Tips for Handling Aggressive Dog Behavior
Imagine the scenario. You bring your dog home, and you love it to death, but in time, you notice signs of aggressive behavior. When a neighbor knocks on the door asking you if you can do something about your canine’s excessive barking, you know it’s time to take action. Does this sound familiar? In this article, we offer valuable tips to address barking and for handling aggressive dog behavior, including reactive behavior when on a leash.
Dogs make great pets, but some dogs are known to exhibit aggressive behavior. They may bark excessively, show aggression towards other dogs and people, produce poor recall response, pull on their leash, become reactive in the crate or show signs of general mischief. This could be due to a traumatic past or it may be something they will grow out of. But no matter what the cause may be, it’s important to nip this behavior in the bud before your dog makes it a habit.
Fortunately, there are ways to help dogs overcome aggressive behavior depending on the servility of the behavior, including a dog boarding school service. This article will provide useful tips that will help you get them in line when they are at home. Similar techniques are used to address aggressive dog behavior at dog daycare or boarding.
Excessive Barking
If you find your dog is barking excessively, you may be able to limit their tendency by removing motivating stimuli. For example, if you notice they are barking when the door in your home shakes due to outside vibrations, consider installing a cushion-like shield to keep vibrations to a minimum. If they bark at passers-by when they are in the yard, take them inside.
It’s not uncommon for dogs to bark at other dogs. You can keep this from happening by exposing them to other dogs more often. Take them to dog parks and other areas where you know dogs will be. Once they are used to the company of their fellow canines, they will be less likely to act out.
Pulling on their leash when they bark and rewarding them with treats when they behave can also reinforce proper behavior.
If your dog is barking in their crate, the best thing to do is to ignore them. Give them a treat when they stop barking. Gradually increase the time between when they stop barking and giving them a treat. This will help them stay quiet longer.
Poor Recall Response
Poor recall response means the dog is not coming when they are called. To ensure they respond, pick an expression, and stick to it. Using various expressions to call your dog may confuse them.
It’s also important not to use an expression with any negative connotations. For example, if you say “Come here” when you leave the park, your dog will associate this with negative circumstances and be less likely to come. If an expression becomes tainted, change it up so your dog associates it with positive outcomes.
Pulling on the Leash
If your dog pulls on his or her leash, it can make walk times very unpleasant. There are several things you can do to nip this behavior in the bud.
One suggestion is to play a follow me game. This will encourage your dog to focus and move with you. Reward them for good walking behavior.
If the dog continues to pull, consider getting them a front clip harness for extra control. A loose leash walking class can be integrated with boarding bootcamp and can help if they need extra guidance.
Reactivity in the Crate
Reactivity may occur when you put your dog in their crate. They may begin barking and exhibiting other signs of aggressive behavior.
If you are noticing reactive behavior in your dog, you may have to go back to basic obedience training. Spend 15 minutes a day re-training your dog by reviewing ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and other essential commands.
General Puppy Mischief
It’s common for puppies to misbehave. While this can be endearing, it can be a real nuisance if the dog gets older without being taught proper etiquette.
Here are some general tips for puppy training:
- Be consistent. If you told him/her not to bark on Tuesday, don’t let it slide on Wednesday.
- Be prompt. Address issues when they occur.
- Be firm without yelling and making your dog scared.
- Reward your dog for good behavior.
- Give your dog timeouts for bad behavior by putting them in a crate.
You may also consider enrolling your dog in a special puppy training program to correct aggressive actions.
If any of these behaviors is more severe and persistent then what can be solved with basic training and commands, you may need a more intensive intervention by a trained dog behaviorist though one-on-one training or through an extensive board and train bootcamp.
How K9U’s Boarding School for Dogs and Other Services Can Help
If you are looking for a professional service to wean your dog off aggressive behavior, K9U is here for you. We have a variety of programs that can improve your dog’s mannerisms.
Our Puppy Board and Train is great for puppies who need to get over their mischievous habits. The 10-day program teaches dogs basic skills and helps them socialize with others.
Our Day with a Trainer program is good for dogs who need one on one supervision to help them overcome specific challenges. The professional can evaluate the issue and determine if the dog needs more training.
Our Dog Trainer Private Lessons are another terrific option. They allow the owner to learn and teach valuable training strategies in a comfortable home environment which can be the perfect solution for behavioral issues.
Don’t let aggressive behavior get in the way of forming a great relationship with your pooch. Combine the tips in this article with K9U’s dog boarding school and other training classes to ensure your furry friend always acts like a perfect angel. What do you do when your dog’s actions are getting out of hand?
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