The first thing to do if your dog is showing signs of aggression is to get him to the vet for a health check to make sure there are no underlying health issues. Once you have the all-clear from your vet, it's time to consult a trainer or behaviorist who specializes in dog aggression. The specialist will help determine the cause of the aggression and come up with a step-by-step plan to help your dog get over the problem.
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Fear Aggression
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Fear is a common cause of aggression in dogs. Your trainer can identify the cause of the fear and help your dog conquer it. The better socialized the puppy, the less likely it is to grow into a fearful dog. If you have a puppy, properly socialize him by taking him with you wherever you go. Introduce him to different situations, people, dogs and locations.
Work slowly and calmly with a fearful dog. Put the source of its fear---a person or an inanimate object---at a distance with which the dog is comfortable and have the dog sit. Give him a treat. Gradually move closer to the scary person or thing. Keep offering treats for calm behavior. If your dog starts to show fear, take a step back and go more slowly this time. Eventually, you'll be able to approach the scary thing, and all your dog will expect is a treat.
Territorial Aggression
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Also known as "resource guarding," territorial dogs can show aggression when they feel that another dog or person is trying to take something that is theirs. If you have two dogs, and one is on the couch with you and the other one walks by, the couch dog might snarl and snap at the passing dog. This is his way of guarding his "resource" (in this case, you). Resource guarding can occur between two dogs over a bed, bone, toy, food or anything else they feel is worth guarding.
The best way to deal with resource guarding is to first remove, or restrict access to, any object or possession your dog might guard. Start using a technique called "nothing in life is free" (NILIF). Have your dog sit before going for a walk, before giving him his food, or before giving him a toy. Practice trading items. If he has a bone, offer him a hot dog and reward him when he drops the bone. Make him "ask" to come on the couch rather than jumping up. This basic training can help tremendously with resource guarders, as well as more "pushy" dogs.
Other Causes of Aggression
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While fear and resource guarding are leading contributors to dog aggression, there are many other possible causes. It is up to your trainer or behaviorist to determine what is causing your dog's aggression.
Some dogs are aggressive toward other dogs for no apparent reason. If this is the case, your trainer might use his or her own dog to slowly and gradually introduce a calm animal to your aggressive pet. This kind of aggression may take more time to resolve and may never fully go away, but it certainly can be managed.
Lifetime Commitment
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Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. It is important that you find the right method to train your dog, especially if he has aggression issues. Patience, kindness and understanding are the keys to helping your dog lead a happy, balanced and long life.
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