How to Treat Dog Aggression
Dog aggression is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with immediately after it happens. Signs include snapping, growling, showing teeth and biting. There are always reasons for aggression, and the problem can lie in the human's inability to know those reasons. Types of dog aggression are dominance, fear-based, maternal aggression, sibling rivalry and territorial/possessive aggression. According to Dr. Nicholas Dodman, in his book "Dogs Behaving Badly," showing your dog you are the pack leader helps to control dog aggression behaviors.
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Instructions
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Take your aggressive dog to a veterinarian to rule out physical illness, injury or pain. Dogs will act aggressively if they are ill or hurt.
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Have your veterinarian neuter or spay your dog.
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Speak in a firm voice, with words such as "Knock it off!" or "Hey!" when you see signs of aggression. A lowered head, a growl or snarl, bristling neck fur, ears flattened and a sideways stare are all signs of aggression. Speaking firmly can often snap the dog out of the aggressive state. If this does not work, a nudge with your foot may physically jolt him out of the zone.
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Construct a "noise can." Fill a soda can with coins. When your dog exhibits aggression signs, shake the can while saying using your firm wording as above.
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Leash your dog when he is around other animals and people other than household members. Use the leash as a training tool by jerking it gently and saying "No" in response to an aggressive behavior.
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Socialize your dog as much as possible, keeping him on a leash no longer than 6 feet. If the dog is aggressive at the mere sight of a stranger or other animal, do a gradual exposure. Take him to a dog park and let him observe without going into the park. Walk him in neighborhoods with foot traffic.
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Teach your dog the "Down" command and use it in danger situations. According to Jack Volhard, in his book "Dog Training for Dummies," the down position represents submission to a pack leader. Holding the dog's leash, say "Down" while pulling the leash towards the ground. The point is to get the dog to lie flat on the floor. Continue practicing this until you don't need to pull him down anymore.
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Train your dog to defer to you for everything---food, toys, activity, sitting on a couch or bed, going outside and coming inside, and even getting affection. This can be done with the basic commands: sit, stay, leave it, and down. Once your dog defers to you for everything in his life, his aggression will dissipate and hopefully disappear.
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Tips & Warnings
If your dog has bitten another person or animal, you must seek professional help for behavioral problems.
Never hit or physically punish your dog for aggressive behavior. Rewarding the dog's aggressive behavior with your own aggressive behavior is counterproductive and dangerous.
If your dog becomes a threat to you, your family, other pets or guests, you must seek professional help. Start with your veterinarian.
