.
An aggressive dog typically responds with growling, showing of the teeth and even biting because they don’t understand their place within the family. Dog aggression is more common in some breeds than others, but any dog that is fearful or dominant is potentially at risk for biting, snapping or becoming dangerous.
• Aggression from protective roles - When the dog assumes that their role in the family is to be the leader, they naturally assume the role of protector. In the dog pack the leader is responsible for protection as well as management of the pack, which is just what the aggressive dog is doing when he or she growls or snaps at people. Many owners reward this behavior by picking the dog up when he or she growls or snaps, further reinforcing that the dog is doing the right thing.
• Aggression from fear - Fearful dogs may become aggressive if they believe they are cornered or threatened, while dominant dogs may see their owner’s attempts to take control as a threat to their dominant position. Teaching your puppy or dog right from the start that you are the pack leader will help prevent them from ever becoming an aggressive dog.
• Aggression from possessive, territorial behaviour - Another common mistake with both puppies and dogs that can lead to aggression is allowing the dog to become possessive or territorial of space, objects or people. As the human in the family you are the owner of everything, including the food, toys and bedding that the dog uses. Make a routine habit of having the dog sit before you feed, making the dog wait until after you enter the room to follow, and even taking up the toys when the play time is finished. This establishes, in a very gentle and kind way, that you are the leader and that you will provide for the dog, preventing this type of aggressive dog behavior.
Building in routine socialization is key in preventing problems with an aggressive dog. Socialization such as introducing your dog to other dogs, non-canine pets, new people and situations is an essential part of training. This can be a difficult aspect to training unless you know other dog owners, so an obedience class is highly recommended. You can also make routine trips to a dog park or even set up dog play times for your pet with other dogs. Any of these options will help your dog learn that he or she doesn’t need to be aggressive; rather they can learn to interact with other dogs without the negative behaviors they may have exhibited in the past.
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