Here at Leader of the Pack, we understand the frustration you feel if your dog is acting aggressively. Is your sweet ball of fluff a terror on walks? Does he come close to pulling you down on a leash or bark non-stop at the front door when neighbors walk by? Aggression is one of the top reasons dog owners seek the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. It is crucial to note that any breed is capable of becoming aggressive under the right circumstances.

What Does Dog Aggression Look Like?

Aggressive behavior in a dog refers to any behavior connected with an attack or an impending attack. This includes becoming still and rigid, growling, snarling, baring teeth, lunging, and nipping or biting. Mild to moderate aggression may be treatable at home with a few tips and routine, consistent training. Severe aggression that puts other people or animals in immediate danger needs to be dealt with by a professional immediately. Here is a step-by-step plan to treat mild to moderate aggression in your dog.  

The First Step

The first step towards stopping this behavior is to recognize the cause of your dog’s aggression. Some dogs growl as someone approaches them while they’re eating or chewing a bone, for instance. Others react aggressively toward strangers. The most common types of dog aggression include territorial, protective, possessive, fear, and social, but there are many others. Therefore, it is important to know what type of aggression your dog is exhibiting to help determine the cause and come up with a plan to modify the dog’s behavior. 

Dogs that aren’t normally aggressive but suddenly develop aggressive behaviors might have an underlying medical problem. Talk to your veterinarian to determine whether this is the case with your dog. Treatment or medication may dramatically improve your dog’s behavior. If your pet is aggressive when food or treats are being removed, or people are invading her personal space, this likely needs to be handled by a professional. 

Obedience Commands Are a Must!

The next step is to teach your dog basic obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” This will help establish you as the pack leader and build trust between you and your dog. Training sessions should be short, frequent, and positive. Praise and treats should be given when the dog exhibits good behavior. Training should take place in a safe and comfortable environment for your dog. If you have multiple dogs, training should initially take place one on one without the distractions of each other.  Once basic commands are followed consistently, grouping commands with multiple pets at once should be attempted.

Desensitization Tactics

The third step is usually where pet owners get frustrated: desensitization. Desensitization is gradually increasing the proximity of an aggression factor (like other dogs walking outside) until the factor no longer elicits a response from your pet. If your pet becomes aggressive at the sight of other dogs or people, you can begin the desensitization process after the basic obedience commands are mastered.  

Important Tips!

Some tips for you to remember: 

An important aspect of dog training is to make sure that you remain calm and assertive at all times. Dogs are pack animals and look to their leader for guidance. If you are anxious or fearful, your dog will pick up on this and become anxious or fearful as well. Therefore, remaining calm and assertive when dealing with your dog’s aggression is important.

Leader of the Pack Dog Training  

And finally, If you do not succeed when attempting these methods, call us – that’s what we are here for! We offer in-home training sessions and group sessions at our facility.  All sessions come with a lifetime guarantee of retraining as needed.  

Dealing with dog aggression requires patience, consistency, and possibly the help of a professional. At Leader of the Pack, we pride ourselves on our results. Your dog’s aggression is a learned behavior, and we can help them unlearn it to become a loving, trusting member of your family.  Call us today at (617) 296-1711 for a consultation!