How to Deal With an Aggressive Dog

Dogs display aggression for many reasons. They can feel threatened when someone challenges their social status, when they are afraid and when they feel territorial or protective. Dogs display aggression by baring their teeth, snarling, barking or sometimes biting. While some dogs give ample warning before biting, the escalation of aggression occurs more quickly in others. You must curb this behavior swiftly to prevent injury.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn your dog's aggression threshold. Some dogs put up with all kinds of antagonizing behavior with nary a curl of the lip. Other dogs exhibit a short fuse and are quick to bite. Figure out which kind you have before an aggressive incident occurs.

2. Spay or neuter your dog. These surgical procedures calm dogs by reducing hormones, which contribute to aggressive behavior. If you have a show dog you wish to breed, you must weigh the benefits of breeding against the risks of a potential dog bite.

3. Consider a muzzle for special circumstances. If your normally docile dog gets nippy on the grooming table, a muzzle can prevent an unexpected fear bite.

4. Consult an animal behavior specialist. These professionals have expertise in utilizing animal theory and behavior modification techniques to reduce the chances of a dog responding aggressively.

5. Engage in gentle and calming forms of play with your dog. Roughhousing and rope tugging can lead to a situation where the dog struggles to achieve dominance over you, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

6. Talk to your veterinarian about possible medical problems that can cause aggressive behavior, especially if the behavior comes from a usually calm animal. Sometimes something as simple as a toothache can make dogs grumpy.

[Vanessa22]

on 1/11/2009 great article, thank you!