Instructions
Use bitter apple spray as a disciplinary tool. Dogs do not like the taste, and this quickly teaches them to avoid the behavior. You can spray it on anything you do not want your dog to bite, such as your hands, gloves, shoes or furniture. These sprays can be found at local pet supply stores or online.
Reward good behavior with verbal praise, a bone or a toy. When your dog snaps, clap your hands or make a yip noise so the dog thinks that he hurt you, and at the same time completely ignore the dog. When the dog releases your hand and acts calm, praise and reward him.
Avoid yelling or hitting your dog when he snaps; it leads to confusion and, ultimately, more aggressive behavior. Also, do not encourage behaviors such as wrestling, teasing, rough playing or tug-of-war, which promotes bad behavior. It is difficult to teach a dog not to snap if he's taught to play rough.
Socialize your dog as much as possible, and on a regular basis. Dogs that are socialized are friendlier, calmer and more comfortable in a variety of situations. This can be done by exposing your dog to a variety people, animals and places, like dog parks, pet shops and on cars rides.
Avoid sneaking up on your dog when sleeping, eating, chewing on a bone or caring for puppies. Some dogs snap when they feel startled or threatened. By avoiding these behaviors your can reduce the chances of being bitten. In these situations, always let your dog know you are coming by calling his name and observe his body language before approaching.
Educate yourself about the body language of dogs by attending classes, reading books or talking to trainers. Knowing the signs of aggression ahead of time can help you to redirect the behavior before it happens. Behaviors to look for are such things as barking, growling, raised hackles or a stiff stance. Dogs who have not been spayed or neutered or have medical problems may also snap. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
How to Discipline a Dog Who Snaps at You
Any dog can snap, especially if frightened, startled, threatened or teased. It is important to educate yourself and your children about ways of preventing the behavior, like rewarding good behavior and socializing the dog. Finding ways to identify the behavior before it happens will eliminate the need to discipline your dog. Discipline, when unavoidable, should always be done immediately following the behavior.