How to start treatment of an aggressive dog?
If your dog has threatened or displayed any signs of aggression, then the problem is likely to exist until until you take some action to determine the cause of this behavior of the animal. Therefore first a necessary step is the prevention and prevention of further incidents. This is important not only for safety, but also to prevent aggravation of a problem that may worsen with every subsequent act of aggression.
Why does aggression intensify with each subsequent incident?
Aggression most often leads to an increase in the distance between dog and incentive (e.g. person, other domestic animals, cars, etc.).
Whenever barking, threats and aggressive behavior lead to retreat (disappearance) of the stimulus, the behavior of the dog is reinforced and next time is likely to increase. Same thing happens then, when the owner himself removes the dog away from the stimulus. Besides in the approach of a stimulus that may bother, scare, or in any way threaten, fear and anxiety of the dog will increase.
Actions by which the owner responds to the behavior can also exacerbate the problem. If the owner does not show any anxiety or fear, then the dog can see in this one more cause for alarm or fear. If the owner applies discipline, punishment, or other corrective methods, such as asphyxiation, jerking or physical impact, then the dog may becoming more frightened, and may associate these actions with irritant approach. Even if these actions are successful in the short term, in fact they increase anxiety and worsen emotional state animal.
What to do if the stimulus is opposed to the dog and not retreating?
The opposing animal (irritant) is potentially dangerous, therefore, trying to reduce fear and anxiety may be counterproductive. Safety must be provided first, and only then act on the stimulus.
How to ensure security?
The first step is to identify a situation in which there is fear, anxiety or aggression. Your dog may exhibit aggression in various ways, including growling, raising wool on end at the withers and back, grin, snapping of teeth or bites.
Recognizing all possible irritants (e.g., a person, other animals, such as a vehicle), situations and places, that can trigger aggression should be way to prevent or avoid any dangerous situation. If this is not feasible, prevent all situations that may lead to aggression, it may be worth taking extra security measures and consider removing the animal from houses.
What forms of physical control can be used in as an aid?
- Leash. Aggression can be prevented if responsible adult, to which the dog does not show aggression, restrains a dog on a leash at a sufficient distance from the stimulus. Not less, this method is based on an adult person, therefore it is better use in conjunction with avoidance of irritants.
- Cell and limitation of movement. If your dog is trained be in a cage, in a room or in another limited place, then it can be placed in this place at any time when it occurs problem. This method can be used 1) when the food is cooked, 2) when food is consumed, 3) when guests arrive, 4) in any other situations where a manifestation of aggression is possible. Make sure that the dog is comfortable and that the cage is reliable enough.
- Muzzles. The muzzle can also greatly enhance safety, especially if the dog can get into a situation where aggression is inevitable.
- Sleds on the head. Leash and harness are often the most practical means of physical control. They can help prevent the dog from colliding with an approaching stimulus, and if the dog is aggressive, its head may be reoriented, and his mouth is closed. In addition, a head harness can be a great way to safely control and calm dogs during training.
How to ensure safety if the dog can become aggressive towards people or animals in the open in the air?
If your dog is aggressive while walking, it threatens or trying to chase, then you should probably give up walks until you can find a place and time when no other people or animals. If you must meet another man or animal for a walk then make sure your dog securely held on a leash and can be controlled on sufficient distance.
A head harness can help ensure safety and control, and can also redirect the dog’s focus from people or other animals. If you take the dog to public places, then you must use either a muzzle or a head harness, to prevent any possible injuries. Also, you are not must allow the dog to walk without leash in any areas where other animals and people may appear.
How to ensure safety if the dog can be aggressive in relation to the guests?
Dogs that show aggression towards the guests of your home, should be placed in a confined space before they arrive guests and visitors. On the other hand, the dog can be restrained on leash away from guests enough to provide security. Only adults must hold the dog. have full control over the animal. Remember you must control and prevent access not only dogs to guests, but and guests to the dog. This is especially important with children who cannot understand the risk of getting close to your dog. The head harness can provide extra security if visitors can get closer to the dog.
What if the dog is aggressive with food or toys?
Food for the dog should only be served where it is will be limited until the food runs out, or until your the dog itself will not leave this place. If the dog protects its toys or goodies, they should only be given when the dog, again, is in a confined space.
How to ensure safety if the dog can be aggressive both on the street and in the yard?
Dogs that can be aggressive in such situations must always be supervised by adults. On the street and on when walking, you should use a head harness, if any the likelihood that strangers get too close. Never leave a dog unattended on the street, except when your yard or garden is securely locked, so other people will not be able to enter it. If nobody is in the house, then The dog should not be left outside.
How to ensure safety if the dog is aggressive towards others dogs or other pets in the house?
This type of aggression can be difficult to manage and inappropriate to correct. Precautions and Technique security should therefore be taken as in both short and long term. To start all animals must be completely separated situations when they are directly monitored responsible adult. Under supervision use a leash, a muzzle or a harness to the head. If possible, identify specific situations in advance that may arise aggression, and either avoid these situations, or use a leash with a muzzle or a harness on his head.
What to do and how to guarantee safety if the dog aggressive to family members?
Aggression of a dog towards family members is another problem that can be difficult to prevent if you cannot determine specific safe types of handling and interactions. If the dog difficult to safely handle it, either you need to avoid such situations, either use a leash with a muzzle or harness on the head. For example, dogs that are aggressive when you cook, you should limit during this time. Other dogs that may be aggressive if their sleep or rest is disturbed, you should be trained to sleep in a place where they no one will disturb.
If aggression cannot be completely prevented, and, especially if children are at risk, it may be necessary permanent dog restriction, with the exception of game sessions, training and social interactions. If necessary, should use a head harness or a muzzle.
