Although dogs are one of the friendliest animals on earth, they also have an aggressive side that can cause problems when not managed properly. Most first-time dog owners face the problem of aggression in the canines and experience great difficulty even going for a walk with them outside.
In this blog, you will see some handy tips to handle aggressive behaviour in dogs and also ways to channel their pent-up energy. This will also help you to take your dogs outside without any fear of behaviour problems.
So let us begin,
1) Find out the Root Cause
The first step in dealing with the problem of dog aggression is to identify its root cause. Dogs can get aggressive due to reasons like fear, territorial instincts, previous traumatic experiences, or triggers from a particular person, place, or pet. Identifying the underlying cause of dog aggression can help you proactively tackle it.
2) Reward Your Dog
Rewarding your dog while they show good behaviour makes them want to repeat the same action. You can offer them delicious dog treats, fun dog toys to play with, and also a lot of praise each time they pacify their aggression when you tell them to. This not only helps calm down your dogs but also boosts the overall bond between the two of you.
3) Socialise
One can’t think of reducing dog aggression without socialising them with fellow pets and other humans. When the dogs are exposed to the environment outside, it boosts their confidence and also stimulates them mentally, keeping them calm and relaxed. Controlled social interactions play a key role in reducing stress and anxiety in dogs, thereby preventing aggression as well.
4) Avoid Punishment
Punishing your dog when they are aggressive only worsens the whole problem. What it does is, create negative stimuli and make the dogs angrier than ever. Instead of being harsh on your dog, redirect their attention to positive things like playing, fetching, or offering them tasty treats.
5) Use Calming Techniques
Calming techniques go a long way in diffusing highly tense situations. For example, whenever you see your dogs getting aggressive, you can do deep breathing, do slow and deliberate movements, and keep a calm demeanour overall. Another way to relax your dogs is to give them calming tablets, especially when they are around situations that trigger anger and anxiety in them. This is applicable when fireworks are going outside, or you have some guest coming in at your house.
6) Provide Exercise & Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is often a well-behaved dog. Give your dogs at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily and mental stimulation through playing, fetching a ball or by giving them some engaging interactive dog toys. Channelling their pent-up energy in creative ways can reduce the likelihood of sudden outbursts of the dog.
7) Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If you think your dog’s behaviour is escalating to a level that you can’t control, seek professional help without any delay. A certified dog trainer or a qualified vet can tell you a lot about your dog’s behaviour and give you optimal solutions to deal with aggression. It is always good to have expert voices around you so that you can keep excellent health in your dogs.
All in All,
Dealing with aggression in dogs requires patience, consistency and a deep understanding of their needs. The above-given tips will hopefully help you to keep your dogs well-behaved and help them redirect their energy into creative ways. Remember that each dog is unique, and they may take their own time to adapt to certain places and situations.
Akhil Krishnan
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