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