Dog Training Tips – How to Handle Aggressive Behavior in Your Canine Family Member

Aggressive Dog Behavior can be due to a number of things. Often, the trigger is something from the dog’s early years that was never eliminated. Other times the problem could be a dominance issue between owner and dog. The thing about the tendency toward aggression in dogs is that it must be addressed as soon as possible. Dogs whose owners let them behave aggressively over a long period of time can become dangerous.

Where the Tendency toward Aggression Comes From

Aggressive dog behavior can be exhibited as soon as 6 weeks of age. Puppies of this age have come to a critical development phase, one which requires socialization and training to block inappropriate behaviors such as biting human beings. This training stage ought to go on a minimum of 8 weeks, but can continue on. The bottom line is that in order to prevent future aggressive behavior in your dog, make sure that your puppy is correctly socialized with both other dogs and people at least by the time he is 14 weeks old.

Extrapolating this information, this indicates a number of things. First, a puppy should never be exited from its litter prior to reaching 8 weeks. The second thing to keep in mind is that harsh discipline needs to be shunned during weeks 8 and 10 of life. This period should be marked by gentle treatment. When you strike, yell, or use other extreme consequences in puppies, you are encouraging and instilling aggressive behavior in your dog.

Aggressive dog behavior can be triggered by many different things. Of course both genetics and heredity are important factors. We know that particular breeds are apt to be more aggressive than other breeds. However, there are exceptions to this as well. Aggressive behavior tends to occur alongside neutering and spaying.

Environment is the single most critical factor causing aggressive behavior in dogs. Harsh masters, insufficient socialization, as well as poor living conditions all contribute to aggression. If a dog undergoes trauma at the hands of another dog, his risk for developing aggressive behavior goes up dramatically.

Sometimes aggression is a product of the group dynamics that occur in a pack of dogs. Aggressive behaviors will often be committed to construct a pecking order. Posturing and biting are often behaviors used to establish dominance. If your desire is to rein in a dog’s behavior as early as possible, then establish dominance early and be consistent.

Halting Aggressive Behavior When It Begins

After your dog has grown to 14 months old, it has reached sexual maturity. If after this time, your dog is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, you must take matters into your hands quickly. Two of the keys are holding back on rewards for aggressive behavior in your dog and making sure that you are seen as the pack leader by your dog.

Your dog needs to be trained to accept your commands. You also must be in control of feeding and walking times. If you allow the dog to behave as a leader in your home, then your dog will more often than not be more aggressive. Your dog should never be master of the household.

Sometimes dogs act aggressively as a way of defending themselves. In other words, fear aggravates their aggression. Often this results from incorrect socialization. Small children are oftentimes perceived as a threat by dogs. As a result, limit your pet’s exposure to young children. Also, obtain the help of a trainer, behaviorist, or training sessions that can help shift your dog to social situations.

When your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, you have a serious problem. People can hold you liable for damage your dog is responsible for. Take heart, this behavior can be controlled and eradicated, even in dogs that are older. If your dog ever expresses violent behaviors, then you need to get professional dog training and dog obedience help immediately. If it attacks someone, your dog could be confronted with serious consequences.