Dogs are naturally friendly by nature, with only a few breeds exhibiting innate aggression toward other animals. However, when a dog becomes aggressive, it’s often due to factors such as:
- Abuse during puppyhood
- Lack of socialization training
- Traumatic experiences as a puppy
So, what should a dog owner do first before beginning training? The initial step is to teach the dog basic obedience commands, like “sit.”
Next, the dog owner needs to address their own anxiety. It’s common for dog owners to feel nervous before their dog interacts with other animals, likely because they fear the consequences of their dog biting someone.
However, this nervousness can actually worsen the situation. If you are tense, your dog will sense it. As the leader, your emotions directly influence the dog’s behavior. The tension in your leash, for instance, communicates your anxiety to the dog.
Dogs that tend to be aggressive towards other dogs often fall into a harmful cycle:
- The dog prepares to attack.
- The owner tightens the leash.
- The dog feels discomfort in its throat, triggering irritation.
- The owner yells to prevent the attack.
- The dog associates the discomfort and yelling with an external threat.
This cycle leads to continued aggression. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association found that many aggressive dogs are owned by women. This isn’t to suggest that women are at fault, but they often instinctively react by pulling on the leash and shouting.
You might think, “But I use a harness!” Whether it’s a collar or a harness, pulling the dog back when it lunges forward still transmits your tension to the dog.
So how do you reduce your dog’s aggression?
First, understand that reducing aggression takes time. If your dog tends to attack other animals, it’s recommended to use a muzzle when out in public.
To help your dog overcome this habit, start by working on your own calmness. When you encounter other dogs, don’t hesitate—simply change direction and move out of sight. Keep the leash loose and firm, avoiding excessive tension that could restart the negative cycle.
Once your dog begins to ignore other dogs, you can gradually introduce it to well-behaved dogs in controlled situations. Over time, and with patience, your dog’s behavior will improve.
Remember, while this method may sound simple, it requires time, patience, and consistency. There’s no quick fix for aggression, but with dedication, progress is possible.
