In 2022, 69 million US households have a pet dog. Dogs can provide a lot of joy and pleasure to their owners. But, they’re also prone to have a few behavioral issues now and then.
Aggressive dog behavior can be a severe problem, especially if your dog tends to go after children. Fortunately, there are many actions you can take to correct the problem. Once you correct it, you can rest easy knowing your dog won’t cause any harm.
Keep reading to learn more about aggressive behavior and how to rehabilitate your dog.
Remain Calm
Some dog owners may find themselves in a situation where their dog is behaving aggressively. It is essential to remain calm in these situations, as dogs can sense when their owners are feeling anxious or angry.
If you find yourself in an altercation with another mean dog, do your best to avoid eye contact and keep your body relaxed. If your dog is growling or barking at another dog, try to get them to focus on you by offering treats or toys. If you are struggling to stop dog aggression, removing them from the situation may be best.
Consult a Veterinarian
It is essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical causes for the behavior. If there is a medical cause, your dog may require treatment.
If there is no medical cause, you can begin to work on training and behavior modification with your dog. It may include positive reinforcement training, desensitization and counterconditioning, and crate training.
Consistency is key when working on behavior modification with your dog. You must be consistent in your commands, expectations, and rewards.
Socialize Your Dog at an Early Age
It means positively exposing them to various people, animals, and situations, so mean dogs can learn to cope with new experiences and become comfortable with change. It’s important to introduce your dog to different types of people, including men, women, and children of all ages, so that they learn that not all humans are alike. It’s also important to expose them to other animals, including dogs, cats, and even livestock, to learn to get along with other creatures.
Furthermore, exposing them to various situations, such as car rides, vet visits, grooming, and being handled by strangers, is essential. It will help them cope with new experiences without feeling scared or uncomfortable.
Get a Dog Trainer
A good dog trainer can help your dog learn how to behave around other dogs and people and can teach you how to handle your dog in situations that might trigger their aggression. If you’re having trouble finding a trainer, your veterinarian can likely recommend one.
Aggressive pets can cause lots of stress, and you may have an accident with them. If you need professional services with your dog to stop aggression, click here to learn more.
Deal with a Dog’s Aggressive Behavior
If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior, try to identify what is causing the aggression. If it is in response to another dog, you can try keeping your dog on a leash and away from other dogs.
You can also try to desensitize your dog to whatever triggers the aggression by slowly introducing them to it in a controlled setting. You should consult a professional trainer or behaviorist if you cannot identify the trigger or the aggression is severe.
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Alison Lurie is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.