Your dog's aggressive behavior can be due to frustration, fear, a desire to defend his territory, or a number of other reasons. This kind of behavior is certainly very undesirable, but its occurrence is a common problem in dogs. One of the biggest causes of aggressive behavior in dogs is the lack of socialization that dogs get when they are young, so they become afraid of what is around them. Puppies who are often frightened may return to their mother for protection, while a timid adult dog (especially one that cannot escape) is more likely to attack and become aggressive as a form of self-defense. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to deal with aggressive behavior in your dog. However, keep in mind that training for an aggressive dog takes a lot of time and patience.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Keeping the Environment Safe
Step 1. Make sure your dog can't escape or get off the fence
If your dog is aggressive, it is important that you put up or build a strong fence around your house so that your dog can't disturb passers-by in front of your house. Check your fence regularly to make sure there are no cracks or holes in the fence, especially at the bottom, for your dog to get through, so he can't escape and endanger others.
Step 2. Put a strong leash on your dog
When walking your dog, make sure your dog is wearing a strong leash so you can easily control him. You can also try putting a leash on your dog to make it easier for you to control it. Keep in mind that it's important that you put your dog on a strong leash or leash and be able to control it in case it endangers the dog or other people.
Step 3. Put a muzzle on your dog
In addition to a leash and leash, put a muzzle on your dog whenever you take him for a walk or when guests visit. Look for a muzzle with a muzzle that resembles a basket so your dog can breathe and drink easily. In addition, the shape of the snout that resembles a basket also allows you to give him his favorite treats through the muzzle, but still provide good protection from his bite.
- To teach your dog to wear a muzzle, place his favorite treat in the muzzle, then hold and hold the muzzle. Let your dog check the muzzle and eat the treat. At this stage, don't immediately try to attach and tighten the muzzle on your dog.
- Give your dog his favorite treat and stick a muzzle to his nose while he's eating the treat. After that, remove the muzzle after he finishes eating his snack.
- Once your dog is comfortable with the exercise, put his favorite treat back in the muzzle.
- After he's finished eating his treat, attach the muzzle to your dog and pass the treat through the muzzle. Wait a while after he finishes his treat before you give him another treat. This way, your dog will associate the muzzle he wears with his favorite treat.
Method 2 of 4: Doing Desensitization Exercises
Step 1. Understand the purpose of the desensitization exercise
This exercise aims to show your dog the things he's afraid of in a less intense way. Having this exercise can help make sure your dog doesn't feel too anxious. When your dog is exposed to things he's afraid of, you need to reward him if he can stay calm when he sees something that scares him. Over time, you will need to bring him closer to what he is afraid of. Desensitization exercises are time-consuming and, often, for each training session you can only bring your dog's fear triggers one step closer. This is why this practice takes a lot of time and requires a lot of patience.
Step 2. Teach your dog the command to return
This command prompts your dog to leave something (in one particular situation) and come at you. You can use this command to distract your dog from things he perceives as a threat, such as strangers or other dogs. This command also uses the dog's natural instinct to return to its mother (in this case, you) when she is feeling stressed.
- To teach this command, take your dog to a yard or other place where there are no distractions. Tie your dog on a long leash or chain if your yard is not fenced.
- Let him walk around and explore your page, then give him the command “Come back!” and call his name.
- As he approaches you, take a step or two back while still pushing him toward you.
- Once he gets to you, give him a treat as a treat.
- Keep practicing this command on the home page. You need to reach a stage that allows your dog to run at you when you call his name and call out the command “Come back!”
Step 3. Show your dog the things that trigger his fear in a safe and controlled way
To expose your dog to fear triggers, make sure that you can control your dog and present the triggers at a distance that he can still see.
For example, if your dog's aggressive behavior or reaction is triggered by the presence of a stranger, have a male friend stand in the corner of your yard. Make sure it's far enough away that your dog can still see it without reacting
Step 4. Use the command “Back
” to get your dog's attention. Once your dog notices your boy friend, call him using the command “Come back!” and give him a reward (if he manages to come to you). Keep giving him compliments and asking your friend to stand closer. Let your dog walk your yard (on a leash of course) and, when he sees your friend, call your dog back with the command “Come back!”
Step 5. Ensure the duration of the exercise is short and end the exercise with a positive response
Expose your dog to his fear trigger for 10-15 minutes and end with a positive response or compliment. Don't exercise more than 15 minutes per session so your dog doesn't freak out. If your dog begins to feel anxious, aggressive, or restless, control him using the command "Sit down." If he manages to sit up and calm down, reward him and end the training session.
Step 6. Practice slowly
Keep in mind that as your practice progresses, you will need to bring your dog's triggers for aggressive behavior closer. However, it is important that you do it slowly. For example, if in your first training session you asked your male friend to stand in the corner of the yard, in the next training session ask him to stand one step closer to your dog.
