Dogs display aggressive behavior for a variety of reasons. They may feel a person or animal has encroached upon their territory or is threatening them, or they may be jealous of another animal or person receiving affection instead of them. This behavior must be stopped or some person or animal may get hurt.
Instructions
Spay or neuter your dog. Besides helping to control the pet population, it helps control aggression. These procedures regulate temperament because they decreases hormones produced by your dog, so the dog will be less likely to exhibit bad behavior.
Figure out what causes your dog to display aggression. Sometimes animals have an aversion to certain procedures, such as receiving a shot, getting groomed or being handled by someone they do not know. If this is the case, get a muzzle before subjecting your dog to the procedure. All kinds of muzzles for every size dog are available at your local pet store and on many websites. If you are the least bit concerned about your dog biting out of fear, get a muzzle. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Be sensitive to your dog when playing with him. This means don't engage in rough activity that may hurt him or cause him to compete for dominance over you. This can be particularly dangerous if rough play is coming from a child. Show your dog affection every day to cultivate a more loving nature in him. This will help him feel calmer around strangers and other people's pets.
Be sure your dog is properly fed and and has clean water. Regardless of the breed, dogs that feel unloved may exhibit more aggression than those that are well taken care of.
Consult a veterinarian or animal behavior expert if general these tips are not enough to quell your canine's temper. A vet can diagnose if your dog's temper problem stems from a medical condition. This is especially important for those dogs that usually have a calm nature. If your dog is very aggressive, an animal behavior expert is the next step. They are trained in behavior modification techniques and can help your dog shed her aggressive habits.