Training an Aggressive Dog as a Pet Parent

Aggressive dogs can be exhibiting these undesirable behaviours for many reasons. A dog training guide will help you to begin the process of training aggressive dogs, all whilst caring for your pup with some must-know tips. 

It could be that they are anxious or stressed, so helping your dog deal with separation anxiety one step at a time might help. 

Training your dog to walk on a lead if they are aggressive at times will ensure their safety and that of others, whilst giving them the best quality of life. 

Common Triggers for Aggressive Dogs

Fear aggression in dogs isn’t uncommon and can be a trigger. To understand the reason behind their behaviour, it is important to look at their environment.

If your dog suddenly becomes aggressive, it may be that they are unwell or insecure. A dog behaviour training guide can help you to spot the signs, as well as can provide tips for training your dog to come when called alongside other commands. 

Sickness

When your furbaby isn’t feeling very well, it can get a little grumpy. This is especially true when you touch or pick them up to move them and is a common reason behind aggression in older dogs.

Fear

The basic instinct of fight or flight is present in dogs as well as humans, so if your dog is unable to flee a situation, it may become defensive and aggressive. 

Sex-related aggressiveness

An unneutered male dog around a female in heat is the most common culprit of this form of aggression.

Insecurity about certain items

If your furbaby feels overly protective about a certain resource, whether that be food, a toy or a bone, they can act out rather explosively if they deem their treasured item is under threat of being taken away from them. 

Anxiety

Closely related to fear, anxiety can cause outbursts of aggression. This emotion sticks with your dog whether a trigger is present or not, however.

Identifying If Your Dog Displays Aggressiveness

Aggressive behaviour can be subtle if you have a dog becoming aggressive with age or they are infrequently acting aggressively due to certain stimuli. 

Growling too often

If your furbaby is growling often or even exhibiting aggressive dog barking, then this is a vocal way for them to express a warning. Often growling and barking are a final warning.

Crouching with tails between the legs

This is a physical sign of aggression. They may also become very stiff and still. Take the time to watch and notice your dog’s physical behaviour for such signs of aggression. 

Do not assume that if your dog’s tail is wagging in this position that they are happy. It is often a sign they are confused, conflicted or worried. 

Licking lips or yawning

A first indication that your dog dislikes a situation they are in and are uncomfortable. Many tips to train anxious dogs will identify this behaviour as a clear sign of distress. 

Tips to Calm an Aggressive Dog

Aggressive dog behaviour does need to be addressed correctly and swiftly. There are many supportive ways in which you can guide your dog to behave more safely, including tips to train your dog for toddler safety and tips to stop your dog from pulling on the lead. 

Consult a vet

You will want to talk to a professional for support if your dog is acting aggressively. They can provide you with a range of solutions and ensure that it is not a health issue that is causing your furbaby to act out. 

Do not ignore an aggressive dog 

Firstly, because you don’t want your furbaby to harm themselves or others by acting out and secondly, you need to try to determine why they are acting this way. It may be that they sense something is amiss and are warning you.

Make sure your dog is comfortable

Aggression is commonly a symptom of pain or frustration, so make sure that your furbaby isn’t injured or is in pain and has enough environmental and emotional enrichment for their well-being. 

Determine how severe your dog's aggressiveness is

There is a ladder of aggression, starting with subtle cues you may have missed. Biting and lunging are at the top of this ladder. If your dog has reached this level, then it may have been feeling anxious for quite a period before this. 

Understand your furbaby's body language

As conscientious furbaby owners, we have to learn dog body language since they cannot speak to us in words. Make sure you don’t miss the cues before aggression escalates to a point where they are putting themselves and others in danger. 

Avoid punishment

Most dogs display aggression due to fear or uncertainty, so by punishing your furbaby, you are increasing the fear and damaging the relationship you have with them. 

Deploy Management Techniques to Prevent Aggressive Behaviour

There are several ways that you can prevent aggressive behaviour for the safety and well-being of everyone. Some methods can be used permanently, whilst others can be temporarily used as a desensitisation method. 

Discuss with your vet the best path moving forward for the well-being of your dog, yourself and those around you.

Crates

This is an effective way to keep your furbaby away from distressing situations where they may become aggressive for relatively short periods. They can spend a few hours in a crate, which becomes a safe space for them, but not all day.

Safety gates

An absolute necessity if you have an aggressive dog as they are an affordable, versatile and effective tool for managing an aggressive dog. 

You can separate a dog that aggressively defends its food, or keep them away from the front door if they rush at guests.

Muzzles 

When out and about, muzzles are a fool-proof way of preventing your dog from biting anyone, whether it be a person or another dog. 

Leashes

Training your pup to walk on a leash safely is one of many ways that you can gain control and alleviate their uncertainty. If you have an aggressive dog, it will always need to be leashed in public. 

Take Home Message

An aggressive dog can be properly managed with the right tools and resources. Be sure to consult a veterinarian to make sure that your furbaby is healthy and to draw up a plan that best works for you.

There are many reasons why a dog can become aggressive, but there are many subtle signs that you can learn to de-escalate a situation before anyone gets hurt. 

Understanding dog body language will also help with anything from potty training your pup to offering tips to prevent your dog from jumping and biting on walks. 

Remember, your furbaby cannot communicate with words, so their body language needs to say it all.