Nearly all wild animals display aggressive behavior from time to time – especially when defending offspring, guarding territories and protecting themselves. While these are natural reactions, other conditions that may contribute to aggression are lack of socialization, frustration, injury/illness, fear, anxiety and insecurity. Species like humans and dogs that live in groups will also show aggression to maintain peace and negotiate social interactions.
Among the signals, you may see your dog snarl, show his teeth, growl, snap or make a guttural bark sound. He may also become very still and rigid, lung forward or even charge without making contact. Extreme dog aggression includes contact, ranging from quick nips or biting that tears the skin to puncturing skin and continuing to bite in rapid succession.
The best approach is to help prevent aggressive behavior from the beginning through a structured obedience training program that utilizes positive techniques as it establishes rules, sets boundaries, and socializes your dog with people and other animals. Provide positive reinforcement and obedience training immediately by rewarding good dog behavior.
• Don’t use physical force since this may actually intensify aggression.
• Remember that your aggression toward your canine typically sparks more aggression.
• Often your reaction to (or anticipation of) aggression (such as pulling back on the leash as another dog approaches) can serve to induce or intensify the aggression.
• Through positive reinforcement in aggression-inducing environments, you can begin to teach your dog that there is no need to be aggressive.
• Utilize a gentle leader to guide your dog’s head if needed. This is especially helpful since it provides you with control of the dog’s face.
• Seek a professional trainer.
Bear in mind that that aggression is a symptom, not a cause. If your dog becomes aggressive, it’s a signal that something else is lacking. Paying attention to our canine’s behavior helps us understand a message and determine a remedy for the problem.
When training your dog, reward it with a tasty, healthy treat from Evanger’s Nothing But Natural Jerky treats. Only six calories each, these semi-moist goodies are easy to tear into smaller pieces for training rewards. High in protein and low in calories, it’s excellent for pets with food allergies and available in exotic proteins such as Pheasant and Venison.
Among the signals, you may see your dog snarl, show his teeth, growl, snap or make a guttural bark sound. He may also become very still and rigid, lung forward or even charge without making contact. Extreme dog aggression includes contact, ranging from quick nips or biting that tears the skin to puncturing skin and continuing to bite in rapid succession.
 |
| Well, he's just enjoying a treat, but this scary look would otherwise indicate an aggressive warning! Photo: Dolphin Lair |
The best approach is to help prevent aggressive behavior from the beginning through a structured obedience training program that utilizes positive techniques as it establishes rules, sets boundaries, and socializes your dog with people and other animals. Provide positive reinforcement and obedience training immediately by rewarding good dog behavior.
• Don’t use physical force since this may actually intensify aggression.
• Remember that your aggression toward your canine typically sparks more aggression.
• Often your reaction to (or anticipation of) aggression (such as pulling back on the leash as another dog approaches) can serve to induce or intensify the aggression.
• Through positive reinforcement in aggression-inducing environments, you can begin to teach your dog that there is no need to be aggressive.
• Utilize a gentle leader to guide your dog’s head if needed. This is especially helpful since it provides you with control of the dog’s face.
• Seek a professional trainer.
Bear in mind that that aggression is a symptom, not a cause. If your dog becomes aggressive, it’s a signal that something else is lacking. Paying attention to our canine’s behavior helps us understand a message and determine a remedy for the problem.
When training your dog, reward it with a tasty, healthy treat from Evanger’s Nothing But Natural Jerky treats. Only six calories each, these semi-moist goodies are easy to tear into smaller pieces for training rewards. High in protein and low in calories, it’s excellent for pets with food allergies and available in exotic proteins such as Pheasant and Venison.
Comments
Post a Comment