How to Control Dog Aggression

Control your dog's aggression.

Aggression develops in dogs for many different reasons, but most of them involve the way the dog's owner is raising his pet. The best-intentioned dog owner may inadvertently be setting the stage for aggression, especially if his dog has a propensity for the behavioral disorder. The best way to control dog aggression is to take steps at the first mild signs that the dog is acting up. Try some easy techniques to re-train your pooch to react favorably to his surroundings.

Instructions

1. Ask yourself how serious your dog's aggression is. If your dog is showing signs of near biting towards other animals or humans, a professional dog trainer that deals with behavioral problems is in order. However, if Rover is displaying mild aggression that passes, and he does not challenge humans, the tips below may help.

2. Growl back. Dogs in their natural habitat, the dog pack, assert their dominance over other dogs by a show of aggression. While you need not actually growl, lower your voice to a very gruff tone and forcefully tell your dog to knock it off. This asserts your dominance over your dog.

3. React immediately. For discipline to be effective, it must occur when the aggression occurs. If your dog growls at a guest in your home, it may be embarrassing to get up and growl back, but it's the only way to train your dog to stop his aggressive behavior.

4. Separate your dog from the source of his aggression and from you when he acts up. This is another method of training your dog to realize that he is not the boss. Your dog wants to remain in your company, but when he exhibits any type of aggression, quickly relocate him to a small closed room where he misses out on the action.

5. Make a startle can. Your dog's hearing is acute and he will not enjoy a loud intrusive noise. Fill an empty coffee can with a dozen pennies and tape the lid on securely. When your dog bares his teeth, shake the can vigorously for a few seconds beside him. He will quickly learn that aggression leads to the noisy can; and, with consistency, he will temper his behavior.

6. Enroll your dog in an obedience class. These classes, run locally, offer a wonderful opportunity for your dog to learn to behave in the presence of unknown dogs and humans.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your dog surgically sterilized to reduce his or her hormonal output that may trigger aggressive episodes.

• Avoid smacking, hitting or physically punishing your dog. Unfortunately, they may associate this with heightened aggression or they may come to fear you.

• Keep children away from dogs that exhibit aggression. In fact, monitor small children around any dog. Dogs do not view children as the tiny precious bundles humans do; they may view them as competitors for food, toys or attention.