How to Deal with an Aggressive Dog

Canine aggression is not an issue I take lightly. I know just how quickly a growl can become a snap, and how easily that snap can end in injury. But I don’t believe in getting rid of a dog or worse just because he or she has aggressive tendencies. I just believe in getting to the root of the issue and resolving it as quickly and effectively as possible.

I was able to do this with my latest client’s dog, Scout. Some dogs only show aggression toward a certain type of stimulus, but Scout showed aggression toward both dogs and people. He would growl, bark, snap, and lunge, making walks and hosting visitors a nightmare for his owner. I came for an in-home consultation and quickly figured out that his aggression stemmed from fear. This is often the case–dogs experience the fight or flight response just as we do. Some choose to stand their ground and others choose to flee.

We began training immediately, keeping our focus on providing Scout with a calm environment. We gave him his own special spot in the living room so he could be around his people but also away from the stimuli that would normally trigger his poor behavior. We also began basic obedience training, and I showed his owners exactly how to use the leash as a communication tool. These techniques not only taught Scout correct responses to stimuli, but also helped to keep his focus on his owner.

Scout’s confidence and trust in his owner began improving almost immediately. He now takes cues from his owner instead of from himself and his own fear. If his owner says a stranger is okay, Scout respects that. He also doesn’t fly off the handle when a strange dog approaches.

Through exercises that build trust, respect, and confidence, Scout has become a new and improved pooch. Get these results for yourself by calling Circle City Dog Training at 800.649.7297.