How to Work With a Fear-Aggressive Dog

Fear aggression describes the behavior of dogs acting aggressively or defensively when they are afraid or anxious. Fear-aggressive dogs are uncertain and may feel threatened when encountering a dog or human they do not know or with whom they may have had a negative experience. Dogs suffering from fear aggression may bark, growl, snarl or lunge at approaching people or animals in an attempt to control the frightening situation and to make the perceived threat go away.

  1. Aversive Training Methods

    • A dog might stare intensely before displaying aggression.

      Dog caretakers seek the services of animal behaviorists or specialized trainers primarily because they need professional help to reduce their dogs̵7; aggressive behavior. Each dog is an individual, and there is no single training method for resolving fear aggression. Veterinary researchers at the University of Pennsylvania completed a year-long study of training methods in 2009 and found that most dogs trained with confrontational or aversive methods will continue to be aggressive. If you use confrontational treatment strategies with dogs that show high levels of fear, you take the risk of increasing your dog̵7;s fear and aggressive behavior, which makes working with your dog and ensuring the safety of people and animals more difficult.

    Desensitzation and Counter-Conditioning

    • When cornered, a dog may react defensively.

      Desensitization is ̶0;gradual exposure to a fear provoking experience, starting at a point that does not provoke the fear -- and only increasing the intensity of exposure if the dog is relaxed,̶1; according to Ann Allums, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer at Best Friends Animal Society. Counter-conditioning associates something a dog is afraid of with something that dog enjoys. When a dog whose fear aggression is triggered by other dogs goes for a walk with her trainer or human companion, counter-conditioning may be beneficial. As soon as your dog observes another dog, you or the trainer should immediately start feeding bits of delicious food, such as chicken, beef or cheese. Continue feeding your dog high-value treats throughout the time another dog is in sight. When the other dog is out of view, stop feeding treats. This counter-conditioning exercise must be done repetitively, so the fearful dog associates other dogs with delicious treats.

    Reward-Based Training

    • A fearful dog may respond well to reward-based training, which involves offering food or toys your dog wants whenever she does what you want her to do. This helps establish and increase trust and can motivate your dog to want to attempt more positive behaviors. Simple tasks, such as coming when called, watching you when asked and exhibiting desirable behaviors, should elicit positive reinforcement from you in the form of treats and praise. Dog trainers using positive methods suggest that you "catch your dog in the act of doing something right." Whenever you discover your fear-aggressive dog being good or calm, offering a reward will positively reinforce good behavior and increase the likelihood of good behavior becoming a habit, according to Andrea Arden, author and Certified Pet Dog Trainer.

    Avoidance

    • Very shy dogs might become aggressive when approached by a stranger.

      Avoiding situations that might cause a dog to become frightened, upset, or overexcited, is one common way to prevent unpredictable aggression or leash reactivity. Some people with fear-aggressive dogs feel so stressed and anxious about something triggering their dog̵7;s unwanted behavior that they only walk their dogs at times when they are less likely to encounter other dogs or people. This solution can end up being very isolating for dogs and their humans. You can manage your dog̵7;s reactivity by staying away from whatever causes her to be afraid and aggressive, and this allows you to avoid your dog̵7;s lunging and growling, and your own anxiety. However, finding a trainer to show you how to work on changing how your dog feels about the object of her fear, may allow both you and your dog to go for walks together when and where other people and dogs are engaged in a similar activity.