How to Train an Aggressive Dog

If your dog barks, growls, and lunges at everything in sight, then they may have an aggression problem. Appeasing your dog when they’re in this state can be difficult and embarrassing, especially if it occurs during public scenarios like your daily walk! While the occasional bark or nip is normal, aggressive behavior is a serious problem that needs addressing.

The good news is that this type of behavior can be corrected. With the right guidance, resources, and tools, your dog’s aggressive behavior can be a thing of the past. While aggression can be challenging and nerve-wracking to deal with, you can train your pooch to be a calmer canine. Below we explore the causes of dog aggression and what you can do about it.

Potential Warning Signs of Aggression

Before we dive into the reasons for dog aggression, it’s worth reviewing the potential signs of aggression you should be aware of. While these can vary depending on a dog’s issues, there are things to watch out for, such as:

• Growling
• Standing rigid or still
• Baring teeth
• Snarling
• Pinned back ears
• A threatening or guttural bark
• Lunging, charging, or nipping at a person or other animal
• Tail between the legs
• Sustained or aggressive eye contact
• Fast pacing
• Lunging toward a person or other animal
• Biting that tears the skin or causes bruising
• “Muzzle punching” (punching the person or other animal with its nose)
• Repeated biting in rapid succession

Causes of Dogs Aggression

Dogs can become aggressive for numerous reasons, but some situations can trigger this behavior more than others. Below are the most common causes.

Territory

One of the biggest reasons a dog may become aggressive is when it feels the need to protect its space. Whether it’s their yard or the entire home, a dog may start barking and become aggressive toward anyone who comes near their territory. This aggression can extend to strangers or even to close friends and family.

Protection

Dogs are naturally protective of their pack and will defend all members if they feel there is a threat. Mother dogs may also become aggressive if their puppies are in danger or if a threatening person or animal approaches her litter.

Possessiveness

Another major cause of aggression is possessiveness. This occurs when the dog feels the need to guard their belongings — whether it’s food, toys, their bed, etc. Dogs with possession-aggression tend to growl or bare their teeth if someone approaches their precious items or spaces. Food possession is a particularly common type of aggression in dogs, but this can be trained out of them.

Fear

Fearful, anxious, or nervous dogs are also prone to aggression. In some cases, they can become aggressive if they’re cornered or attacked; in other scenarios, a fearful dog may also be protecting a frightened or nervous owner.

Dominance

Dominance is another common form of aggression and is often displayed amongst other dogs. In many ways, dominance is a healthy way of establishing hierarchy in the pack. However, if a human intervenes or is present while dogs are asserting their dominance, they can be at risk of being bitten or charged at.

Social Issues

Dogs that aren’t socialized properly can develop aggression as they haven’t been trained to be around other people or animals. Therefore, some owners can end up with a dog that acts aggressively in social situations, which can make it difficult to socialize with others.

Frustration

Frustration can occur if a dog’s primal needs aren’t met. For example, if a dog isn’t given any exercise and is locked in the house all day, they can exert frustration-aggression and engage in other behaviors like chewing up the furniture. Dogs can also get frustrated if they’re tied up on a leash for long periods.

Sexual Frustration

When it comes to sexual activities, dogs can become frustrated in two ways. The first is when they’re mating: two same-sex dogs, for example, may become aggressive if they’re competing for the same mate.

Dogs can also become sexually frustrated if they haven’t been spayed or neutered. While it may sound like a cruel practice, many vets recommend getting your dog fixed so that they don’t take out their sexual frustration on other dogs or people.

Predation

Dogs are instinctual creatures, and they can become aggressive if their predatory behavior kicks in. While predation isn’t by nature aggressive, a dog’s behavior can become so if their instincts are interrupted. For example, if a dog is chasing down a pigeon and a child interferes, it may become momentarily aggressive toward them.

Other Considerations About Aggressive Dogs

As well as being aware of the causes of dog aggression, it’s worth reviewing other considerations that can help you learn how to amend the behavior.

Dog Aggression Is Also Linked to the Human

While it’s easy to simply focus only on the dog, there are other factors involved, such as how dogs pick up on our energy. For example, renowned dog expert Cesar Millan talks about the role that the human owner plays in triggering a dog’s aggression. If a person is nervous, hesitant, or passive, the dog picks up on that energy and tries to compensate by becoming aggressive.

Therefore, since a dog’s aggression is often due to weak leadership, make sure you’re exhibiting calm, assertive energy at all times. This can prevent aggression from developing and escalating.

