Dog Aggression Training in Charlotte: How to Stop Aggressive Behavior

Aggression is a term that is used to explain multiple dog behaviors. Usually aggressive behavior will start as a warning, but eventually it may lead to an attack, which is why training an aggressive dog is so important.

Here are some ways a dog may exhibit aggressive behavior:

  • Growling
  • Standing rigid and/or still
  • Showing teeth
  • Snarling (growling while showing teeth)
  • A threatening or guttural bark
  • Lunging or charging at a human
  • Mouthing/light biting without applying pressure
  • Snapping or nipping at a person without leaving a mark
  • Biting that causes bruising or puncture wounds
  • Repeated bites in rapid succession

Aggression is the number 1 reason why dog owners look for help from a professional dog trainer. It’s not only the “intimidating” larger breeds of dogs that are known to be aggressive; any breed can become aggressive under certain circumstances. Although it won’t be cured overnight, there are many steps you can take to push off the aggressive behavior and keep your dog remaining calm.

If your dog is dog-aggressive or people-aggressive and you need help, call Sally Said SO Charlotte today!!

 

Anger Management: Why Does Your Dog Behave Aggressively?

Anger management is conducive for ultimate safety. The first step toward decreasing or abolishing negative behavior is to recognize what’s causing the dog’s aggression through dog aggression training.

The key thing to remember is that you can’t devise a solid plan to adjust your dog’s behavior until you understand the reasoning behind it.

Dogs fall into one of the following categories of aggression:

Protective aggression: The dog protects its family or itself against another animal or a human. Mother dogs are also tremendously protective of their pups and can become aggressive toward anyone who is nearby.

Predatory aggression: Without warning, the dog behaves violently when in predatory mode, such as when going after wildlife. This instinct may become a danger if a child is playing chase with your dog. Even though it starts out as an innocent game, many dogs could quickly turn on and potentially harm the child.

Defensive aggression: The dog attacks in protection of something rather than trying to withdraw first.

Social aggression: The dog attempts to be the alpha dog in the pack. Dogs that are not socialized correctly with other dogs and people may also exhibit aggressive behavior.

Territorial aggression: The dog protects your home or area from what it believes to be an intruder.

Frustration-provoked aggression: When the dog is limited to a leash or in a fenced yard the dog behaves aggressively. Sometimes a dog may become excessively excited, for example, before a walk, and bite its handler.

Redirected aggression: The dog might become aggressive toward a person who attempts to stop a dog fight. It can also happen when the dog can’t hit the target of its aggression, such as an adjacent dog on the other side of a fence.

Pain-elicited aggression: The dog shows aggression when it’s in pain or injured.

Possessive aggression: The dog protects food, bones, chew toys, or another object of value to it.

Fear aggression: The dog attempts to retreat in a frightening situation but then attacks when cornered.

Sex-related aggression: Two male dogs become violent when competing for the attention of a female dog.

 

Keep in mind that this type of aggressive behavior is not always focused on a person either. Many dogs show aggression towards other animals, only specific animals (cats but not other dogs), or toward lifeless objects, such as yard equipment or wheels on vehicles.

Also, many dogs are bred to display aggressive behavior. For example, terriers are bred to attack rodents and other small animals, while guard dogs, such as Pit bulls and Rottweilers, are bred to defend property and people. These are the dogs’ natural instincts that demand owners to make sure that these breeds of dogs display aggressive behavior only in the appropriate situations through appropriate dog training.

So, if you’re looking for “dog training near me” in Charlotte, NC call Sally Said So!

 

 

 

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Talk to our expert dog trainers. To get started we do a 1-on-1 dog training consultation where we meet with you and your dog to find the best solution. The methods used are ones we determine at the consultation.

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Dog Aggression Training

How to Deal With Dog Aggression

Taking note when your dog’s behavior becomes aggressive and the circumstances surrounding the behavior plays a big role in determining your next steps. There are many ways you can manage the aggression and help your dog stay calm, but it will take consistency, time, and potentially the help of a dog training professional.

What to do:

Relax.  Owning an aggressive dog can feel like a burden, but it can be completely fixed. Try your best to relax because you don’t want your dog to absorb your stress and act out even more. Dogs feed off of our energy, so keep that in mind!

See Your Vet.  It’s important to rule out any medical conditions by getting your dog checked out since they can’t communicate the way humans can. When in pain, dogs tend to lash out and exhibit signs of aggression when all they want is help. (In fact, the ASPCA defines this form of aggression as “pain-elicited aggression”: “An otherwise gentle, friendly dog can behave aggressively when in pain. That’s why it’s so crucial to take precautions when handling an injured dog, even if she’s your own. A dog with a painful orthopedic condition or an infection might bite with little warning, even if the reason you’re touching her is to treat her.”

If a medical issue has been ruled out by a veterinarian, it’s time to call one of our expert dog trainers in Charlotte. You shouldn’t try to fix the aggression by yourself because it’s a serious problem. Our dog training can help you figure out what’s causing your dog’s aggressive behavior and help create a plan to manage it.

Spay or neuter your dog.  Fixed dogs are less likely to display dominance, territorial, protective, and sex-related aggression.

Be considerate.  If you suspect your dog could bite another person, consider a muzzle or keep him confined and far from any situation that prompts his aggressive behavior. Your dog is your responsibility.

We Will Create a Plan.  Your Sally Said So dog trainer will help you figure out the best method for managing your dog’s aggression. We use positive reinforcement (e.g., lots of praise and treats) to teach your dog new behaviors.

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