Aggression problems in dogs are a very common topic for pet parents. The majority of cases for behavior specialists revolve around dog aggression. This is because aggression can apply to a wide range of behaviors. Dogs may become aggressive if they are defending their territory, guarding their offspring, protecting themselves or for many other reasons.
Signs of Aggression in Dogs
You can tell if your dog is being aggressive using the signs that accompany dog aggression. The dog will often appear to be very rigid and remain still. The dog may also lunge at the person or animal if he is being aggressive. It is also likely the dog will be showing teeth, growling or snapping.
Questions There are a few questions you may want to ask yourself while observing your dog’s aggression. These are also questions, if you choose to do so, that the canine behavior specialist is likely to ask. What was occurring at the time of aggression? Where did the aggression occur? Did her aggression stop? If so, why did the aggression stop? Training an aggressive dog very much relies on the type of aggression the dog is displaying.
Risks Associated with Training an Aggressive Dog
As you are likely to expect, there are many risks associated with training an aggressive dog. If the dog is large, the dog could inflict a great deal of pain to the pet parent, the pet parent’s family or anyone else near the dog. If the dog does not have predictability, it will also be a large risk to keep the dog. If you have no idea when or if the dog is going to “snap into aggression” this could be extremely risky. If the dog is not predictable, he should not be anywhere near children or other pets.
Aggression in dogs can be extremely difficult to treat; even for a canine behavior specialist. Aggression in dogs is a large problem and requires a great deal of analysis and essentially trial and error. A canine behavior specialist is likely to develop a behavior plan to implement which will attempt to affect the temperament of your dog and reduce the aggressive outbreaks your dog is experiencing. The behavior specialist will also monitor your dog as the plan is being implemented.
Did you find these tips on how to train an aggressive dog helpful? Share these tips with your dog-loving friends and learn more about dog aggression towards other dogs here.
Amber Johnson, Animal Behaviorist
Miss Amber Johnson has many years of experience with pets and is a licensed cat and dog nutrition and behavior specialist. She currently collaborates with PetPremium where she counsels clients in pet behavior and nutrition. The statements made in this article are the personal opinions of Miss Amber Johnson and based on independent experiences and could be different from the opinions of PetPremium Pet health Insurance or any other pet health insurance provider.