For a dog who is acting out of fear or frustration (for example, a dog who is barking and lunging on leash), using the word 'no' to stop the behavior without helping to alleviate their fear or frustration will often lead to an escalation in behavior, such as growling, air snapping, or biting.
It's important to realize that these dogs are not simply being jerks – in most cases, whether because of genetics, lack of social skills, or negative past experiences, they bite because they don't know any other way to respond when they feel frustrated or threatened. It's an emotional reaction, not a conscious choice.
A dog's aggression can lead to a bad outcome if your dog bites someone. The good news is that a growl or snap is your dog's way of communicating a waning—and your dog is choosing to warn you instead of biting.
Stop it or remove your dog from the situation before it escalates. Do not discipline your dog with physical, violent, or aggressive punishments. Opt for positive reinforcement before resorting to the use of aversives. Remember to reward your dog for good behavior.
You should NOT punish a dog for biting. This method may also teach the dog not to give a warning prior to the bite. It certainly doesn't do anything to minimize the dog's stressors.
Most scientific studies indicate that it is very possible to rehabilitate a dog after they bite another dog or person.
Act like the alpha of the back and show him who is boss. Look him/her in the eye: When you give a command, look straight at your pet. Make sure he can see that you mean business and that it is not a command to be disobeyed. Always hold eye contact with your pet, no matter how big or small he or she is.
"The goal is to teach the dog that it will receive a favored treat or reward that is even more appealing than the object in its possession." Approaching calmly, offering a food reward and taking the possession, praising the puppy and returning the object teaches the puppy that your actions are not to be feared.
Many dogs simply tolerate patting but don't enjoy it, and many dogs find human touch to be scary or awful. And when something is scary or awful, the polite canine way for a dog to make this clear to the world is by a growl, a snarl, a snap, or an inhibited bite. Yes, you read that right.
For a dog who is acting out of fear or frustration (for example, a dog who is barking and lunging on leash), using the word 'no' to stop the behavior without helping to alleviate their fear or frustration will often lead to an escalation in behavior, such as growling, air snapping, or biting.
Ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If your dog follows you or continues to bite and nip at you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds. (Be sure that the room is “dog-proofed” before you leave your dog alone in it. Don't leave him in an area with things he might destroy or things that might hurt him.)
Most often a dog's aggression is motivated by fear, anxiety, conflict about what to expect and what to do and the anticipation of possible punishment (see Aggression – Diagnosis and Overview, (Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership – What Does It Really Mean?, and Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language).
If you catch your dog or cat engaging in an incorrect behavior, try a loud noise such as clapping your hands or a loud “no”. Remember, reprimands need to occur while the behavior is happening, preferably just as it begins, and never after.
So, Will My Dog Forgive Me For Hitting Him? Dogs are capable of forgiveness, but it may take some time and effort to rebuild trust and repair the relationship. Show your dog love and kindness, and consider seeking the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist if you are struggling with training or behavior issues.
Teach “Gentle” to a Dog
Commit to the idea that your dog needs to take the treats gently or they don't get them at all. In other words, don't allow the snapping behavior to be rewarded. To teach your dog what “Gentle” means, hold a treat in your hand, close your fist around it and offer it to your dog.
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.
When a dog is showing possessive behavior he growls, snaps, whines or attacks another pet or person, he's telling you he feels insecure, confused, and has a lack of confidence. He's always on guard and stressed out.
Give them affection and attention on your terms – Call them to you when you have the time and desire to interact with them. Teaching your dog that you 'own your space' is essential to training your dog to respect you. Give them as much love and affection as you like, just on your terms, not theirs.
In most cases, absolutely nothing happens to the dog except that it might be quarantined for a few days (frequently at the dog owner's home). If the attack is brutal or other conditions are met, however, the local animal control authority or court may issue orders requiring that the dog be confined or destroyed.
In general, dogs do not feel guilty after they bite. They may cower, lower their heads down tails between their legs. All these are learned behaviors in response to an act and not guilt. Bad behavior or fear in dogs can be a learned response.
"The motivation for lots of dog bites is fear," he says. "Others are territorial - if they're guarding something that they highly value, or defending their favourite resting place, their bed... Or if they've learned to defend, say, a dog bowl - that can result in aggression."