If the dog has become aggressive and is not calming down then back away slowly and calmly. Don't run away or turn your back on the dog as this might cause the dog to chase you. Give them time to calm down. Don't rush, if a dog has become upset you'll need to be patient.
The safest and most effective way to treat an aggression problem is to implement behavior modification under the guidance of a qualified professional. Modifying a dog's behavior involves rewarding her for good behavior—so you'll likely be more successful if your dog enjoys praise, treats and toys.
If they are hurt, do they harbor anger, resentment, and negative feelings in their canine psyche? Yes, in some capacity, dogs remember something negative that caused them harm.
Your dog will know when you are mad.
Dogs hate to disappoint and can sense the emotions and body language that comes with an upset "parent". When you are upset with your dog and he gives you those "sweet puppy dog eyes" he knows that you are upset and is hoping to change things.
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.
Make him wait
An easy way to demand respect is by making him wait for things. Make him wait a minute before you give him food. Make him wait for a couple of minutes before you take him for a walk. This will all show him you're the boss and that he has to respect that.
Dog aggression can be related to fear, prey drive, socialization issues, and guarding territory, among other things. Most aggressive behavior in dogs stems from fear and anxiety, rather than the desire to hurt others. A certified animal behaviorist can help you safely deal with your dog's aggressive behavior.
Experts say that dogs can be aggressive when they feel frightened and for most bites, the motivation is fear. Dogs, by nature, are territorial and they guard something which they value highly, and they defend their favorite resting place.
Many older dogs show increased aggression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors. These behaviors are aggravated by body inflammation, sensory changes, and cognitive decline.
Some aggression in dogs commonly present at a young age (the first 3 to 4 months of life), yet other types of aggression are more likely to occur during adolescence or social maturity.
You can teach your dog to respect and listen to you by showing them you are the leader. Simple techniques such as not rewarding demanding behavior, walking through the door first, and creating structure and rules, will all help your dog to be respectful.
Have him move out of your way a few times a day. If he is lying down in a hallway, walk through him by gently shuffling your feet until he gets up and moves. The alpha never walks around his littermates. Don't let your dog treat you like a sibling, be the parent.
If your dog is showing any changes in their behaviour, especially if they have started showing aggression suddenly, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. Aggression tends to get worse over time and can lead to serious injuries to you, your dog or other people and pets so getting help is essential.
In their wolf ancestors, staring is considered threatening and rude. Some dogs still retain that attitude. That's why you should never stare down strange dogs or hold dogs still to stare into their eyes. If a dog gives you a hard stare, with unblinking eyes and a stiff posture, back away and don't make eye contact.
Dogs, like people, respond best to positive reinforcement. Trying to curb your dog's more aggressive behaviors by rewarding only positive behaviors can help train those aggressive instincts away. If he is calm for a while or behaves well during an encounter with guests or other dogs, reward him with a treat.
If you catch your puppy misbehaving, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud "uh-uh" or a sharp “off”. Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Do not wait for someone to be bitten. If your dog does any of the following, it's time to look for expert help in person: Growls, barks, snarls, snaps or lunges at people on walks. Shows aggression toward visitors to your home.
Living with an aggressive dog requires constant vigilance and management. It is important that owners understand the liability they assume if they choose to work with their dog. Some facts of interest: There were 4.7 million dog bites reported in 2006 and almost 65% of those were children.