During training sessions, don't get your dog too close to the thing he's afraid of to prevent his aggressive behavior from worsening
Method 3 of 4: Dealing with Other Behavioral Problems
Step 1. Reduce the likelihood of your dog having alert and alert behavior
Try to keep your dog away from situations that encourage him to display alert and watchful behavior. This means you shouldn't let your dog run around and guard your fence and, instead, keep your dog indoors and take him for walks to the park for exercise and activity. Also, you need to take your dog to another room when guests visit.
- If your dog often barks at the door when guests arrive, try putting on a long leash or leash and taking him to another room when guests arrive.
- If your dog barks, don't react immediately or yell at him. Otherwise, your dog may take your reaction as a sign that you're joining in, so he'll be more motivated to bark.
Step 2. Teach your dog that he doesn't need to take care of his food
Place your dog's food bowl on the ground or on the floor and add only part of the food. When your dog eats, spread the food as close to the bowl as possible (within the distance your dog will allow, of course). If necessary, put food in a treat bag and each time you walk past his feeding bowl, put a small amount of food in the bowl so your dog can associate your presence with plenty of food for him.
Begin the exercise by placing an empty bowl, then asking your dog to sit down. Once he sits down, put a handful of his food in a bowl and let him eat. After that, tell your dog to sit back down and put a handful of food back into the bowl. Repeat this process. This way, your dog can understand that, in addition to being in charge, you are also a provider of food
Step 3. Continue the exercise with positive reinforcement
Once your dog is no longer aggressive towards the things that triggered the behavior, continue to use positive reinforcement to let him know he did a good job. Praise him and provide him with treats when he shows good behavior towards his fear triggers so he can continue to associate his good behavior with rewarding.
Method 4 of 4: Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
Step 1. Think about what triggers your dog's aggressive behavior
Dogs use aggressive behavior in response to various things. The behavior can be triggered by certain people or situations. For example, some dogs act aggressively when new people visit, or when someone crosses their territory. Try to identify the triggers for your dog's aggressive behavior first as you try to retrain him.
Step 2. Get in the habit of reading your dog's body language
Pay close attention to his body language as he deals with triggers for his aggressive behavior. In many dogs, aggressive behavior is shown because of fear or anxiety. Common signs that you can look for include a lowered head, lowered posture, tail lowered and in between the hind legs, tongue licking lips, averted gaze, enlarged eyes, and shivering or shaking.
Step 3. Learn how to recognize common signs of aggressive behavior in dogs
A dog that is intentionally attacking will show a slight change in the way it stands. He will make direct eye contact and stare at his target. After that, he will lift his body so that the weight of the body rests on the two front legs. It can also wag its tail rigidly, with the tail down. Pay attention to these signs because they can signal that your dog is ready to attack someone or something.
- If you've ever encountered a dog showing these signs, the best self-protection you can do is to walk away from the dog and don't stare at it. Dodge quietly.
- If your dog exhibits any of these signs or behaviors, control your dog by putting him on a leash or leash, or bringing him into the house immediately.
Step 4. Understand that there is no quick way to control aggressive behavior in dogs
You can't solve a problem with aggressive behavior in your dog with just one training session. Retraining an aggressive dog takes a lot of time. Be patient and take precautionary steps (eg wearing a strong, muzzle chain) to protect yourself and others while training is taking place.
Never hit or punish your dog for his aggressive behavior. A spanking or punishment can actually make your dog feel excited or, if the aggressive behavior is due to anxiety, even more fear. As a result, the aggressive behavior shown will get worse
Step 5. Try consulting a registered animal behaviorist
To increase the chances of successful training, it's a good idea to consult a registered animal behaviorist. Aggressive behavior is caused by many factors, so consulting a veterinary behaviorist can give you the opportunity to identify these factors and find out the best strategies for controlling them.
- For example, your dog may be afraid of strangers or other dogs. In addition, he may also exhibit aggressive behavior due to his territorial instincts, or always be triggered to protect his food.
- Ask your veterinarian for information on a registered animal behaviorist in your city.
Step 6. Change your routine to reduce your dog's exposure to things that trigger aggressive behavior
While retraining your dog, try to avoid things that trigger his aggressive behavior. This means you may need to change your route and choose a route that is quieter and less frequented by people walking their dogs. Alternatively, you can also play fun games in your yard to burn off your dog's energy instead of taking him for a walk in the park.
Tips
- Dogs can interpret human voices and body language well. Remain calm and use a cheerful tone of voice as you try to reduce his aggressive response.
- Do not physically punish your dog. This punishment may cause your dog to associate other people or dogs with injury or pain, increasing their aggressive behavior.
- Neutralizing your dog can be an effective way to reduce his aggressive behavior. If you haven't neutralized your dog, do so as soon as possible.
