|
 |
 |
- Choose a second dog wisely. Dogs that are the same sex, size and age are more likely to see each other as rivals and show signs of aggression.
- Distract your dog when you notice aggressive body language. Early warning signs include hard stares and growling. Your dog's head, ears, and tail raise up. He also leans forward to make himself appear bigger.
- Neuter your male dog. This reduces the likelihood of aggression toward other males.
- Work on socializing your dog. Get him accustomed to seeing other dogs in a variety of settings. Isolated dogs tend to act more aggressively toward other dogs.
- Do NOT pet or comfort your dog when he is exhibiting aggression. Rewarding your dog for this behavior will encourage him to repeat it.
- If your dog is pulling on his leash, keep the leash loose. Pulling on the leash often increases his feelings of aggression. His collar should be raised closer to his ears, so that a slight tug will cut off his air. This will halt any pulling.
- Keep calm. In most cases, your dog follows your lead. Dogs are very sensitive to human emotion. If you are apprehensive about an approaching dog, your dog will sense it.
- Keep your breathing normal. People tend to hold their breath when they think their dog may fight. This raises the stress level in you and your dog.
- Use commands to avoid aggression. If your dog is off leash, use the "come" command. Reward him when he comes to you. Attach his leash and leave the situation. If your dog is on his leash, use the "Let's go" command.
Return from Preventing Dog to Dog Aggression to Problems. Return from Preventing Dog to Dog Aggression to Home Page.
