How to Stop Aggressive Dog Behavior
Can you learn how to stop aggressive dog behavior in your pet? Generally, if you have no background in dog training, this is not an easy or simple task. Before anything else, you need to know some important facts about dog behavior and dog aggression training.
1. Dogs are not irrational creatures.
Dogs are not as irrational as some think them to be. They do not just turn against people, animals or their owners for no reason at all. Just like humans, there are a few things that could get on a dog’s nerves. Some of the causes of dog aggression include fear of being hurt, the dog’s tendency to protect its own and an incorrect perception of its superiority over all others. Knowing these reasons will help you see your dog in a new light that will permit an appropriate response.
2. You can contribute to the promotion of aggressive behavior.
In some unfortunate cases, the dog owners themselves form part of the reason why their dogs behave aggressively. You may not want to accept it at first but it is possible that some of your own actions could lead to dog aggression. Taking away a dog’s toy or dish for example could make your dog think that you are trying to steal from it. Raising a stick in your hand to play fetch could be perceived too by a traumatized dog as a position of attack and will try to defend itself. The simple act of reaching over to pat your dog may also be mistaken as a challenge to its dominance.
3. Aggressive behavior can be corrected.
Dog trainers and experts with background on canine psychology know how to stop aggressive dog behavior. Your dog is not beyond help even if some claim that you have a particular breed that is aggressive in nature. Take the time to read on dog training approaches and pick a trainer who uses techniques that you are comfortable with. Appropriate obedience training may be the only way to straighten out your dog’s behavior.
4. You can correct dog aggression yourself.
Of course, there are option other than hiring expensive dog trainers. You can teach your dog yourself to stop being aggressive. To be on the safe side though, you should follow a reliable manual or guide book for training. Inappropriate techniques could make your dog’s behavior worse. You could also be endangering yourself.
5. Physical punishment is never a good idea.
New methods for training dogs never include punishment. One old technique is the use of physical force and punishment. Many experts however now acknowledge that this is not an advisable technique. Using sticks, leashes, collars and shock equipment are not only cruel. They might also reinforce violent behavior among dogs.
6. Non-aggressive behavior is the key to a happy relationship.
Everything that has to do with your relationship with your dog depends on its temperament. If you give up on correcting aggression in your dog, you could be signing the death warrant on your relationship with your pet. The only key to having a happy and affectionate companion is to stop its aggressive ways.
It is not an excuse to give up on your dog simply because you don’t know how to stop aggressive dog behavior. There are ways and means for you to learn how. You just need to be patient and persevering. If you love your dog, you will not stop at nothing to find a solution.
Know how to stop aggressive dog behavior now before it’s too late for you and your canine companion.
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:27 am
These are some great tips for being more aware of why a dog is agressive. Thanks for the write up!
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