How do you correct aggressive behavior in dogs?

When we get along with dogs, dogs are our loyal and lovely companions most of the time. Their company brings endless joy and comfort to our lives. However, when dogs behave aggressively, it not only scares people around them, but also destroys the originally warm relationship between people and pets, and puts their owners who love them in a dilemma and worry. Fortunately, as long as we understand the reasons behind the aggressive behavior of dogs, master scientific methods, and use patience and love, we can guide dogs to correct this behavior and rebuild mutual trust and intimacy. ​

The reasons for dogs' aggressive behavior are very complicated. Fear is often an important factor in triggering attacks. When dogs are in an unfamiliar environment, facing unfamiliar people or animals, and sudden loud noises, their sense of security will be broken, and they may choose to attack in order to protect themselves. For example, the sudden sound of firecrackers on the street will make dogs panic, and then they will show aggressive behaviors such as roaring and biting passers-by. ​

Territorial awareness can also make dogs aggressive. In the dog's cognition, the area where they live, such as the kennel, the owner's home, and even the owner himself, all belong to their territory. When they think their territory is threatened, they will attack. For example, if a stranger approaches the door without permission, the dog may warn the other party by barking, baring teeth, etc. If the other party continues to approach, aggressive behavior is very likely to occur. ​

Lack of socialization training is also a major cause of aggressive behavior in dogs. The puppy period is a key stage of socialization. If the dog has not been exposed to different people and animals during this period, and has not learned the correct way to communicate and get along with each other, in the future life, it will be difficult for them to understand and deal with complex social scenes, and thus prone to aggressive behavior. ​

In addition to the above psychological and behavioral factors, the dog's physical discomfort may also lead to increased aggression. When dogs suffer from diseases, such as joint pain caused by arthritis and ear discomfort caused by ear infection, these pains will make them irritable and aggressive to people or animals approaching. ​

When dogs show aggressive behavior, as owners, the first thing we should do is to stay calm. Because dogs can keenly perceive changes in human emotions, the owner's tension and anger will not only fail to solve the problem, but may aggravate the dog's anxiety and make the aggressive behavior more frequent and serious. We need to observe the dog's behavior patiently, find out the real reason behind the aggressive behavior, and then take targeted measures. ​

For dogs whose aggressive behavior is caused by fear, we can help them overcome their fear through desensitization training. For example, if a dog is afraid of the sound of a vacuum cleaner, we can first place the vacuum cleaner far away, turn on the power, and let the dog gradually become familiar with the sound. As the dog adapts, gradually shorten the distance, and give them positive rewards such as snacks and praise to help them establish positive associations with the feared things. ​

For dogs with a strong sense of territory, we can train them to understand which behaviors are allowed and which are not allowed. When a stranger visits, give the dog instructions in advance and let it stay quietly in the designated area. If the dog obeys the instructions, give rewards in time. Help dogs control their behavior through repeated training. ​

It is crucial to provide dogs who lack socialization training with rich social opportunities. We can take dogs to parks, pet gatherings and other places to let them interact with different people and animals. In this process, the owner should always pay attention to the dog's behavior, correct improper behavior in time, and guide them to learn the correct way of socializing. ​

If the dog's aggressive behavior is caused by a physical illness, we should take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive examination to find out the cause and give treatment. When the dog's body recovers, the aggressive behavior will also decrease. ​

In the process of correcting the dog's aggressive behavior, positive reinforcement training is a very effective method. When the dog shows friendly and gentle behavior, we should give rewards in time, such as delicious snacks, enthusiastic praise, and gentle caressing, so that the dog understands that such behavior will be recognized and loved by the owner. On the contrary, when the dog exhibits aggressive behavior, we should ignore it, divert attention, and let the dog understand that this behavior will not be paid attention to and rewarded. ​

Correcting the dog's aggressive behavior is not achieved overnight, and it requires us to spend a lot of time and energy. In this process, every patient guidance and every loving move are helping the dog become a better partner. When we see the dog transform from an aggressive "little troublemaker" to a gentle and lovely "little angel", all the efforts will be rewarded.