Aggression in Dogs: Behavior Correction

Is it possible to train a dog not to exhibit aggressive behavior? Yes. Aggression in pets towards the owner or other dogs is a serious behavior disorder that can and should be corrected with the support of a professional dog trainer. Of course, you can teach the animal basic techniques at home, but first, you need to determine the cause of the aggressive behavior, and then proceed to adjust it.

Aggression in dogs: warning signs

Aggression is a term used to describe different types of dog behavior. As a rule, aggressive behavior begins with a warning, but in the end, it can lead to an attack, so training the animal is extremely important.

Here are some of the ways a dog expresses aggressive behavior:

• Growl.
• Solid and/or stationary stand.
• Grin.
• Growling with a grin.
• Threat or guttural barking.
• Attack or attack on a person.
• Teeth contact / light bite without pressure.
• Seizure of body parts or bite without marks.
• A bite causes a wound or bruise.
• Rapid multiple bites.

Causes of Aggressive Dog Behavior

Pets can be aggressive for many reasons. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that dog behavior generally falls into one of the following categories of aggression:

• Territorial.
• Dominant.
• Protective.
• Fright.
• Lack of socialization.
• Defensive.
• Painful.

Aggression manifests itself for various reasons but often depends on environmental conditions. If you took a dog out of a shelter, you may have been mistreated in the past and certain pathogens can provoke aggressive behavior. Therefore, it is imperative that you tell your dog how much you love him and create a safe environment for him.

If your pet is acting unkindly after the injury, the pain is most likely the cause, but when it subsides, aggression usually goes away. However, remember that when you try to relieve your dog, the pain can get worse and cause more discomfort, and then it can lash out at you. If this happens, call your veterinarian immediately and ask when and how you can bring the animal to the clinic.

Territorial aggression can manifest itself in a dog when a person or animal approaches an object that it holds dear, for example, a toy or a beloved owner. In this case, it is necessary to train her to respect the boundaries and wean her from overprotection. This case is much more controversial since this type of aggression is genetically inherent but sometimes amenable to correction. If your dog is accustomed to the fact that all toys in the house belong exclusively to her, then a new pet may break this notion and force her to defend her territory. In this case, gradually accustom the animals to changes, so that the obstinate pet gets used to new circumstances over time.

Once you have identified the cause of the aggressive behavior, you can choose the ideal training program. You can also avoid negative or provocative factors or change the environment.

Training aggressive dogs

The first step to training an aggressive dog is to determine the reason for this behavior. Is your dog aggressive towards a certain family member or your friend, strangers, or other animals? Also, as mentioned above, it is necessary to determine what in the pet's environment provokes an attack of aggression.

Once you determine the cause of the aggression and its direction, it's time to take the dog for training with a dog trainer. If you are unsure about the candidacy of the coach, consult a veterinary doctor. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, "Some aggressive dogs behave this way because of illness or complications." Before you start training your dog, take it to your veterinarian and get it checked. During the examination, the doctor will identify any health problems that contribute to the development of aggression in the animal's behavior.

Do not under any circumstances ignore signs of aggression.

This is good advice for many reasons. First, aggression is an undesirable trait that can lead to injury to another person or the dog itself. If you notice signs of aggressive behavior in a stranger, leave it alone. If you notice this in your dog, be sure to find out the reason for this behavior in order to take steps to correct it.

Ignoring aggression is a threat to your safety. Thinking of himself as the leader of the pack, your dog turns on a genetically built defense mechanism to keep you safe from any threats. If you notice any signs of aggression in your normally docile dog, take a good look around. Hearing and smell in animals is stronger than in humans, so they can recognize a threat much earlier. If a dog senses an intruder in your home or a wild animal in the vicinity, signs of aggression can be a warning of danger.

Finally, don't punish your dog for aggressive behavior. She does not understand punishment, so she can get even more angry and become even more aggressive. The best way to wean a dog from aggression is to reward good behavior. Sometimes the dog needs to be reminded that you are the head of the family, but in the end, it will respond best to reward training.

Like children, dogs need to create the conditions for good behavior. As a rule, persistent aggressive behavior indicates a problem that needs to be identified in order to change the environment for the better. Once you determine the cause, you can start working with your pet, and your veterinarian or trainer will advise you on how to reduce aggression. A little love and patience will help any dog ​​become obedient.