Breeds Don’t Dictate Aggression

Many people mistakenly think that some dog breeds are more aggressive than others. However, this isn’t the case; any breed can become aggressive. The only difference is that the bigger the dog, the more damage they can cause. For instance, an unbalanced powerful breed such as a Mastiff will cause more serious injury than an unbalanced Chihuahua.

Therefore, it’s important for owners to think carefully about the type of dog they’re adopting. If you want to bring a strong breed into your home, make sure you establish firm boundaries and leadership to prevent the dog from becoming aggressive or unruly.

Fear Aggression Can Be Managed

Helping a dog get over their fear isn’t the only answer to solving their aggression. Dogs that are fearful can also become rehabilitated through adequate exercise. By burning off excess nervous energy, exercise helps stabilize a dog’s mental state as they redirect their fear into physical exertion.

Calm Leadership Can Appease Aggression With Other Dogs

If your dog is aggressive with other dogs, it may just seem as if they don’t get along with other canines. However, the reality is that they are usually looking to their owner to be the pack leader. If you are nervous or hesitant, the dog will absorb that energy and feel the need to protect you. By becoming a calm, assertive leader, your dog will trust you more and feel calmer and less inclined to attack other dogs.

How to Train an Aggressive Dog

Having covered the causes of dog aggression, below are some ways to train your dog to resolve the behavior.

Don’t Ignore It

The first thing you should never do is ignore aggressive behavior. It may be uncomfortable to deal with, but the fact of the matter is it won’t disappear on its own. If your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, you need to “nip it” in the bud and make a plan. Otherwise, you risk the potential for your dog to bite you or someone in your family.

Avoid Punishment

Another important point to remember is never punish your dog for being aggressive. Not only can this make them more aggressive, but it also doesn’t teach them how to change their behavior. While it may be tempting to yell at your dog for misbehaving, the best way to redirect their energy is with positive reinforcement.

For example, if you can get your dog to calm down, reward them for their calmness. Also, as the leader, it’s important that you stay calm as this will help keep your dog from becoming aggressive.

Ask for Professional Help

If you’re having difficulties changing your dog’s behavior on your own, ask for professional help. Dog trainers and behaviorists are great places to start as they can teach you how to redirect your dog’s energy and find the source of their aggression. Asking for help is especially important if you have a dog that exhibits frequent signs of aggression. The last thing you want is for your dog to hurt someone or someone else’s dog.

If regular dog training sessions are beyond your budget, try going to just 1 or 2 to get the ball rolling. Another option is to look online for free professional help, such as YouTube videos. While they’re not as good as in-person training, videos and online resources can provide useful tips to get you started.

See Your Vet

Sometimes dog aggression can be due to the discomfort of living with a physical malady. If your dog is aggressive, take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions such as tumors or hidden injuries. Other aggression-causing conditions include hypothyroidism or neurological problems, such as encephalitis, epilepsy, and brain tumors.

Useful Tools

As well as taking your dog for professional or medical help, there are also a variety of tools that you can use. This includes collars, muzzles, and treats that can redirect your dog’s energy and focus.

Slip Collars

While slip collars look flimsy, they actually provide more control. These simple collars are useful for dogs with behavioral issues as you can gently tug sideways to redirect them. For example, if you’re on a walk and your dog starts to show signs of agitation as people approach, a tug of the slip collar followed by an assertive command can help snap them out of it.

Muzzles

Muzzles are an effective tool if your dog bites or snaps due to their aggression. While you don’t want to use a muzzle indefinitely, it can be a useful training tool, especially if your dog has social aggression. The muzzle allows you to ease the dog into social situations without worrying about them harming someone else. To create positive associations, put the muzzle on them during pleasurable activities such as playtime.

Treats

Treats are another effective way of training an aggressive dog. Whether you’re rewarding them for staying calm or redirecting their attention before aggression escalates, dogs can quickly learn to positively associate the treat with good behavior.

Help Your Aggressive Dog

Dog aggression isn’t a life sentence. While it can be uncomfortable to deal with in the short term, the good news is that no matter how extreme, dogs can be rehabilitated and trained to change their behavior. The first step is to identify the cause of your dog’s aggression and then find ways to help them get rid of their fear or frustration. Whether it’s increased exercise, obedience training, or tools to refocus their attention, there are plenty of resources at your disposal.

But remember, training an aggressive dog to change their behavior takes patience and time; there is no overnight cure. With the help of a professional and by using the tips above, you can begin the road to a calmer and more peaceful pooch. Happy training!