Are you training your dog to be aggressive?

Read through the following True or False statements below and answer them honestly.

• True or False: My dog has gone through basic obedience training with a professional dog trainer.
• True or False: My dog has spent time with people of all ages and physical differences.
• True or False: My dog interacts with dogs or other animals that do not live in my home at least once a week.
• True or False: My dog gets ample exercise and mental stimulation daily.
• True or False: My dog has a safe place where they can retire to for peace and quiet.
• True or False: I know my dog’s background and breed information.
• True or False: My dog sees me as the leader of the pack.
• True or False: I have never used physical or forceful forms of punishment.

Dog aggression has less to do with breeding, and more to do with the home environment. Unfortunately dogs that have been poorly trained and socialized or in some cases neglected and abused have a tendnecy to act out in aggression. This because their owners have “trained” them to be aggressive through improper treatment.

If you answered “false” to one or more of the statements from above, you have not provided your dog with the skills and priorities they need to live in peace with humans.

How can I stop my dog from being aggressive?

There are four very important things that you must do in order to have a well adjusted happy dog. You must become the pack leader, train, socialize and exercise your dog.

Becoming the Pack Leader

Most people have a hard time understanding that dogs live and thrive in a pack, and this pack must have a hierarchy for it work. Your dog must accept the people in your home as members of its pack, and recognize that the humans are at the top of the hierarchy. It is also important to understand that most dogs do not want the responsibility of the pack leader role, but if there is not a clearly defined hierarchy, they will try to fill that role.

So how do you establish yourself as the leader of the pack?

You must be in charge and consistent. You need to begin training and establish rules. Enrolling your dog in a training program will help teach you the basics and help your dog recognize you as the leader. As the pack leader you will make it clear to your dog that you are in control and they must listen to your commands.

A couple of easy ways to establish dominance over your dog would be to adjust your dog walking and eating habits. If your dog is a puller on a leash try this method. Walk your dog with you controlling the speed and direction of the walk. If your dog pulls on the leash, you will need to abruptly turn and walk a different direction. Continue varying the direction and speed of your walk until your dog falls in line and understands that you are leading the walk, not him. If your dog jumps for food or shows food aggression, you need to make them sit and wait for their food. In a real dog pack, the leader always eats first, so have your dog earn their dinner by awaiting your command to eat.

It is important to provide correction when your dog misbehaves or steps out of line. You must stop the negative behavior and reinforce the correct behavior. Correcting your dog should never involve abusive treatment. No yelling, yanking, pulling, pushing or hitting the dog in anyway. Any harsh treatment physically or mentally can cause your dog not to trust you. When you display physical dominance to your dog, your dog will see that as an acceptable way to show anger or frustration.

To stop the bad behavior you must distract the dog then provide him with the correct alternative. For example you walk into your bedroom to find that your dog is chewing your shoes, instead of yelling at or hitting the dog, you will make a loud noise like clapping your hands, walk directly to the dog and tell him “ah ah” then take the shoes away and replace them with a bone or chew toy. This action reinforces that you are in control of your dog’s activities and provides you the opportunity to teach your dog what is acceptable to chew on.

Taking the role of pack leader requires consistency. You cannot waiver in what is acceptable for your dog. Any inconsistency in rules creates confusion for your dog and confusion will make your dog challenge your position as pack leader.

Training your dog

While professional dog training is becoming more common, there are still an alarming number of dog owners who resist. The people who refuse to professionally train their dogs will likely never establish themselves as the leader of the pack with out the use of physical dominence.

Group training classes can effectively teach the basic commands like sit, stay and down. What most people don’t realize about dog training is that the dogs are actually not the ones being trained, the dog owners are. Dog trainers will help owners develop techniques to communicate effectively with their dogs. Plus the trainers are there to provide guidance if you are having problems getting your dog to perform.

Dog training should not be limited to puppies. Old dogs can learn new tricks. You can enroll your adult dog in more advanced training programs like agility. Even daily reinforcement of basic commands and tricks can help keep your dog mentally stimulated as well as make sure they don’t forget them. Training should be a lifelong priority.

Socializing your dog

Even if your dog is well trained and they recognize you as the leader of the pack, a dog who is not socialized will often show signs of fear or aggression when they meet a new dog or person. Upon receiving your dog it is important to begin socialization. Your dog needs to meet all types of dogs, cats or other animals. They also need to meet all types of people from babies and kids to the elderly. Don’t overlook people of different races or handicaps. The more types of people and animals dogs interact with the less likely they will be to bark and act fearful or aggressive.

Socialization must continue throughout the life of the dog. If socialization stops, with time your dog will show problems upon meeting new people and animals.

Exercising your dog

All dogs need exercise. If you are not giving your dog the proper amount of exercise for their breed, you are setting yourself up for trouble. Dogs who are not exercised enough usually display behavior problems like destructive chewing, digging, barking and physical domination. Dogs that have received adequate exercise should be more content, relaxed and much less on edge.

Most people think that letting the dog run around in the back yard is enough. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people say “if my dog needed more exercise they would run around the yard more. They have the freedom to exercise as much as they want.” Unfortunately dogs need mental stimulation as well, and being locked into the same confined outdoor area each day does not afford the proper mental stimulation.

Just like people, dogs often need someone to motivate them to get the right amount of exercise. After all, walks and games are more fun with a partner. Daily walks through the neighborhood can help keep your dog alert. Games like fetch, can give your dog the encouragement they need to run and burn off some of that energy while keeping their minds active.

Other tips to help prevent your dog from becoming aggressive

Give your dog their own private space in the house. Dogs are social creatures and enjoy the company of the family. However they sometimes need a safe place to hide out when things get crazy. Provide your dog with a crate or bed in a corner of the room where the family spends most of their time. Don’t allow children or other animals to play in this space. It needs to remain a private retreat for your dog.

Become familiar with your dog’s background. If you purchase a dog from a breeder familiarize yourself with the dog’s family history. Ask the breeder questions about the breed and get any documentation you can. If you adopt a dog be sure to ask the shelter or rescue about the dog. Find out how long he has been at the shelter, was he stray, owner surrender or rescued from an abused/neglected home. The more information you have about your dog, the better you can know what to expect.