They say dogs are man’s best friends. They are loyal, good company, and can be security keepers too. While your dog may be great company to you, there are instances when it just can’t tolerate other dogs or strangers. Aggression and the inability to socialize, especially for adult dogs, is not uncommon. The best time to socialize a dog is when it is between three to twelve weeks old. There are many reasons why a dog would be aggressive. You may have adopted it when it was much older, or it may have been sick as a puppy. All hope is not lost, though. In this article, we share ways through which you can socialize an aggressive dog. Before we dive into the tips, you must understand the various types of aggression in dogs.
The Types of Aggression in Dogs
Social Aggression
Dogs, like their cousins, the wolf packs have a social hierarchy. The dominant members of the hierarchy often take the lead. When introduced to a dog group, a dog may display aggressive behavior to assert dominance over the new group.
Territorial Aggression
Dogs are territorial. Territorial aggression is mainly directed towards strangers who approach the dog’s property. This could be either people or other dogs. This happens when the dog senses strange behavior from a stranger, which could be their voice or actions. This stimulus makes the dog anxious hence the aggression, which could be barking or biting.
Defensive Aggression
Defensive aggression happens when a dog feels threatened. Unfortunately, this may or may not be rational behavior. For instance, if an intruder attacks the dog with a machete, defensive aggression is necessary as it is justified in defending himself. However, if kids are playing and a ball hits the dog, a defensive attack is unnecessary.
Re-directed Aggression
If your dog is agitated, for instance, by strangers in the compound and he or she is unable to reach the stranger, then they may become aggressive towards other pets.
Hormonal Aggression
Male dogs can display aggressive behavior towards each other, especially when there is a female on the heat. New mothers can also show hormonal aggression after giving birth as they are protective of their young pups.
Tips on Aggressive Dog Training and Socialization
Take your dog on a walk regularly
Walking your dog will introduce the dog to the existence of other people and other dogs. Doing so regularly will allow you to restrict or train your dog when they react aggressively to other dogs. Walking your dog is also essential for their physical health. If the dog is restrained all day or is locked up in a kennel on their own for long hours, they may become more aggressive. During your walks, keep him on a short leash while allowing him to inspect surroundings and smell whenever they want to do so. You should also take a different route every time so that they can encounter new things and get comfortable out of their comfort zones. This will help manage territorial and social aggression. Walking your dog will also introduce them to cars, and they will be more careful on the roads to avoid being hit.
Growl Lessons
Dogs need to be socialized, and one way to do so is by taking them for some growl lessons. Not only will they learn to respond to commands such as sit, stand, eat, and so on. Growl classes will instill some obedience in your dogs, and they will be able to interact with different people and different pups. If your dog is aggressive, this will help them learn to interact with other people other than you and your family and other pups.
Hire a professional trainer
A professional dog trainer will not only train your dog on how to socialize; he/she will help you understand your dog better. If you got your dog when he or he was an adult, it might not be easy to understand what agitates them. A trainer will help you know your dog’s behavior and why they react in specific ways under various circumstances. Understanding the reason for aggression is the first step in socializing an aggressive dog. Professional dog trainers can also link you with other people whose dogs are exhibiting similar behavior. We strongly recommend Steffi Trott from SpiritDog Training. Her videos are also available on their dog training website and you can pick just these classes which are necessary for you and your dog at the moment.
Treat your dog
Reward your dog every time they behave well when triggered. This is part of the process of training them to avoid reacting aggressively. Give them some food every time they overcome the need to be aggressive. Rewards will keep them motivated, resulting in better behavior.
Visit the dog park
To socialize your dogs with other dogs, it is essential to have them in an environment where there are other dogs. Keep them on a leash and watch how they react when other dogs approach. Ensure your dog is comfortable before releasing them to play with others. Treat them as you would your child. If your child has been a victim of bullying, you would want them to make friends, but you will not force them to play with other kids when they are not comfortable. It is a step by step process. Be patient with your dog and reward them every time they do well. For instance, if they look in another dog’s direction and are not aggressive, give them a small treat.
Conclusion
Even as you try to socialize your dog, it is vital to ensure you, your dog, and other people are safe during the process. Always have your dog on a leash when you are in a public space, especially when they are not fully trained. If they react by biting, muzzle them to prevent hurting others. Trust is also very important throughout the process. The dog needs to trust you for them to follow your instructions. Play with the dog and build a relationship with them before training them. It would be best if you also introduced them to other people as soon as you an. Do not let the dog live an isolated life as this triggers their aggressive stimuli.
