Do you know how to socialize an aggressive dog?
The best way to socialize a dog is to start from a puppy, so he grows up happy and sociable. But sometimes, some owners miss the critical period of socialization and the dog ends up developing aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs. Although it may seem like a difficult task, it is possible to socialize an aggressive dog!
To help you with this task, we share some tips below. Check it out!
Why is my dog aggressive?
Living with an aggressive dog is really not easy. But you shouldn’t feel stressed, sad, or embarrassed by your pup’s behavior. You, as a responsible owner, must identify the problem and work to resolve it. Check out some factors below, in addition to the lack of socialization, that can contribute to your dog displaying aggressive behavior:
Breed
Not all breeds are equal. For example, those that were originally bred for protection, or even aggression towards other dogs, are the most likely to develop aggressive behaviors.
Genetics
Dogs with aggressive parents are also more likely to be aggressive. High levels of maternal stress can affect the offspring.
Life Experiences
Bad experiences can affect your dog’s personality and temperament. This can cause your pup to present aggressive behaviors as a result of these traumas.
Read More: How to Socialize a Puppy Properly
How to socialize an aggressive dog?
Step 1
List all the situations that make your dog act aggressively. We call these situations triggers. This list will help you teach your dog, through training, to feel comfortable in the presence of these triggers.
Step 2
You should set limits for your dog. Think through the last few times he reacted aggressively to the triggers you listed.
Step 3
Before starting to socialize an aggressive dog, it is essential to take some safety precautions to keep you and your pup safe. If necessary, buy baby gates, cover windows with blinds, or use a muzzle.
Step 4
Make some changes to your routine to help your dog succeed in training, such as:
- Walk the dog at less busy times of the day.
- Cross the street or change your walking route to avoid the triggers.
- Be proactive and advocate for your dog. Preemptively tell people that your dog is not friendly if it looks like they are letting their pup approach your dog.
It is your responsibility to control your dog when he sees a trigger. Unplanned encounters can result in frightening situations for your dog, and potentially dangerous situations for everyone involved.
Step 5
It seems obvious to say, but it’s impossible for your dog to succeed in socialization training if he doesn’t have his basic needs met.
Your dog must have access to:
- Exercise.
- Environmental enrichment.
- Proper nutrition.
- The basics of Obedience Training.
Step 6
Many aggressive behaviors can be resolved by building obedience cues.
You should start by practicing easy skills indoors before trying them out elsewhere.
Some commands can help a lot, such as:
- Watch Me: A great trick to stop your dog from noticing a trigger, especially when outdoors on a walk.
- Sit: It can help your dog to position itself in relation to the trigger.
- Touch: Teach your dog to touch his nose to your hand to help him look away from the trigger.
- Leave it: This trick is excellent for dogs that are aggressive with food, toys, and other objects.
Step 7
If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior, it is very important to have the help of a Balanced Dog Trainer.
Many Trainers use counterconditioning and desensitization to solve these problems. While avoiding the triggers will help keep you and your pup safe initially, avoidance will not resolve your dog’s underlying issues. Gradual exposure with the help of a Balanced Dog Trainer is an imperative next step. The aim of these techniques is to gradually expose your dog to something upsetting to him, while combining this with a reward when he calmly reacts to the trigger.
Another important aspect to consider is the duration of the training sessions. In the case of socializing an aggressive dog, sessions of five minutes or less are recommended. Start in small increments on a daily basis. As your dog builds up tolerance to his triggers, you can slowly add duration and intensity to the exposure sessions. Be patient and consistent. And do not rush the process, as that can set your pup back even further.
Final conclusions
As difficult as it is, it is not impossible to socialize an adult dog with aggressive behaviors. But if you’re thinking about adopting a new pup, don’t forget that the best form of socialization is by starting from an early age. Prevention is always better than interventions later on.
In the case of adult dogs, analyze the triggers that make your dog explosive and look for a Balanced Dog Trainer who can help resolve these behavior problems.
Read more: Is It Too Late to Socialize My Dog?
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram.
