How to Train an Aggressive Dog

It's hard to admit to yourself that you may have an aggressive dog. It's even harder to admit than having an aggressive dog does NOT make the pooch in question a "bad" dog.

The truth is, an aggressive dog is a dog that just needs a little (or a lot) more training. Perhaps it's even different training than you're used to seeing. A lot of people take the wrong steps and go the wrong route when dealing with an aggressive dog - inhumane methods of training, abandonment, or worse.

This article deals with several steps you can take if you find yourself living with an aggressive dog. If you feel uncomfortable, as with anything else, consult a professional whom you trust and whose philosophies you agree with. Use your good judgment and don't put your family's safety or well being at risk!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A dog
• Patience
• Training Tools (optional)
• More Patience!
• A human first aid kit
• A doggy first aid kit

1. Identify the signs of true aggression. Perform a couple of standard temperament tests (See the resources section of this article). This can be tricky for people who haven't dealt with dogs before, or are unsure of what they're seeing. In this case, it's best to ask a professional.
   
   If a professional opinion is not an option for whatever reason, check the links in the resource section of this article, which can help you out.

2. Take the dog to the vet to rule out any medical problems that may be causing the aggression. As with people, dogs can become cranky when in pain. If pain is not the issue, proceed to the next step.

3. Then, figure out what kind of aggression you're dealing with. Is it territorial, dominance-related, possession-related, or something more? Mothers may be aggressive when defending their cubs, but oftentimes this is temporary and does not require training or correction.
   
   In a dominance aggressive dog, the dog will try to dominate anything: his human family, other dogs, cats, children.
   
   In possession aggression, a dog will become aggressive when anything he deems is "his" is touched by someone else. This includes food.
   
   In territorial aggression, the dog in question will become aggressive when someone or something enters HIS territory.
   
   Any of these or more can pose an issue while trying to train or live with the dog. All of these issues are handled similarly, but each takes specific variances on the theme.

4. You should proceed to train your dog as you would any other dog - but keep a few things in mind. Because of your dog's unique nature, safety measures should be taken. If the dog is too hard for you to handle, for example, a limited slip or choke collar, or muzzle may be necessary.
   
   There are a variety of training aid options, some great and some not so great depending on the specific dog and how they are used. Check the resources section for a brief overview of some of these training aids. If you are unsure of the proper way to use them, again, consult a professional and do your own independent research!

5. Keep two separate first aid kits on hand. One should be suitable for you and one should be suitable for the dog. The point of training is to hopefully reduce and eliminate the need for these, but accidents do happen and it's best to be prepared. Once again, consult the resources section.

6. Continue to work with your dog in a variety of tasks. Basic obedience is a very good thing to focus on (sit, stay, come, drop it) but for an aggressive dog, there will be more to it.
   
   With any dog, consistency in training is required. With aggressive dogs, this is even more true. Be absolutely consistent in what you do! Your vocal and physical cues for training should remain the same.
   
   You should not let things be OK some times and not others. If the dog is not allowed on the furniture, for example, it's all or nothing. He cannot be allowed up some times and not others.
   
   Correct when necessary, but do not be overly aggressive about it. Use a praise based training approach, and make sure your dog knows when he's done something right, as well as when he has done something wrong.
   
   Follow the "Ask, Tell, Command" policy. First, ask your dog to do something. Then tell him, and finally command him. This philosophy is used most often in horses, but gives your dog a chance to exhibit that he is, in fact, learning to comply instead of just slacking off. It takes patience, like everything else, but is well worth it.

7. For dominance aggressive dogs, you must make the dog understand that not only are you his human, and the head of the household, but you are also the alpha dog, and as such, you are the "head honcho". What you say goes! Rolling the dog over onto his back is not always the best idea. It can lead to even more issues, and is not recommended.
   
   Require the dog to sit and stay before he gets his food. Make sure he's walked in a manner consistent with you being the alpha dog, and make sure it's clear that no matter what he does, it's to be cleared with you first. If you want to take Fido for a walk, make sure that he sits and stays while you put his leash on. Make sure he remains in "stay" while you exit the door first, and make sure he is in proper position throughout the entire walk: do not let him pull you! If he barks, make it clear that you can bark louder (And by bark, I mean give a proper command, such as "No bark!"). As always, be consistent, praise when needed, and discipline if necessary.

8. For dogs who are possessive over items, you'll want to make it clear that the items he so clearly covets are YOURS, and you are just allowing him to use them. Keep toys picked up and only allow him to use one or two at a time. Teach him the commands "Drop it!" and "leave it!". These may be tough for a dog with this particular issue, but in the end it will pay off. Correct him if he snarls at anyone who tries to get near "his" items. It may be slow going, but it does work. Consistency, patience, and correction if necessary are all required here.

9. A territorially aggressive dog will need to be taught not to bark at everything that comes into the house. A spray water bottle may be a good investment, as most dogs do not like being squirted and it settles them down very quickly. If water isn't a deterrent and it's absolutely necessary, mix a small amount of citronella with it. Dogs dislike the smell IMMENSELY!
   
   Have people come over one at a time. A large group will cause an extreme issue. Take things in baby steps, and slowly get him used to one or two semi-familiar or unfamiliar people entering the house at a time. Make sure he realizes that there is no threat to him. With time and patience, he will mellow out. Patience and consistency are necessary here. Correct if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient, and be consistent. Consistency is the one tool that makes all the difference in training.
• Rewarding your dog is a good motivator. Even aggressive dogs are eager to please. Treats and praise are wonderful!
• Keep your own safety, as well as that of any visitors, in mind. Keep the safety of your dog in mind also.
• Don't be afraid to consult a professional if you feel you cannot do it on your own. Listings can be found in your local phonebook or paper, as well as sometimes in coffee shops, dog parks, shelters, and libraries.
• Do your own independent research on training methods, and if you decide to enlist the help of a professional, discuss their methods before hiring them. People work differently, and what you feel is OK may not be OK to someone else.

Resources

• How to Identify Aggressive Behavior
• Home Temperment Testing
• Dog Owner's First Aid Kit
• A Brief Overview of Training Collars
• Ask, Tell, Command - How it's used and why!

[SchoolOfLife]

on 3/14/2009 Very well written, great information. Keep up the good work! :P