If you have a dog that has aggressive dog behavior, it can be a frightening scenario because you never know when they will attack. It’s a good idea to take him to the park to let off some steam, but try to keep him away from other dogs and people to avoid an attack on them.
The Dog’s Mind Must Be Refocused
Here are seven suggestions for dealing with your aggressive dog when out and about:
#1 Make your dog focus on you so he isn’t distracted by other dogs.
#2 If another dog approaches, do not draw the leash straight to give your dog control; instead, pull the leash sideways to maintain control of the situation.
#3 If your dog becomes agitated, try distracting him with noises he will respond to or a command like “leave!” – don’t scream or yell.
#4 Reward your dog every time he learns to moderate his aggressive behaviour with a treat.
#5 Getting together with another dog owner to introduce your two dogs is a fantastic idea. Keep your dog on a leash and take him somewhere he hasn’t been before, as your dog will become territorial in locations he knows and may feel threatened by the other dog.
#6 Keep an eye on how your dog reacts when he or she meets another dog. If he starts to snarl, pulls on the leash, or stiffens up, he isn’t happy, and you should go.
#7 Enroll your dog in a dog obedience school if he still exhibits aggressive tendencies. Specialized dog trainers can work with your dog in a group setting. Most of the time, group therapy is a better fit for them.
Other things to do and observe about your aggressive dog include:
#1 If your dog is a male, consider neutering him so that he doesn’t feel as dominant or exhibit aggressive behaviour.
#2 Physical punishment of aggressive dogs should be avoided because it exacerbates the problem.
#3 When meeting other dogs, use a retractable leash to make things easier. Your dog will not feel confined, and you will have complete control over his movements.
#4 Just because your dog wags its tail doesn’t mean it wants to play with the other dog.
It’s critical that you keep control over the situation at all times, whether you’re at the park, at home, or anywhere else you meet up with other dogs.
Keeping Dog Fighting Under Control
If your dog meets up with another dog, it’s critical that you keep them under control. When it comes to fighting, your dog may not be the aggressor, but the other dog may be.
Check to see if you’ve taught your dog to be obedient and follow all of your directions.
Here are some methods for keeping your dog from fighting:
#1 Make sure your dog’s collar is properly adjusted. It must be neither too loose nor too tight.
#2 Protect yourself by carrying an umbrella.
#3 If you come across an aggressive dog, have your dog sit and gaze away from the aggressor. Make sure you have your umbrella with you.
#4 You and your dog should not run because this will just make the problem worse.
#5 Place the umbrella between the dogs in order for it to open.
#6 Place your foot in front of the umbrella and shout “stay!”
#7 If your dog is well taught, he or she will obey your commands and will not initiate a fight with other dogs.
#8 If the umbrella ploy fails, you and your dog must carefully back away.
#9 Avoid establishing eye contact with the aggressor, whether it’s you or your dog, as it will make him more likely to attack.
#10 Even if the other dog is really hostile, it is possible that they will try to attack. You may need to seek extra assistance.
The following are the most typical forms of canine aggression:
Territorial aggression occurs when a dog protects its territory, such as your home, from an invader.
Protective aggression occurs when a dog defends its pack mates against another animal or human. Mother dogs are fiercely protective of their puppies, and anyone who approaches them may turn aggressive.
Possessive aggression: Food, chew toys, bones, or any other item of value to the dog is protected.Resource guarding is another term for this.
Fear aggression occurs when a dog is scared and seeks to flee a dangerous situation, but when cornered, the dog attacks.
Defensive aggression is similar to fear aggression in that the dog attacks instead of fleeing. Before biting, these dogs have usually given other, less obvious signals that they wish to be left alone, such as turning their heads away.
Social aggression to other dogs. Aggression can occur in dogs that have not been properly socialised with other dogs or people.
Frustration aggression When the dog is restrained on a leash or in a fenced yard, frustration elicits aggressive behaviour. When a dog is stimulated yet unable to respond, it may become agitated. A dog can become extremely enthusiastic and nip its handler at any time, such as before a walk.
Redirected aggression: If a person tries to break up a dog fight, the dog may become violent towards them. It could also happen if the dog is unable to approach the object of its rage, such as a dog on the other side of a fence.
Pain aggression When a dog is hurt or in pain, it displays aggressive behaviour.
Sex related aggression When two male or female canines compete for a mate’s attention, they become hostile. This is true in unaltered animals, but it can be avoided by spaying and neutering dogs.
Predatory aggression When the dog is demonstrating predatory behaviour, such as chasing wildlife, the dog acts aggressively without warning. When a child is playing chase with the dog, this inclination can be extremely dangerous. Although it may appear to be a harmless pastime at first, dogs with predatory aggression may quickly become agitated and bite the child.