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Step 1
The first step in dealing with aggression is understanding aggression. There are three types of aggression:
1. People aggression
2. Dog aggression
3. Other animal aggression -
Step 2
Aggressive behavior is always triggered. When a dog responds aggressively it was triggered by an action. Some dogs will respond aggressively when someone is near their food bowl, a toy, or just by walking into the yard. It is a good idea to start a log and write down every time your dog shows any signs of aggression.
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Step 3
Contact a professional dog trainer that has experience dealing with aggressive behavior. A good place to start is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. It is an excellent organization that has a lot of trainers that can help you. Check the Resources section below for a link to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website.
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Step 4
Spay or neuter your dog. By doing this you can sometimes reduce the dog's aggression--not always, but sometimes. The other reason to do this is because you don't want to breed an aggressive dog. Aggressive dogs will often reproduce aggressive puppies.
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Step 5
Start using a muzzle. If your dog is showing any signs of aggressive behavior you need to protect other people and other animals. Keep your dog safely away from other people. When you need to take your dog for a walk, put a muzzle on your dog.
