- Keep Calm.
- Use a Calming Supplement.
- Avoid Triggering Situations.
- Behavioral Courses.
- Make Your Dog Feel Safe.
- Socialize Your Dog.
- Discuss Medication with your Veterinarian.
Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money.
Updated September 21, 2020: I don’t like the dog park very much. When Henry was a puppy, I used to adore it and eagerly anticipate taking him every day after work because he handled other dogs picking on him when he was younger, smaller, and wimpier so well. However, as he grew older, bigger, and stronger (and as he was more frequently humped or outnumbered), his hair began to stand up and he became more vocal about how miserable he was to other dogs. (Can you tell I’m a smotherer?).
The snarls and growls of a cute little Chihuahua or Jack Russell Terrier are more welcome and endearing than Henry’s freak-outs because he is a pitbull/boxer. He never hurt anything or anyone, but after a while, I stopped taking him to dog parks because I realized I was too anxious there because I was always worried he would hurt a dog or a human. This anxiety and unfavorable energy transferred from me to him as I walked him to the park tightly on his leash and stayed by his side the entire time we were there, humiliating him in front of all his friends.
I believe Henry does much better when he is alone with other dogs and prefers to run loose and unrestrained through the yard, woods, or creeks. I also feel much better in that situation. Because of those visits to the dog park, I understood how demanding it can be to own a hostile dog. You worry that he might hurt you or someone else because you don’t know when and if he will become triggered. What can you do?.
First, remind yourself that dogs are animals. Many of the behaviors of our dogs and other pets are reminiscent of the years, decades, and centuries of all the animals and canines that came before them, including entire species that lived and traveled in packs, protected themselves from predators, guarded their territories, and displayed aggression (yes, aggression) to obtain and protect their food. We often humanize our dogs and other pets and fail to recognize this. It’s important to first determine what kind of aggression your pet exhibits and where or when it started because aggression is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors (as well as centuries of innate ancestral animal instinct). Only then can you and your pet effectively address her aggression issues.
Numerous forms of aggression exist—predatory, social, and defensive—but The Humane Society of the United States lists three of the most prevalent ones below:
Has she not been aggressive yet, but you worry that she will? Does any of that aggression sound familiar to you? According to an article by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “A dog that shows aggression to people usually exhibits some part of the following sequence of increasing intensity behaviors”:
Following are some suggestions for helping your dog manage his aggression now that you are aware of the types of aggression he exhibits and the warning signs to watch out for to help avert a potentially dangerous situation.
From the city of brotherly love, feminist blogger Kelsey Cruz is crazy about bourbon, black blazers, and blow-out bars. She enjoys cooking and is always willing to share smoothie recipe ideas. She prefers taking long walks on Philadelphia’s streets with her pit bull Henry, and she will definitely show you pictures of him. Follow her on Twitter @kelsey_cruz.
Yes, we have to include some legalese down here. Policygenius Inc. (DBA Policygenius Insurance Services in California), a Delaware corporation with its headquarters in New York, New York, operates as an independent insurance broker with a license. Policygenius created the content on this website for general informational and educational purposes. We try our best to keep this information accurate and up-to-date. Any insurance policy premium quotes or ranges displayed are non-binding. Following application, the underwriting insurance company determines the final insurance policy premium for any policy.
Call 1-855-695-2255 for help if you’re using a screen reader and having trouble using this website.
What to Do With an Aggressive Dog That Bites?
A dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist should always keep an eye on severe cases of aggression with a history of biting.
A trainer will be able to give you advice on how to deal with aggressive behavior appropriately as well as a training schedule.
reducing the circumstances that are most likely to cause fear is part of treating aggressive dogs brought on by fear. Desensitization paired with positive reinforcement work great on fearful dogs.
The trainer can identify any stressors and categorize your dog’s aggressive behavior into the following groups:
0 = growl/snap/stare, but no contact
The best way to stop any aggressive behavior that could result in a bite is through prevention. If your dog has bitten in the past, you must use a muzzle on him during the training phase.
Prevention starts early with the right socialization. Many behavioral issues later on can be avoided by successfully desensitizing your dog to people, animals, places, sounds, and smells.
While the socialization period occurs between 3 and 12 weeks of age, desensitizing an adult dog is definitely possible and advised. You can read my guide on early socialization.
Do not expose your dog to any known triggers, such as passing by a noisy construction site.
Keep your distance from people and other dogs when walking your dog, and if possible, wear a muzzle.
The following actions should be avoided and prevented if your aggressive dog has a dominance issue:
It’s crucial to avoid punishing growling or other warning signs.
Your dog will only come to understand that the warning is a problem and will bite first the next time. Early warning signs are crucial for communication and shouldn’t be penalized.
Neutering can reduce aggression depending on the underlying causes, but neutering is never the only answer to this issue.
Tell me in the comments if you were successful in calming down an aggressive dog and what difficulties you encountered.
What to Do When the Dog is Aggressive?
Have a strategy in place to reduce your dog’s aggression before attempting any techniques that might not be effective or might even make things worse.
Either things will get worse, or the dog aggression will slow down or stop.
Learn some techniques that will calm your pet and stop the aggression right away. Find measures to soothe and calm them down. You may do the following:
These are typically the simplest methods to deter aggression, but using them consistently may not be wise.
This is the exact situation where you need a plan for training your dog in appropriate behavior as opposed to his inappropriate behaviors. Even though it might take some time for this to function properly, everything will be worthwhile in the end.
Identify the triggers
Knowing the various forms of aggression will help you recognize its triggers. You can create a suitable strategy if you are aware of the root causes of your dog’s aggression.
But it’s important to keep in mind that staying away from triggers is not a long-term fix. It won’t do much more than lay the groundwork for you to receive the appropriate care. Keep your dog in another room if it starts to act aggressively toward guests.
FAQ
Can a dog aggressive dog be cured?
Treatment. It’s crucial to remember that there is no treatment for aggression. When aggressive behaviors are properly managed and reduced by a veterinary behavioral specialist. It’s also crucial to realize that aggression is a behavioral issue rather than a matter of obedience.
What to give aggressive dog to calm down?
- Fluoxetine.
- Buspirone.
- Sertraline.
- Propranolol.
- Clomipramine.
- Amitripty.
What triggers dogs to be aggressive?
Dogs may become aggressive out of fear, frustration, prey drive, pain, or the need to protect their territory, resources, or family members. A dog may be pushed too far in any of these circumstances and may quickly change from reactive, fearful, or guarding behaviors to aggressive ones.
Can aggressive dog behavior be corrected?
Under the supervision of a qualified professional, behavior modification is the most secure and efficient way to address an aggression issue. Rewarding a dog for good behavior is an important part of behavior modification, so you’ll probably have more success if your dog enjoys praise, treats, and toys.