You find yourself playing with your dog
and at the very moment, he bites your hand. Or,
As your kids pass by that neighbourhood
dog, he greets him with a snarl?
Has that ever happened to you? If yes, did
it ever occur to you why he behaved that way?
Well, if you have come across such
situations, you may not need to rebuke the dog for portraying such behaviour.
Instead, you must rather understand the root of the problem. Probably it’s a
consequential behaviour of a deep-seated
fear or simply a defensive reaction against a situation he feels is threatening
or risky. Thus if your dog growls at you, it is better to first figure out what
kind of aggression he is dealing with. Yes, there are various types of
aggression a dog may go through and thus it is the foremost step to solve the
issue with your dog.
Types of
Aggression in Dogs
Fear
Aggression: A dog’s aggression can stem from his
perception towards a situation. Sometimes these threats may be real or at times
imagined by his insecure mind. He may snap back at you even when you are simply
trying to pat him or hold him. The nearing act may insinuate him of a threat.
Territorial
Aggression: Dogs love their space and hence may try
to defend their territory by mere display of aggression to ward off any
intruders he may not be comfortable with.
Possessive
Aggression: This resource guarding act might seem
to you as completely useless but dogs are possessive about their belongings.
They may growl or even bite a person or another animal if he tries to snatch
things away from him.
Predatory
Aggression: Dogs may exhibit predatory behaviour when they see other animals. It is
inherent but must be addressed.
Frustration-Aggression: Dogs that are prevented or forced to do something which they won’t
otherwise, it may cause frustration in dogs and they may retort in an aggressive way.
Social
Aggression: It stems from their motive of achieving the ownership of a territory or a spot. When there are two or more dogs in
the house, they fight for the leadership of the place they like to hang around.
Redirected
Aggression: Certain actions or situations can
stimulate aggression in dogs like a doorbell
or when he sees other dogs in the house.
Inherited
Aggression: Aggression is in the genes of some
dogs.
How To Stop
A Dog From Getting Aggressive?
A passive, aggressive dog can be handled by
his owners by following some guidelines, however, if the dog is completely
aggressive and growls, snarls or tends to bite strangers, professional
intervention is mandatory. There are
certain ways you can handle your dog but make sure you will have to make up
your mind to be extra patient with your dog.
Refrain
From Punishing Your Dog
Punishment for showing aggression can
aggravate the situation and may rather backfire instead of calming your dog
down. Therefore, never yell or hit your dog if he growls or snarls at you or
the kids because the next time he is caught in the same circumstances, he may
just bite rather than giving warnings.
Avoid
Getting Over-Excited With Your Dog
Dogs
emulate their companion’s behaviour and if he is a kind who gets uncontrollable
in such playful situation, you must keep your demeanour calm and composed even
if you are elated to see your dog. Ignore him completely if he barks on seeing
you. Also, praise him if he tones down and sits on the ground.
Teach
Him Desirable Behaviour
Reinforce good behaviour in your dog by
making him practice appropriate behaviour rules through commands. Teach him to
stop when he gears himself to attack someone, teach him to move away or sit if
he tends to follow someone. Opt for some new activities that can turn him into
a calmer animal. Take professional help to find out what you can do.
Put
Him In A Good Company
Keep your dog in the company of more
socialized dogs that follow good etiquettes in a public setting. A civilized
company will teach him how to stay still in an unlikely situation.
Take
Your Vet’s Advice
For some parents no matter what they do,
their dog doesn’t seem to settle down. He is always on his edge and becomes
aggressive with trivial things. Such dogs may have a predisposition to turn out
so because of their genes. However, if your dog has gotten aggressive recently
without any reason, he might be suffering from some medical condition. If you
observe rapid changes in his mood, you need to seek vet help as he might be
suffering from a trauma or a tumour. Thyroid problem and hydrocephalus in
dogs also lead to such aggression which is why medical intervention of utmost
importance.
Aggression is an implication of a
behavioural or physical issue which may be stimulated by certain situations or
activities in the dog’s surroundings. So, make sure you stay vigilant about his
behaviour so no one gets hurt because of your dog.
Reinforce good habits from a very young age
and provide all the needful to keep him fit.
Illness can have a toll on a dog’s mind too,
thus it is very important to focus on that aspect as well. The healthier your
dog is the happier and accepting he will remain. Do not skip on prevention
program, groom him well and do not ever forget to spend quality time with your
dog.
For More Info: https://www.discountpetcare.com.au/
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