How to Deal with Aggressive Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can also show feelings of aggression towards other dogs and humans. Dogs can become so aggressive as to growl, show fierceness and sometimes, bite. However, there is always a reason behind these feelings of aggression.

It is worth noting that dogs will often show warning signs first before resorting to extreme behavior. Therefore, humans can avoid dangerous situations by learning how to read signals of dog aggression.  

But first let’s talk about the possible reasons of aggressive behavior in dogs.

What Causes Dog Aggression?

There are many possible reasons why a dog can become aggressive. Fear and anxiety are common causes of aggression. Boredom may also cause a dog to lose its calmness.  

Dogs who feel threatened or feel like their personal space is being invaded can also become agitated. Traumatic circumstances that a dog may have experienced can result to aggression too. This is true especially with dogs who have been abandoned or have been treated cruelly by their former owners.

Then again, a dog in pain can also become aggressive. For instance, a dog may snarl at a human who is trying put on a leash and collar. While other dogs may just yelp or scream in pain, some dogs may be startled with the pain and may growl or even bite, unintentionally. Instead of punishing the dog right away, it is recommended to see a vet and have your dog go through physical examination (x-ray, physical check-up, etc.)

If you think that your dog shows aggressive behavior, don’t make conclusions right away. Instead, evaluate the dog’s background, the environment and the dog’s personality to determine the real cause of the problem.

Warning Signs of Dog Aggression

Unusual breathing. A dog that feels threatened or pressured can change its normal breathing pattern. Watch a calm dog and you’ll see that its breathing is obvious through the movement of its rib cages. If a dog is breathing slowly or is holding his breath, it must be observing movements around him or is giving a warning signal.

Body movement. Rapid movements or a complete absence of movement can both be signs of aggression. If a dog is uneasy or is unmoving, it can suddenly shift its gear and explode.

The expression of the eyes. Anxiety, fear, or stress can be seen from the eyes. If a dog looks away or is staring intently, it must be trying to tell something to avoid any dramatic confrontation.

Tension in the mouth. A dog may show signs of fear, anxiousness or stress when its lips tighten.  Other possible warnings signs of anxiety or aggression are changes in the whiskers, clenched toes, and increased tension in both facial and body muscles. The more obvious signs are barking, snarling, and growling.

Using harsh words or inflicting physical pain to correct a dog’s aggressive behavior is discouraged as such treatment can only worsen a dog’s fear and provoke an even more aggressive behavior. The best way to handle the situation is to get yourself away from the scene as calm as possible. Avoid any movement that can trigger or provoke the dog’s feelings. Immediately seek help from a professional dog trainer or a vet to help your dog cope with whatever causes his aggression. 

10 Tips on How To Teach Your Dog Good Behavior

 How can you teach a dog good behavior?  Here are ten tips:

1. Use positive reinforcement. When a dog isn’t behaving well, don’t yell or say NO! Instead, reinforce a positive action such as “Sit” or “Stay”. Help your dog to understand your command and if he’s done correctly, praise him for his good behavior.

2. Be realistic with your expectations. Not all dogs are the same so don’t expect your dog to be as behaved as your neighbor’s dog is. Some dog breeds are really active while others are not.

Learn to be more tolerant about certain behaviors that are normal or “expected” for dogs like digging the ground or being playful. When a certain dog behavior is not agreeable for you, try to give your dog his own space where he can do what he wants without invading yours.

3. Be consistent with your rules. A dog understands only a YES and a NO. It doesn’t understand the gray line. If you don’t want your dog to jump up on you when you’re wearing your best suit, you shouldn’t allow him to jump up on you at any other time.

4. Be clear with your commands. A dog obeys commands based on what he hears. Don’t use synonyms of the same command, expecting your dog to understand. Instead, choose a specific word to define a specific command. Show your dog how to do it and use the same word every time. Repeat the same command until your dog learns and understand what it means.

5. Watch your body language. A dog is more likely to respond to your gestures rather than your command. This is why it is very important that your body language properly demonstrate what you’re saying. If you’re not happy with what he did, don’t pat your dog or do something that would seem like you’re not upset at all.

6. Reward your pet. If your dog wants something, make him earn it. For instance, you can teach your dog to sit first before giving him a treat. Again, if your dog is doing something good, always reinforce this good behavior by giving him praises or treats.

7. Walk /Run with your dog. Behavioral problem in dogs often starts from boredom. Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise by taking him for walks or somewhere where he can run and play until he’s tired. Remember that a tired dog eats well and sleeps well.

8. Don’t make a big fuss over a bad behavior. If your dog is doing something you don’t like, discourage him from doing so by not paying attention. Dogs crave for attention and if you yell or reprimand your dog, he may see that bad behavior as a way to get your attention. Instead, ignore your dog when he isn’t behaving well. Pay attention only when he’s obeying.

9. Conduct short, frequent training sessions. Train your dog a few minutes every day to get the best results. Make your training sessions as enjoyable for your dog as it is for you.

10. Be patient. Training a dog is not always easy. Your dog needs time to learn even a simple command. If your dog doesn’t seem to respond well to your training, don’t give up. Ask help from professional dog trainers or do research. You can also enroll your dog in a professional training school for canines.

Choosing the Right Feeder or Dog Bowl

When buying a feeder for your dog, don’t simply buy a cheap one. Choose a dog bowl that is safe, durable and made for your dog. Since dogs come in different sizes and dogs have different personalities, certain dog bowls are made for specific breeds.

It’s important to choose a dog bowl that’s easy to clean, chew-resistant, spill-proof, and one that doesn’t tip off. Consider the following factors when buying a feeder for your pet dog:

The Right Shape. Make sure that your dog’s feeding bowl does not block his vision while eating or drinking. If you have a dog with a short snout, you may choose a shallow bowl.

Meanwhile, taller dogs need taller bowls. A tapered bowl with a wide base will also keep it from moving around or tipping off. If your dog doesn’t seem comfortable with his feeder, perhaps you got a bowl in the wrong shape.

The Right Size. Dog bowls can either be small, medium or large to match small, medium and larger dogs. Make sure that your dog’s feeder is just big enough to fill one serving of his meal.

The Right Material. Avoid a feeding bowl that is made up of lightweight plastic as this easily tips-off and can be chewed by your dog. Don’t go for glass or ceramic either as these have the tendency to break and may cause harm.

The ideal material is a stainless steel dog bowl with rubberized bottom to give it more stability. Also, dogs will not chew steel. A heavy-weight ceramic dog bowl may also be considered if you want one with designs or color. However, take note that there is also a risk of breakage.

Elevated feeders. You may also consider getting an elevated feeder especially if you have an older dog so he can eat or drink more comfortably and without leaning. This type of feeder is also great for taller dogs with long ears so they can eat and drink without messing up or getting their ears wet.