For dogs exhibiting territorial aggression, you will need to gain enough control to have your dog sit, stay, and when calmed down, take a reward at the front door. Generally, a leash and head collar will give the fastest and most effective control (see Training Products – Head Halter Training).
Aside from instincts, there are several factors that can cause a dog to display territorial behaviors. The lack of early socialization, sexual maturation, environmental factors, inbreeding, pack mentality, or an underlying medical condition can all lead to aggressive territorial behaviors.
Do not punish or reward territorial behavior; ignore it, wait for calm, then reward. Repeat often over a period of time, with various people and dogs. When your dog learns that other people and dogs are not a threat, that anxiety is not necessary, and that calm behavior is rewarded, territorial behavior will diminish.
Treatment for territorial aggression in dogs may include behavior modification techniques, such as counter-conditioning and desensitization, as well as medication in some cases.
The key to gaining the trust of an aggressive dog lies in practicing patience and consistency. Move slowly at all times and present yourself as a non-threat. Offer treats and positive reinforcement as often as you can. Watch for warning signs, such as growling, and remember to protect yourself if needed.
Don't say anything, don't touch him, and don't look at him – just stand up. Affection is something you give to your dog on your terms, not his. By ignoring his behavior, you're teaching him his behavior is not acceptable and he won't get your attention until he's calm with all four feet on the floor.
Is training an aggressive dog possible? Yes. Aggression in dogs, whether it be toward a dog's owner or other dogs, is a serious behavior that should be adjusted with the help of a professional dog trainer.
The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
Dogs that are territorial often exhibit warning, defensive and offensive behaviors such as barking, running fence lines or boundaries, charging and sometimes biting whoever or whatever 'invades' the dog's perceived territory.
React promptly
As soon as he does start to display signs of aggression, turn around and pull him away. Walk away from the person or pet until he has fully calmed down. Once he has, you can turn back around and slowly approach again. It may take several attempts before you can get within 10 feet.
Methods such as alpha rolls and physical corrections (via the leash and a choke chain or by smacking the dog on the nose or by shaking their scruffs) were often recommended as a way for humans to establish dominance over their dogs.
Straight off the bat you should be correcting your dog's growling and/or snapping with a firm “no” at the onset of the behavior. When he stops growling, reward him with a “good boy”, or in the beginning, a treat if it's handy at the exact moment of training so that he knows what he is being rewarded for.
A puppy's teenage years begin when it is around 8-9 months old and ends when the pup is about 19-20 months old. Near the end of this period, there is a hormonal surge that causes dogs to become protective and territorial.
The best thing a pet parent can do when their dog has escalated aggressive behavior is to remove the dog from that situation or remove the trigger that the dog found threatening. If you're the reason the dog is directing the aggressive behavior, step out of sight.
Males can be more dominant, territorial, and easily distracted than female dogs. On the other hand, males can also be more playful, active, and independent. Dominance and territorial behaviour can also be seen in unspayed females when they are in heat.
Pit Bull Terriers
Probably the most notorious breed on this list, the pit bull has a reputation for unpredictability and aggression, even against its owner or his family.
What Is Considered the Most Aggressive Dog? While the Wolf Hybrid is the most aggressive dog, other dog breeds commonly LABELED as the most aggressive include the Cane Corso, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Pit Bull Terrier, and other breeds mentioned above.
Dominance
Dominance is the most common reason why dogs are aggressive toward other dogs. While it's true that as pack animals, dogs are sociable, packs have hierarchies. And usually, an alpha establishes his dominance within a pack through either threat or physical harm.
Bottom Line: When your dog growls at you I recommend that you listen to what your dog is saying. Immediately stop doing whatever it is that you're doing and move away.
Types of dog aggression include:
Fear Aggression. Territorial Aggression. Idiopathic Aggression.
Certain breeds seem more prone to suffer from rage syndrome, including Cocker and Springer Spaniels (hence the once-common terms – Spaniel rage, Cocker rage, and Springer rage), Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Lhasa Apsos.