How to Get My Dog to Stop Being Aggressive While Walking

Dogs sometimes pose a problem for owners due to aggressive behavior. These dogs are difficult to walk or take anywhere. Dogs can be aggressive during a walk for numerous reasons, such as not being properly socialized as a puppy. Also, many dog breeds are known for their territorial behavior and suffer from natural dog-aggressive tendencies. Dog aggression can be difficult to deal with if it is due to the innate personality of the breed, because you are trying to change generations of programmed genetic behavior. Overcoming aggression can be achieved with patience and training.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog choke collar
  • Dog prong collar
  • Leather or cotton six-foot leash
  • Pepper spray
  • Dog treat

Instructions

    • 1

      Place a choke collar or prong collar on the aggressive dog prior to taking it for a walk. A choke collar works when you snap it using the leash in small quick jerks or pops. It is a mild correction. A prong collar works well for a strong and powerful dog. It offers control by pinching and compressing the dogs neck. Attach a six-foot lead to the collar. Only use a leather or cotton lead. A nylon lead will burn your hands if the dog lunges or pulls.

    • 2

      Ask a friend with a dog to help you work your dog. Request your friend and his dog meet up with you on the street. Have your friend stand with his dog six feet from you and your dog. If your dog exhibits aggression, promptly snap its choke collar or snap the prong collar using the leash. Give a firm, "No." Attempt to walk by your friend's dog while controlling your dog. Do not walk to close to the other dog. Give firm quick jerks if your dog exhibits any form of aggression. If your dog behaves, praise him and offer him a treat.

    • 3

      Walk your dog in numerous locations where you often run into other dogs. Always control your dog using the leash and collar. Try to make the dog focus entirely on you. Any time the dog exhibits any growling or lunging, promptly correct him with a snap of the leash and collar. Watch your dogs actions. The fur on many dogs will rise up along its back before it ever utters a growl. This is a sign of aggression and you can snap the collar and issue a firm, "No" when you see the fur rise before the dog ever growls.

    • 4

      Enroll the dog in obedience classes. It is important to expose the dog to other dogs in a controlled setting. An obedience class is an ideal setting to work on dog aggression. Your dog will learn to socialize in a positive setting with other dogs. Training can also be a bonding experience. Dogs have a "pack" mentality. This means that the dog must respect you as the leader of its human pack. If the dog does not respect you, then control of an aggressive dog will be difficult. Obedience classes can help you establish yourself as the leader of the pack.