Dog Aggression and what you can do!

You will never cure a dog of dog aggression, but you can help control it. It can be scary to start off with and not know what to do, but the most important thing you must do is stay calm. If you get scared or worried, your dog will pick up on it and can cause them to react even more.

What will work on one dog, may not work on another – but the key thing is to find something they LOVE! For my girl it’s treats or a really big fuss for being good around other dogs. She hates not being praised and will try and do anything for you. She isn’t toy orientated so toys would not work for us…she is however a greedy little madam and loves her liver cake!

When you find what works for your dog – use it to your advantage. I always get my girl in a sit and use the treat to distract her from the main issue – being the other dog. She still knows it is there, but her mind isn’t in ‘aggressive’ mode, as she is being distracted by the treat. So her aggression levels are at a low. She doesn’t snarl or growl at other dogs, she just lunges and makes a funny high pitched squeaking noise! I find if I have her in a sit, I can control her more…this may not work for you; you may find your dog easier to control in a standing position. Again – it is finding what works best for you both.

I have had my girl since the end of February and I am still working with her and I will be for the rest of her life. Training needs to be done every day and you will feel like pulling your hair out some days…but then you will have a great day and it will give you extra confidence. You need to feel in control of every situation and not be fearful of walking. I am now slowly introducing her to other dogs - but because I can read her body language I can get her away before anything could happen. I try and leave every meet she has with a new dog on a positive…I carry on with our walk before she has the chance to get in her aggressive state of mind. She gets lots of praise and treats straight away for being good.

My only issue I have is OFF lead dogs! I find off lead dogs are the only issue we have now – if they come over to her and bound around and are yapping – it winds her up BIG time…but there is nothing I can do apart from try and get her to sit and wait or walk away – but then the off lead dog just follows!

x

 

Good advice. as I saw this post on other thread, thought it could be " sticky" post for other owner who looking for some advice for dog aggression.

sorry for not having knowledge, but what stage of aggression is to be said " dog aggression" and what level is" not to be cured" do you call it? I know when they growl and wanting to be fight is " aggression " but I just would like to know is there any certain definition over it?

hi ive gt a 1 yr bitch and av gt the same problems with her so i no where ya cummin from bit of a pain in the backside tried all the distracting her abd stuff bt still cant stop her from lunging and barking at other dogs al we can do is keep trying