What You Can Do About Aggressive Dog Behavior

Large breeds of dogs often get a bum rap for being aggressive, violent animals, but in quite a few cases, it is the smaller breed dogs that actually bite. Smaller dogs’ reputation as adoring, lovable, cute companions might be deserved, but a poorly handled small dog can be more dangerous than a pit bull. Understanding the factors behind aggressive dog behavior can help owners minimize the odds of their dog harming another person and help stop the aggression altogether.

As funny as it might sound, many small dogs actually do experience insecurity due to their size. In the event you see aggressive dog behavior only if individuals are standing or walking around, odds are, your dog is afraid of getting stepped or sat on. Be careful to not pick up or coddle your dog if it starts barking at other people walking by; it may see that as a reward, and instead of calming down, will just grow to be even more obnoxious. Instead, remove your dog from the area while people are moving around and pay no attention to the barking. Allow your dog back into the area only after it has quieted and everyone is seated.

One more common reason smaller dogs have a tendency to bite is simply because they’ve been mistreated by a previous owner. That is particularly true of dogs which are naturally loud and “yappy.” Once again, the most effective method is to remove the dog from the area and ignore any attempts to get your attention until the dog is calm. Offer a quiet, safe area where your dog can watch you and your guests until finally it determines that nobody is a threat.

Charging is actually an aggressive dog behavior that should never be tolerated for any reason. Smaller dogs will charge at people they don’t know, and even close family members, to display their dominance. Under no circumstances allow your dog to dominate a human! Contend with charging swiftly and firmly; keep a spray bottle of water close to the door and any other area where charging is likely, and use it. Spray your dog directly in the face and tell it, “no,” using a loud, clear voice. The water will surprise the dog, and it will quickly understand that charging is unacceptable. If this method appears cruel, keep in mind that smaller dogs can be killed by a single kick by a frightened child.

While mouthing may be playful in certain dogs, and is usually harmless, dogs should find out that using their teeth on a person is completely wrong. Mouthing can from time to time lead to accidental biting, especially when smaller kids are playing with your dog, which means that all mouthing, nipping, and biting need to be discouraged. If licking is acceptable in your household, you can encourage licking instead of biting by putting butter, bacon grease, or salad dressing on your hands. Allow your dog to lick it off, yet move away and say, “no,” if the dog attempts to nip or mouth you. Eventually, the dog will learn that biting leads to losing a treat, and will quit trying to bite.

For dogs who are genuinely out of control, professional training is the next step. A good trainer will work with you and your dog to figure out the causes for the aggression, and can then work one step at a time to train your dog to behave. As a final resort, however, some dogs might require regular medication to manage their behavior. In the event that training doesn’t help, talk to the vet about prescribing a mild sedative, and invest in a good kennel to keep your guests safe.

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How A New Dog Owner Can Effectively House Train A Puppy

When you are a new dog owner then it is very important for you to be consistent and very clear as you house train a puppy. Treat your puppy just like you would a newborn baby. It has no concept of right and wrong; he’s going to realize this depending on the way you react to his behavior. When he ends up making mistakes or has accidents, you’re also partially at fault simply because you didn’t train him properly enough or take him outside.

To start with, you will need to consider what type of things you would like to train your puppy for. It might be challenging to teach quite a few things all at once, so you can perhaps choose a command and focus on that to begin with before you move on to the next. You need to start off by training him exactly where to eliminate right after eating. Once he’s mastered this, you could also train him to not chew on your furniture and lots of additional dog obedience commands.

Second, because consistency is key, set up a schedule for the time you feed your dog and then go with him to his designated spot to potty afterwards. That is essential in the early stages of his life. So despite just how busy you happen to be, do not skip this or else it can take your dog much longer to grasp where he is to go. Also it’s important to spend a lot more time with your dog to ensure that you can reward him for good behavior or stop him from negative behaviors. Your dog will not associate getting scolded to a prior action. It will only confuse him about what he’s done wrong to merit the punishment.

You need to concentrate on getting your dog to do his business in the very same spot. Take him there within fifteen minutes right after he’s eaten. You might in addition try soaking his urine in a towel and placing it in the same place. That way when he picks up his personal scent, he’ll relieve himself there every time. If he inadvertently urinates inside the house, clean it immediately or he’ll link this spot with the scent and do it again.

Designate a spot for him to sleep, but do not place him there if you are attempting to punish him. If he needs to be punished, show him straight away exactly what you would like him to do. Dogs will do just about anything to be near you and get your attention and they’ll make an effort to be on their best behavior simply to be close to you again. An efficient approach to house train a puppy is by becoming excited in rewarding your puppy and patting it for proper behavior. You may discover he’ll even seem smug as he attempts to show you his good behavior and expectantly awaits his reward.

As you house train a puppy always be firm but allow room for mistakes. It isn’t easy to learn brand new tricks, especially in new surroundings. Allow him time to familiarize himself with the area and also your family. Ask them to house train the puppy as well and refrain from contradictory instructions which can leave your dog confused.

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