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Preventing Dog Attacks Caused by Canine Aggression
Systematically controlling canine aggression is necessary in
preventing dog attacks. Dogs too aggressive to keep may have to
be euthanized. So, you owe it to your dog to implement proven
aggression-control techniques as early as possible.
Preventing Aggression While Your Dog Is Still a Puppy
It’s never too early to start training your dog not to bite.
Here are some steps to teaching a puppy not to bite:
- Provide plenty of enjoyable toys to your puppy
- Do not play games like wrestling and tug-of-war that
encourage puppies to use their teeth in play
- Do not encourage puppies to mouth or bite your fingers,
even if you regard such behavior as adorable or affectionate
- If your puppy bites, say "Ouch!" loudly, to signal your
dog is hurting you and must stop
- Never, ever physically punish puppies (or dogs) when
they bite, which can increase the tendency to act
aggressively, as they learn from your example
- Express your displeasure, and disengage from puppies
when they bite, conveying aggression will result in the
temporary loss of your attention
- When your puppy bites, lightly clasp the lower jaw with
your thumb and forefinger for 10 seconds, continuing as your
puppy moves
- If your puppy licks rather than bites your hand, shower
your puppy with praise
- Use aversion training by coating gloves with a
bitter-tasting substance, like the juice of an apple, until
your puppy does not want to bite anymore
Preventing Aggression in Adult Dogs
Additional training and stronger prevention measures may be
necessary to lessen aggression in your adult dog. Here are some
steps in preventing attacks by adult dogs in your household:
- When your dog growls or bites, immediately shout "Ahhhhh!"
back, and immediately disengage
- Do not allow play that involves wrestling or biting, or
your dog pulling a toy you're your hands using the teeth
- If your dog becomes over-stimulated and begins to act
aggressively or bite during playtime, end it until your dog
calms down
- As some dogs bite to protect territory, do not allow
your dog to monopolize places and possession not
specifically provided to him or her, as well as clearly
designate your dog’s own spaces with a fence, pen, kennel or
other marker
- As some dogs bite out of fear, introduce your dog to new
people and places gradually, while reinforcing a calm
disposition with praise and rewards
- Muzzle aggressive dogs if a health condition causes them
to bite out of pain or discomfort
- Muzzle aggressive dogs around visitors and children
You and your veterinarian may decide that your dog requires
professional help in curbing aggressive behaviors—do not
hesitate to ask your vet for referrals. In addition,
sterilization may curb aggression in some dogs. Again, your vet
will provide you with the information necessary to make this
decision.
Staying Safe around Potentially Aggressive Dogs Owned by
Others
Learning what to do when confronted with potentially
aggressive dogs is paramount to ensuring the safety of you and
your family. Here are some key steps to avoid provoking a dog
attack:
- Never stare into a dog’s eyes
- Never tease dogs behind fences
- Never approach dogs chained in yards
- Never touch or handle a loose dog
- Never run and scream from a loose dog—instead, remain
totally still and quiet
- Never pet or play with a dog that’s eating
- Never pet or play with a dog that’s sleeping
- Never pet or play with a dog without an owner’s
permission
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An Introduction to Puppy Training
How to Train a Dog
Dog Training Tips from the Pros
Preventing and Treating Puppy Bites
6 Ways to Stop Puppy Chewing
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Using Xanax for Dogs with Anxiety Disorders |
