How to Train a Dog From Being Aggressive in the House

Aggressive behavior sometimes comes naturally to a dog. It is a defense mechanism when the dog feels afraid or threatened. It is also a way to claim territory or to assert dominance over another dog and maintain its standing within its pack. But what comes naturally is not always acceptable behavior when the dog is in the house around humans and other pets. Fortunately, aggressive behavior can eventually be tamed with proper and consistent training.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule your dog for a veterinary checkup. If the aggressive behavior has started suddenly, it may be due to pain, and medical treatment may resolve the issue.

    • 2

      Identify the source of the aggression if you have ruled out a medical cause. Different types of aggression may require different training techniques.

    • 3

      Make sure your dog knows some basic commands. Your dog should be taught to obey directives such as "sit," "stay" and "come" even when it is under stress. If your dog is food aggressive, teaching it commands like "leave it" can be helpful. To teach a "leave it" command, put a treat on the floor and keep another in your hand. When your dog looks at the treat on the floor, tell it to "leave it," covering the treat with your hand if the dog tries to eat it. Keep it covered for a few seconds, then give your dog the other treat -- never the one you told the dog to leave -- and praise it. Keep doing this. Eventually, your dog will learn to ignore objects you don't want it to touch. Using this command, you can pick up a food aggressive dog's bowl without fear of being bitten.

    • 4

      Call your dog to your side immediately if he is jumping on or growling at someone in your house. For a dog with dominance or protectiveness issues, make sure it wears a collar and leash at all times when visitors or small children are in the home.

    • 5

      Divert your dog's attention. If the presence of a visitor or another dog is provoking the behavior, use your body to block the person or animal from view. As soon as your dog focuses its attention on you, give it a treat.

    • 6

      Command your dog to sit as soon as you have its attention. When it complies, praise it and give it another treat. Soon, the dog will learn that calm behavior leads to good things.

    • 7

      Consult an animal behaviorist or professional trainer to help you with extreme behaviors. Aggression comes in many forms, and a dog can exhibit more than one type. Expert assistance is sometimes required to overcome these behaviors.