Is training an aggressive dog possible? Yes. Aggression in dogs, whether it be toward a dog's owner or other dogs, is a serious behavior that should be adjusted with the help of a professional dog trainer. Of course you can work on basic training in your home, but serious effort will need to be taken to first identify what in your dog's environment makes them aggressive and then take steps to change your pup's behavior.
Aggression in Dogs: The Warning Signs
Aggression is a term that is used to explain multiple dog behaviors. Usually aggressive behavior will start as a warning, but eventually it may lead to an attack, which is why training an aggressive dog is so important.
Here are some ways a dog may exhibit aggressive behavior:
- Growling
- Standing rigid and/or still
- Showing teeth
- Snarling (growling while showing teeth)
- A threatening or guttural bark
- Lunging or charging at a human
- Mouthing/light biting without applying pressure
- Snapping or nipping at a person without leaving a mark
- Biting that causes bruising or puncture wounds
- Repeated bites in rapid succession
Reasons Dogs May Show Signs of Aggression
There are many reasons dogs lash out. TheAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA) says that dogs fall into one of the following categories of aggression:
- Territorial
- Possessive
- Protective
- Fearful
- Unsocialized
- Defensive
- Experiencing pain
How to Train an Aggressive Dog
The first step to training an aggressive dog is to identify who they are aggressive toward. Does your dog show signs of aggression to a particular family member or friend, strangers, or other animals? Also, as mentioned above, it's important to find out what's in their environment is making them angry.
Once you're aware of what causes your dog's aggression and to whom he is aggressive, it's time to work one-on-one with a professional dog trainer. If you aren't sure who to hire,contact your veterinarianfor a recommendation. Also, according to theASPCA, "Some aggressive dogs behave the way they do because of a medical condition or complication." Before you start any training, check with your vet to make sure your dog is healthy. A visit may help you identify any underlying health issues that may be causing your pet's demeanor.
Never Ignore Aggression
This can be a good tip for a couple of reasons. The obvious one is that aggression is an undesirable trait that could lead to someone, or even your dog, getting hurt. If you notice aggression in a dog that you don't know, it is best to leave it alone. If these traits are being exhibited by your own dog it is necessary to ensure you find out why, so you can take steps to reduce their aggression.
Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media. She graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
