How to Stop Aggression in your Dog
Aggressive dogs pose a frightening and at times dangerous dilemma. Luckily, if you dog undergoes aggressive dog training, many of the problems can quickly go away.
Millions of people have experienced instances of dog bites and in most of these reports those people are children.
Dogs can be aggressive for a number of different reasons. Some of these include the environment that they live in, and sometimes dogs are aggressive due to inheriting that trait. Some dogs are naturally more aggressive than others - this is definitely the case with Bulldogs and Akita's. Dogs, being pack animals are also accustomed to jostling for the top position. They sometimes use aggressive behaviors to do this.
It's very important that you understand the reasons for aggressive behavior and that you then train your dog so that it's less inclined to be aggressive. By confirming your spot as leader of the pack you will gain respect and are much more likely to be obeyed. By giving in to your dog you are effectively leaving yourself wide open to more aggressive behavior.
A few different causes of dog aggression include fear, and to protect their home. They are also usually extremely aggressive to other dogs especially if they are the same sex. However, no matter what type your dog of aggression your dog has, you will need to start their training as soon as possible.
One of the first things you should do to stop your dogs aggression is try to get your dog used to being around other dogs, let your dog socialize with other dogs. You can start letting your dog socialize with others as soon as it reaches 3 months of age. Adult dogs will often need more than just additional socialization. Specialized training may be required.
Regardless of how serious your dog's aggression is, it can be trained. Being consistent and persistent in your training method will be one of the keys to success. It is also extremely important that you secure your position as the Alpha Dog. Make sure you also use positive reinforcement and give your dog mild praise when he has completed a given task. Little by little your dog will learn that good behavior is what you want and will strive to give that to you.
Lastly, aggressive dogs can be dangerous, so you will need to take the time to train slowly and without fear. If however you notice that the aggressive behaviors are not getting better then you should take your dog to the veterinarian or to a qualified dog trainer.