7 Ways to Calm an Aggressive Dog
An aggressive dog needs to be calmed down with behavior training
and specific techniques. This type of behavior may be dangerous
for you and other people, so correcting your dog’s
aggressiveness is essential. Barking, biting or showing teeth
are clear signs of aggressiveness.
1. Say “No”
As the dog’s owner, you should be the one the dog listens to.
Whenever you see he is aggressive, just say a sharp “No” or
“Don’t” and ignore him for 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you
may use a whistle or a squeaky toy instead of a firm “No”;
however you may not always have these instruments at hand, so
using your voice is more convenient.
2. Tie the Dog
When your dog becomes aggressive, pull him by the collar and
tie him, if he’s not already tied. Don’t allow him to have
access to the target of his aggressiveness; so you may either
tie him to a door knob or hold his collar tight for a few
minutes. This should give your dog the message that he needs to
stop.
3. Time Out
Another way to stop aggressive dog behavior is to give him a
“time out” punishment when he becomes aggressive. Send him to an
isolated place or to his crate and this may calm him down. Make
sure that there are no distractions in the time out place.
Apply this punishment immediately after your dog starts being
aggressive, so that he knows the reason for the penalty.
4. Treats
Observe what makes your dog aggressive.
If his aggressiveness is triggered by other dogs, give him a
treat whenever he meets dogs. Use some comforting words also.
Following this routine should create a reflex in your dog and he
will be expecting a treat whenever he sees dogs so he will no
longer tend to be aggressive.
5. Exercise Exercising on a regular basis has a lot of
benefits for your dog. In this manner, he is able to spend his
energy, stay fit and healthy. In addition, exercising will burn
your dog’s extra energy and he will be less likely to become
aggressive. Focusing your dog’s energy towards exercise will
calm him and reduce his aggressiveness.
6. Behavior Training
Behavior training is important to reduce or prevent your
dog’s aggressiveness.
You need to let your pet know that he should always follow
your lead. Establish dominance and show your disapproval of
aggressive behavior. Teach him that you are the one who controls
his meals, so he should be listening to your commands and “No”s.
7. Things to Not Do
- Don’t try to correct your dog’s aggressive behavior by
hitting or beating him. This will not calm the dog down, but
will frustrate him and make him more dangerous.
- Don’t punish your dog a long time after he has displayed
the aggressive behavior; he cannot associate the punishment
with his aggressiveness and this will only confuse him.
- Don’t play tug or games that stimulate aggression with
your pet; ropes and pulling things are not the way to keep
your dog calm.
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