Aggressive Dogs
It is highly recommended that you consult with a certified trainer when dealing with an aggressive pet, especially if there are children in the household. If your pet does bite someone and that person needs medical attention, it is required that the medical team report the incident. Your pet may have to be quarantined even if they are updated on their Rabies vaccine.
Basic training when your pet is young can help avoid many aggressive tendencies. It is important to establish dominance early. This does not involve holding the pet down or requiring the pet to be afraid of you. Every pack needs a leader, and you are it. So your pet needs to know that you are responsible for him/her and they will respect you. Always make the pet sit for ANY treat or meal.
Always make the pet sit and allow you to enter a room or go through a door first. Have the pet get used to you taking food or treats away while they are young. Pretend you are giving your pet medication in the back of their throat early-they need to get used to your hand in their mouth. Touch their paws frequently and
trim their nails. When they are still puppies, make them lay on their backs in your arms and don’t release until they stop struggling. If they show any discomfort or aggression at these stages, they need to be reprimanded and isolated. When pet is calm, start all over again. If you give in immediately and don’t press the issue, they have won.
Dominance Aggression: Dogs that fall into this category usually are biting when owners try to take away food or treats, biting when being awakened, or biting when being disciplined. They can also exhibit this behavior to other dogs or cats in the household. If the pet is not neutered, this needs to be done
immediately. Also, make the pet sit before feeding-always make them defer to you before you give them any reward, i.e. food. These pet should never be allowed on the furniture or beds. When the pet does show this behavior, they need to be isolated immediately. Never engage in tug-of-war games with a pet that shows a tendency to be dominant aggressive.
Fear Aggression: This behavior generally arises at the veterinarian’s office, but can also be seen around other animals. These pets generally make going for a walk a nightmare because they can try to bite anyone or any pet that comes near them. They feel cornered easily. It is important to socialize these pets as soon as possible. Go to the vet hospital even when your pet is not scheduled for a procedure. Have the receptionists to the doctor give treats and praise, then leave. They will begin to associate the vet as a “treat giver”. Same goes for walks: ask people to give your pet treats, as long as this can be done safely. Praise them lavishly when they show no aggressive behavior, and reprimand and isolate when they do.
Tags: aggression, biting, dogs, snarling