How do I get my dog ​​to stop being aggressive and biting?

Dogs are the most loyal companions of humans, and they bring us endless joy and companionship. However, when dogs are aggressive and biting, it not only causes harm to others, but also makes the owner worried. Fortunately, by deeply understanding the reasons and taking scientific and effective methods, we can help dogs change these bad behaviors.

There are many reasons why dogs are aggressive and bite people. Genetic factors play an important role in this. Some dog breeds are born with strong vigilance and aggression due to breeding purposes, such as Dobermans and Rottweilers. If a dog's parents or grandparents are aggressive, then it is relatively likely that it will inherit this trait. But genetics is not everything. The acquired growth environment is more critical to the shaping of dog behavior.

Lack of proper socialization training during puppyhood is a common cause of dog aggression. During the puppy stage, dogs need to be exposed to a wide range of different people and animals, various environments and sounds to establish a correct understanding of the world. If the dog is locked up at home for a long time during this period and has little contact with the outside world, it will be afraid of strange things and use aggressive behavior to protect itself. For example, a dog that has never seen a child may become aggressive due to fear when a child suddenly runs in front of it and laughs loudly.

The dog's fear experience can also trigger aggression. Being abused, attacked by other animals, or experiencing frightening events such as loud noises and car accidents will leave a shadow in the dog's heart. When similar scenes occur again, the dog may attack in order to protect itself. For example, a dog that has been beaten will immediately go on alert and even attack when seeing a stranger approaching, especially someone wearing clothes similar to the abuser.

Disease and pain can also make dogs irritable and irritable. When a dog is unwell, such as suffering from oral diseases, arthritis, etc., the pain in the body will make it emotionally unstable and prone to attacking people or animals that approach. If the dog is usually docile and suddenly shows aggressive changes, the owner must take it to the pet hospital for examination in time to rule out health problems.

In the face of a dog's aggressive and biting behavior, we must take targeted corrective measures. The first is socialization training, which is especially important for puppies. Let the dog be exposed to a variety of people and animals from an early age, such as taking it to the pet park regularly to let it interact with other dogs in a friendly manner; invite friends to visit the house to let the dog gradually adapt to the presence of strangers. In this process, the owner should pay close attention to the dog's emotional changes. If the dog shows tension or aggression, do not forcibly stop it, but soothe it with a gentle voice, and give it some snacks as rewards, so that it can associate unfamiliar things with pleasant experiences. As the dog adapts to different stimuli, its aggression will gradually decrease.

It is also crucial to establish clear rules and boundaries. Dogs need to know which behaviors are allowed and which are absolutely not allowed. When the dog shows signs of aggressive behavior, such as growling and showing teeth, the owner should immediately stop it in a serious tone, such as firmly saying "no", and at the same time, some minor punishments can be used, such as short-term isolation, but never beat or scold the dog, because beating and scolding will only make the dog more fearful and confused, and aggravate the aggressive behavior. When the dog obeys the command and stops the aggressive behavior, it should be praised and rewarded in time, such as delicious snacks and gentle caressing, to reinforce its correct behavior.

Positive motivation plays a significant role in correcting the dog's aggressive behavior. When the dog responds correctly and gently to a situation that may cause an attack, such as when a stranger approaches, it no longer attacks but sits down quietly. The owner should immediately give praise and rewards to let the dog know that doing so will be recognized and beneficial. This reward mechanism can gradually change the dog's behavior pattern and let it learn to deal with external stimuli in a more friendly way.

In the process of correcting the dog's aggressive behavior, the owner's patience and persistence are key. The dog's behavioral changes will not happen overnight and may recur. But as long as the owner remains patient and continues to train, you can see the dog's progress. Every small change in the dog is worth rejoicing, because it means that it is one step closer to becoming a more well-behaved and friendly partner. Dogs are important members of the family, and their health and happiness are our greatest wish. By correcting aggressive behavior scientifically and patiently, we can help dogs better integrate into life, and also make us get along more harmoniously with dogs and create more beautiful memories together.