How to Stop Dog Aggression

An aggressive dog can be difficult to live with. If he hurts another dog or a person, you're legally liable. You can be sued and your dog may have to be put down. Follow these steps to stop dog aggression.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Socialize your dog when he is young to prevent aggression toward other dogs. You should begin socializing him by the time he is 3-months old. Once he is aggressive toward other dogs, it is hard to change or stop that behavior.

2. Train your dog to be calm when you're feeding him because this is when dogs tend to get most aggressive.

3. Keep your expectations consistent. For example, if you don't allow your dog to bark in one place, then don't allow him to bark anywhere. Mixed signals can confuse him and cause him to show aggression out of frustration.

4. Take your dog to a vet when he first shows signs of aggression. Many times the root of the aggressive behavior is pain, and if your vet can determine the cause of the pain the aggression may stop. Dogs become aggressive to cover up pain because it's a sign of weakness.

5. Shout your dog's name and quickly move her out of the way when another dog passes. If she does this without putting up a fight, praise her and give her a treat. She will soon realize that avoiding other dogs and not being aggressive will get her a reward.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave a dog alone with children. Even the calmest dog can become aggressive if he is accidentally hurt. Children are not always understanding of how to be gentle with a dog.