If you have an aggressive dog it is important to define the reasons for such behavior and try to fight it with a suitable solution. In most cases dogs exhibit aggressive behavior because of the way they were brought up (you may have bought a dog that comes from a very bad breeder), although the genetic factors cannot be neglected.
In this article I will show you how to identify the causes of aggression and teach you how to stop dog aggression so that you don’t have to think about giving your dog away or, even worse, putting him to sleep.
How To Stop Dog Aggression Part 1 – Let Them Socialize With Others
While dealing with aggressive dog behavior it is best to introduce as many new people and animals to your dog as possible before he reaches 3 months. You can do that by taking him on regular walks and inviting friends to your house. Make sure they hold him and groom while giving a lot of praise and treats. If your dog bites, copy his mother’s behavior and make high pitched sounds (squeals) so that he knows that it hurts.
By implementing these techniques your dog will get used to being among new people and animals and the amount of aggressive behavior he exhibits will decrease significantly.
How To Stop Dog Aggression Part 2 – Identify The Causes And Hire A Professional Dog Trainer
Another tip on how to stop dog aggression is to spend a bit of time trying to identify the causes of the aggressive behavior. This can be anything from approaching your dog while he eats or touching him in certain places to meeting new people. The next step is to contact a professional dog trainer who will create a behavior modification program (based on positive reinforcement techniques) designed specifically for your pet.
How To Stop Dog Aggression Part 3 – Take Him To The Vet
If your four legged friend became aggressive only recently and it seems a bit strange he may be dealing with a medical problem that is causing him a lot of pain and frustration. It can be anything from chemical imbalance, irritability or fever to even more serious diseases like cancer.
In any case, you should take your pet to the vet to find out what it is that’s bothering your four-legged friend and apply a suitable cure. It is possible to stop aggressive dog behavior with some medicines so make sure to visit a vet if you suspect that it’s a medical condition that is causing it.
Looking For More Tips On How To Stop Dog Aggression?
Check out the Dog Behavior section above where we cover more dog behavior problems and explain how to deal with them.