Aggressive dog: Training tips
Some dogs growl, bark, snarl, and even bite. An aggressive dog can severely test the relationship between dog and human. But why do some dogs become aggressive, while others don't? And what can be done to prevent aggressive behavior?
Are some dog breeds more dangerous than others?
One thing is sure: no dog is born aggressive. While some dog breeds do possess certain traits...Some dogs have a stronger protective instinct from birth, while others have a lower stimulus threshold; nevertheless, hardly any of them bite without reason. Dog experts now agree that every dog – regardless of breed – can learn to behave appropriately in different situations.
Pitbulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans. They are therefore not inherently more dangerous than, for example, a Golden Retriever or Labrador. In fact, these breeds are characterized by a reasonably high stimulus threshold and a friendly nature. The causes of aggressive behavior are therefore less likely to be found in their genetic makeup than in the people who train these dogs.
Your dog's behavior is your responsibility.
Therefore, it is not the dog that is responsible for its behavior, but the owner. The owner must teach the dog, taking its temperament into account, what is expected of it and how it should behave when living with other animals and people.
However, this doesn't mean you should blame yourself if your dog reacts aggressively. Most dog owners don't act with malicious intent, but rather out of insecurity, ignorance, or misguided love for their pet.
Sometimes your dog's aggressive behavior isn't due to you at all, but rather to past traumatic experiences. This can be the case, for example, if you rescued your dog from a shelter when it was already an adult.
Aggressive dog: Do I need help?
You must recognize the problem and try to reduce your dog's aggression. You must take action at the latest when your dog dangerously threatens or even bites other animals or people!
Many experts can support you along the way: dog trainers, dog psychologists, or problem dog therapists. Don't hesitate to seek this help. Getting help is not a failure or a sign of weakness, but rather an indication of your courage and strength in taking responsibility for your dog.
First step: Identify the causes
Something is comforting in the realization that humans influence an aggressive dog's behavior: Just as faulty training promotes aggressive behavior, proper training can ensure that an aggressive dog abandons unwanted behavior and becomes an agreeable partner.
But what should be done differently in the future? To turn your unruly dog into an obedient family pet, you should investigate the causes of his aggression. The better you understand the reasons for his aggressive behavior, the better you can avoid it. Then you need to adjust how you interact with your dog.
Why do dogs become aggressive?
Dogs don't suddenly become aggressive out of the blue. Aggression is always triggered by persistent or repeated negative emotions, usually anger or fear. Pain from illness can also weaken a dog and lead to aggressive behavior.
Dogs don't become vicious beasts simply because they are quarrelsome or enjoy intimidating and injuring other animals or people. An aggressive dog is almost always insecure and uncomfortable in a particular situation.
Causes and forms of aggression
Isolated rearing, inadequate socialization and training, and inappropriate living conditions are among the leading causes of dog aggression. However, an aggressive dog may also have had negative experiences in the past. Traumatic events or chronic pain can also trigger anger or fear – and thus aggression.
In reality, the exact causes are unfortunately not always as easy to pinpoint as they might seem. It's therefore worthwhile to first observe when a dog reacts aggressively: In what situations does it begin to growl and bare its teeth? Does it react nervously to the presence of another dog? Does it believe it needs to defend its charges? Or is it afraid that someone else might challenge its personal belongings? Depending on the reason, different forms of aggression in dogs can be distinguished. These include:
- Self-defense: A dog feels uncomfortable or restricted in its freedom in relation to another dog of its species.
- Protective aggression: Family members must be protected from enemies.
- Competitive aggression: When there is a strong attachment to an object, such as a food bowl or toys, the dog may need to defend it from others, or it may want to differentiate itself and secure its status within the pack.
A crucial factor is the dog's past learning experiences related to its aggressive behavior. Was it able to release its anger, or was it praised by its owner for it?
Of course, very few owners would intentionally reward their dog for growling or even biting. Nevertheless, most owners probably try to calm their dog by speaking soothingly to it ("It's okay, stay calm!") or by petting it.
Dogs, however, can usually only interpret their owner's tone of voice, not their words. Therefore, a dog often concludes that its owner is giving it loving attention when it growls and barks.
Second step: Avoid situations
Once you've identified the triggers for your dog's aggressive behavior, you should absolutely avoid them. Please don't underestimate your dog's aggression, as it can be dangerous to you and others, especially if the dog is large.
If your dog becomes extremely agitated, for example, in the presence of another dog or in a particular environment, try to avoid these situations if possible. First, you need to teach your dog the most essential obedience rules and rely on him to follow your verbal and visual commands. Only then should you begin to desensitize him to these aggression-triggering stimuli through targeted training.
When should a muzzle be used?
If your dog already shows very pronounced aggressive behavior and you are anxious or unsure whether he will obey your commands, you should muzzle him. Please put it on. Don't worry, this is only for safety initially and doesn't have to be permanent. Once you've successfully retrained your boisterous four-legged friend, you can safely do without it.
To prevent the muzzle from becoming a traumatic experience, you should first gently acclimate your dog to it at home. For example, place treats inside the muzzle so that your dog can only access them by putting its mouth inside. After a few minutes, remove the muzzle and praise your dog – with words and another treat.
Repeat this procedure regularly, leaving the muzzle on for increasingly longer periods each time. After a while, you can remove the treat from the muzzle and take your dog for its first walk outside, muzzle and all. Don't be bothered by other people's stares; remain confident and calm. After all, you're ensuring your dog can't hurt anyone.
Aggressive dog: Body language
Calmness and self-confidence are qualities you should cultivate in your interactions with your dog and your environment in general. Dogs have a fantastic sense of their humans' moods.
If the dog senses that you are insecure and nervous, he will pick up on that feeling. He will become unsettled and put on high alert in certain situations. The consequence of this insecurity is often that your dog believes he has to defend you. For an emotionally driven animal, attack is sometimes the best form of defense.
Therefore, handle your dog with confidence. In situations where your dog might become aggressive, try to suppress or, if necessary, mask your nervousness. Gradually, your dog will regain trust in your competence and learn that he can rely on your judgment.
Third step: Retraining at dog school
With steps one and two, you have taken the necessary first-aid measures to address your aggressive dog. You have identified the causes of his behavior. Furthermore, you have ensured that your dog no longer poses a danger.
The next and final step is where things get serious. After all, you won't always be able to avoid critical situations. Your dog needs to be retrained. From this point on, it's highly recommended to seek professional help. Take your dog to a dog training school—or targeted coaching with an anti-aggression trainer.
Obedience Exercises and Behavior Control
In training, you first practice the most critical behaviors with your dog. Through obedience exercises, he learns the basic auditory and visual cues. These include coming when called, "sit," "down," "heel," and "leave it" ("off"/"stop")
Only when he reliably follows these signals can you begin to desensitize your dog to irritating situations. Your dog trainer will artificially create conditions in which your dog reacts aggressively and practice alternative behaviors with you and your dog.
One method for treating aggression problems is positive reinforcement. With repeated rewards, you can specifically control your dog's behavior and guide it in a desired direction.
Take the lead!
Attending a dog training school or anti-aggression training will not only have a positive effect on your dog's behavior, but also on your relationship with your dog.
You will get to know your dog better and learn how to react in critical situations. Ultimately, this will lead to greater self-confidence, allowing you to handle your boisterous dog with composure.
Clearly show your dog who's in charge from now on – not with excessive strictness or even violence, but with confidence, consistency, and a positive attitude. This way, your dog will learn to follow your rules, which will not only significantly simplify your daily life together but also lead to greater happiness for your dog. Because every dog craves control and guidance from its "pack leader."
We wish you and your dog every success on your journey together!