Tips on Dealing with Dog Agresssion

We have referred a few clients to the Behavior Vets of Colorado and they have been kind enough to give us a few tips on how to manage dogs with aggression issues.  

MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY

Avoid situations in which your dog is likely to be aggressive.  Uncontrolled exposure to these situations could inhibit your dog from learning new ways to respond and increase the likelihood that your dog may injure someone.

Repeated exposure to triggers also allows practice and but it can also reinforce aggressive behaviors.

Avoid punishment such as choke collars, prong collars, hitting, yelling, pinning, alpha rolls, etc.  These types of techniques can increase fear and anxiety and decrease an animal’s ability to learn.

Retractable leashes should NOT be used for dogs with aggressive behaviors.  Use a flat leash that is less than 6 ft in length.

Be a defensive walker!  Do not listen to music or talk on the cell phone while handling your dog in public or provocative situations.  Be on the alert for possible triggers.

Be proactive on walks by not allowing others to greet your dog, or touch!

If someone asks to pet or approach with their dogs simply tell them “No, sorry, we are working on training” and then turn and walk away quickly.

Stay vigilant on the street, but do not make eye contact with others, as they may view this as an invitation to come closer.

If your dogs shows unruly or threatening behaviors, have your dog wear a leash whenever there will possibly be trigger situation.  Keep your dog on a leash when outdoors.  Long lines can be used for playing in isolated areas if needed.

If your dog will be off-leash regardless of these instructions, a muzzle should be used for the best safety if there is a history of threatening behavior.

Dogs that show threatening behaviors (growling, snarling, snapping, biting, and some types of barking) towards people or other animals then they should not go to the dog park.

Dogs that have shown any threatening behaviors shouldn’t be around children or anyone who isn’t able to follow instructions.  Dogs that are not normally aggressive towards people still should not have access to them if a trigger situation will be present.  If you feel you must expose your dog to children or people that can’t/won’t follow instructions, a muzzle, leash and strict adult supervision should be employed to provide safety.

Dogs who have shown any aggressive behaviors should wear a basket muzzle at all times when they are outside.

Consider obtaining a “no petting” or “in-training; no petting” vest for public exposures.  You can find these on Etsy or you can make one yourself.  You can also find or make a leash sleeve (a fabric “sign” to slip over your leash that says “no petting”.

For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment for your dog to discuss aggression issues visit http://www.behaviorvets.com/.