It may be extremely difficult for some pet owners to handle an aggressive dog at once. Whatever it is – a one-time incident or the chronic case – learning the reasons of canine aggressiveness is important to create a proper training program that will help you to deal with this situation effectively. In fact, there may be numerous causes of aggression in dogs, such as their fears and anxieties.
The forms of aggression may vary depending on particular circumstances and needs of each individual dog, and can range from growling and snarling to biting. As far as the causes of aggression are concerned, the main reasons may be territorial protection and fear of any specific situations or objects that may cause discomfort and stress.
Understanding Canine Aggression
It is important to note that aggression in dogs has nothing to do with being a "bad" animal – it simply means that the animal experiences some kind of emotional disturbance. There are several factors contributing to aggression in dogs. They include:
– Genetic background – certain breeds of dogs can be considered more aggressive due to particular genes that have influenced them.
– Lack of socialization makes some dogs hostile to other people and animals;
– The influence of particular environmental factors like moving to a new house and introducing a new family member.
– Some diseases – pain and physical discomfort may provoke a dog to attack someone. It is also worth mentioning about medical conditions which can lead to canine aggressiveness.
The symptoms of aggression may also help you to find out what has actually provoked the animal. They include:
– Growling or snarling
– Raising hair or tensed body posture
– Direct gazing
– Showing teeth or play biting
– Snapping or biting
Finding Out the Trigger
There is one more step you need to complete before you begin training your dog – finding out all the specific situations or things that may provoke aggression. In other words, you should determine the triggers. They may be quite diverse, including such aspects as:
– Other animals
– Visitors and strangers
– Children
– Noise or some objects
In order to determine all these factors which may trigger aggression, it is necessary to make a log where you would be able to track all changes and incidents in your pet’s behavior. Thus, you will be better prepared to handle the situation and work with your dog to improve it.
Creating the Training Plan
A comprehensive training plan is one more key factor in managing canine aggressiveness. The basic elements of your training plan should consist of:
– Positive reinforcement that will allow you to replace aggressive behavior with something more useful
– Desensitization that will involve gradual exposure of a dog to the specific situation that usually triggers his attacks
– Counterconditioning that will be aimed at replacing negative associations with good emotions in order to change the reaction of a dog
– Redirection which will imply redirecting the dog’s attention in other directions
Seeking the Professional Assistance
If you face any serious difficulties in addressing aggression in your pet, it is worth considering a thought of asking specialists for help. A qualified trainer can assist you in:
– Creating a customized training program for your dog
– Identifying the real causes of his aggression
– Helping you to cope with this unpleasant experience
Managing Your Dog’s Aggressiveness
It is important to remember about a few useful tips which should help you to deal with your dog’s aggression successfully. These tips include:
– Maintaining your composure while dealing with your animal’s aggression;
– Using positive reinforcements to replace aggression with other desirable behavior
– Avoiding any kinds of punishment
– Providing a comfortable and safe environment for the dog
Conclusion
Managing aggressiveness in your dog may turn out to be quite a tough job. Nevertheless, you will be able to cope with this problem efficiently if you learn the possible causes of aggression, identify triggers, work out the training plan, and seek assistance in case of necessity.
