| With nearly 52 million dog bites occurring in | | | | takes plenty of patience and perseverance, as |
| the United States alone each year, it's no | | | | well as an understanding that fear biters are |
| wonder more people are tackling the issue of | | | | almost always the product of bad breeding and |
| training an aggressive dog. Here are some | | | | poor socialization rather than the fault of |
| startling facts regarding this significant | | | | the dog. |
| canine behavioral problem. | | | | |
| | | | Territorial and Possessive Based Aggression |
| - Approximately half of all the claims on | | | | |
| homeowner's insurance are due to dog bites. | | | | This type of aggressive behavior is actually |
| | | | a display of dominance when the dog views the |
| - 90% of people bitten by dogs knew the dog. | | | | house or even a person as his possession. |
| | | | Aggressive behavior toward mail carriers is a |
| - Almost 70% of dog bites happen to the | | | | perfect example of territorial aggression. |
| elderly or to children. | | | | Many people mistakenly think it's the uniform |
| | | | or the mailbag that sets the dog off, when |
| - Boys are bitten by aggressive dogs more | | | | really it's simply the fact that a stranger |
| often than girls. | | | | has appeared in the dog's territory. The dog |
| | | | believes it's his barking that causes the |
| - Male dogs are responsible for 8 out of 10 | | | | person to retreat. The more aggressively he |
| dog bites. | | | | barks, the faster the intruder appears to |
| | | | leave. |
| - Un-neutered males dogs account for 6 out 10 | | | | |
| bites. | | | | Training an aggressive dog with territorial |
| | | | or possessive issues requires that you |
| While from birth, most dogs inherit are some | | | | immediately establish yourself as the pack |
| level of aggressive tendencies, some breeds | | | | leader. While most people like the idea of |
| are known for being a bit more domineering | | | | their dog guarding their home or protecting |
| than others. Some of these breeds include | | | | family members, there's a fine line between |
| Rottweilers, Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Old | | | | protection and aggression that must not be |
| English Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, and Jack | | | | crossed. A guard dog must also be properly |
| Russell terriers. | | | | taught how to be an obedient dog that follows |
| | | | their owner's lead instead of thinking they |
| When training any type of aggressive dog, | | | | are in control of every situation. |
| it's helpful to understand the different | | | | |
| kinds of aggression and the reasons behind | | | | Quick Tips for Training an Aggressive Dog |
| them. Many dogs will exhibit more than one | | | | |
| type of aggressive behavior. The Outward | | | | Never severely punish your dog for their |
| Signs of Dog Aggression Include: growling, | | | | aggressive behavior. Punishment causes the |
| snarling, snapping, biting, and baring the | | | | dog to fear you and may be seen as a |
| teeth. | | | | challenge to their dominance. This can |
| | | | actually increase their aggressiveness. |
| Acceptable Aggression | | | | Instead, learn training techniques that |
| | | | emphasize positive reinforcement and rewards |
| Parental aggression, the protective way a | | | | for good behavior. Always take precautions |
| mother dog acts near her pups, is usually an | | | | when training an aggressive dog. Be sure |
| acceptable type of dog behavior, as well as | | | | training takes place with no distractions and |
| the type of aggression displayed between | | | | that your dog is properly confined or on a |
| canine siblings. | | | | leash. If you are fearful that your dog may |
| | | | bite you or someone else, consider having |
| Dominance Based Aggression | | | | them wear a muzzle until the aggressive |
| | | | behavior is under control. |
| A dog who exhibits dominance based aggression | | | | |
| thinks that he or she is the alpha of your | | | | Consult with your veterinarian. There may be |
| "pack" and must be taught otherwise | | | | underlying medical issues behind your dog's |
| immediately. It's imperative to learn to | | | | aggressive tendencies. Since Hormones can be |
| recognize your dog's warning signs and how to | | | | the cause for some behavioral problems, ask |
| decipher their body language in order to | | | | your vet about the benefits of spaying or |
| control and stop the bad behavior before it | | | | neutering your pet. In severe cases of dog |
| starts. | | | | aggressiveness, it's wise to consult with a |
| | | | veterinarian, an animal trainer or a dog |
| Fear Based Aggression | | | | behaviorist. They will be able to tell |
| | | | whether or not a dog can be safely |
| The term "fear biter" essentially refers to a | | | | rehabilitated and how to formulate an |
| dog that is afraid of strangers and also has | | | | effective training program. |
| anxiety problems or a weak temperament. These | | | | |
| dogs learn early on that if a stranger | | | | Never underestimate how great a dog owner's |
| approaches and they growl, they will be left | | | | influence can be on their dog's behavior. |
| alone. Eventually this turns into the type of | | | | Almost any type of dog aggression can be |
| dog that will bite someone out of fear rather | | | | reduced or even eliminated over time as long |
| than because of pure aggression. | | | | as the dog's owner takes a consistently |
| | | | active role in correcting the problem. |
| Training dogs who are aggressive and fearful | | | | |