Instructions
Analyze your dog's behavior when it appears ready to bite. Dogs can exhibit multiple types of aggression, including dominant, which is when the animal is overtly protective of its belongings like a food bowl or favorite toy. Territorial aggression is defined as behavior in which a dog instinctively and powerfully guards its home. Predatory aggression is a trait in herding dogs such as Australian shepherds or border collies. This type of aggression is characterized by the dog's inherent need to control the situation and those around it by chasing, showing worry or nipping at people or other animals in an effort to herd the group. In addition to these types of aggression, dogs who were shy puppies can often show fear-biting behavior as adults. This response to fear is a way for scared dogs to attempt to demonstrate some sort of control and authority to others, but they are generally defensive in nature.
Identify what type of aggression pattern is most comparable to your dog's behavior. Ask yourself these questions: Does your dog attempt to bite when new people come to your house? Does your dog bite other dogs when they try to play with its toys? How does your dog react with groups of people? Does the dog walk around the group and attempt to push everyone closer together?
Practice a reward system with a dominant-aggressive dog to stop its biting. For example, reward an adult dog for good behavior by petting it, playing with it or giving it a treat. If the dog bites out of an attempt to show dominance, ignore it completely. Show it that behaving this way garners it no attention. Healthy and normal dogs crave human attention and interaction from their owners. After ignoring the dog for a brief period, such as a half an hour, the dog can show signs of submission such as rolling on its back or laying its ears back. This action demonstrates that the dog is learning not to bite as part of dominant aggression. Reward it for learning to stop biting.
Teach a territorially aggressive dog the rules of the alpha dog or alpha leader. You must demonstrate to your dog that you are the pack leader. Initially, enforce your alpha role by rolling your dog onto its back from a standing position. Like wolves, dogs use the alpha-roll to show dominance. Show your dog that as pack leader you determine who can or cannot approach your property by asking friends or neighbors to come to your house and offer your dog small treats. When they come to the door, let them in and do not let your dog come between the two of you. Shake the person's hand, and allow your dog to witness this. After your guest gives the dog a treat, have him take the dog on a small walk with a leash. This allows the dog to understand that you determine who is safe.
Calm a dog with predatory aggression to stop its biting. Dogs with this behavioral condition are primarily motivated by love for its family and those they consider to be in its herd. A disciplinary cue of "no" is generally enough to get the dog to stop the gentle biting that comes with predatory aggression.
Boost the dog's self-esteem with fear-biting tendencies by showing it extra affection and affection. Show it how much it is cared for as well as your willingness to protect it. If it knows it does not have to be afraid, it will not bite out of fear. Work on the exercise of feeding the dog out of your hands to instill a sense of trust between the dog and yourself. The dog must understand that you love it and want to keep it safe.
How to Calm a Biting Dog
While dogs are commonly known as man's best friend, a neglectful or abusive environment as well as improper training techniques can lead to it demonstrating biting behavior. Not only does biting endanger people who come into contact with the dog, this behavior also puts the dog itself at risk. When dealing with this serious issue, you can help your dog reverse its biting habits through the use of effective training that will restore and strengthen your relationship.