How to Tame an Aggressive Dog
With temperatures climbing and summer quickly approaching, it’s important that dogs get ample exercise during those long summer days. However, many pet owners avoid taking their pets on walks and to family outings because of aggressive behavior previously displayed by their dog. Keeping your dog cooped up during summer months because of the fear of running into other dogs can be damaging to both owner and pet. Exercise is a key step in taming an aggressive dog; they need an outlet for that energy. Even dogs that were socialized as a puppy can develop aggressive, hyper behaviors later on. Make sure to consult with an expert or your vet before trying these methods if you do not feel comfortable.
Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash, as discussed in the last blog is a key first step in the process of taming your dog, but there are other tricks and trades one can try to promote a calm, submissive behavior. First, it’s important to fit your dog with the proper collar, or harness before beginning the walk. A dog harness may be more appropriate for dogs that pull, because it gives the owner more control over the dog’s chest area, which is their main source of strength. After fitting your dog with the proper attire, you’re ready to move forward with the walk. Make sure to keep treats on you during an outing with your pet, as most dogs respond well to food.
Most owners tend to avoid the other dog approaching during the walk, but this only prolongs the issue instead of dealing with it head on, so to speak. If you have a friend with a calm, submissive dog, you may want to ask for their help in dealing with the issue. Using a dog you know will not provoke aggressive behavior from your pet can be extremely helpful. As the other dog approaches, make sure you have a firm grip on the leash, but do not hold it with too much tension as dogs can sense your feelings, and your tension and nerves can be transferred to their mentality. Dogs have unbelievable senses of when their owner feels threatened or nervous, so maintain a calm attitude. Taking a deep breath can be very soothing for tension.
Make sure you put enough space between the dogs eliminating the chance of attack. Place your dog in a sitting position, with their butt facing the other dog. This is a submissive position and will help break their aggression. As your dog struggles and gets worked up, give them a touch on their chest, just forceful enough to break their concentration on the other dog. Remember not to push the dog, just a firm touch. Breaking the dog’s focus on the other is crucial to taming aggression. Once the mind is not consumed by thoughts of the other dog, your pet will calm down and learn to ignore. After this process is finished and your dog is cooperative, make sure to reward with lots of praise and even a few little dog treats. By trying out these few methods, you can make socializing your dog with others a much calmer experience, which leads to a happy dog and owner.
Ten Ways to Show Your Dog How Much They Are Loved
There are many reasons dogs are referred to as man’s best friend. They provide us with unconditional love, unending devotion, unlimited affection, and protection when we need it. As owners, we may find ourselves getting caught up in our busy lives and schedules and taking advantage of these wonderful gifts our dogs give to us. Here are ten simple ways you can give back a little of the love your dogs shower you with, and make them feel loved:
1. Make sure to always scratch your buddy’s belly and behind their ears - they especially love that!
2. Always make sure your dog gets enough exercise. When they need to go out, let them out. When they want to play outside, play outside with them. When they look tired and lonely, take them for a walk. Especially older dogs - the walks are great for them!
3. Make conversation with your dog. Although they can’t understand what you’re talking about they can get just as enthusiastic by giving you a big loud bark! It is a great way to bond with your furry friend Also, they won’t tell you to “shhhh!” or give you ugly looks!
4. Always make time for your dog. No matter how busy your schedule is take at least a half hour out of every day to have “doggy and me” time. Remember that they have feelings too, and don’t want to be forgotten about!
5. When your faithful companion does something fabulous give them a reward, such as a dog treat. They like to know that they are behaving the way you want them to, especially during training.
6. Try to feed them well. Remember that dogs are just as delicate as people. We cannot give them everything they want! There are so many foods that are bad for them. Be careful, their little hearts are much smaller than ours and they don’t know any better. We want our buddies around as long as possible!
7. Try spoiling them. Take them for a drive on the weekends, and maybe even try giving them a nice doggie massage. This is easy to do while grooming them.
8. Always be prepared! What if something were to happen and your pup got sick? Be sure to save money - we all know that vet bills can be quite expensive!
9. Never yell at your dog. Yes, our dogs will sometimes do things that get on our nerves. They may piddle in the house, bark, or chew on something we love, but those are just material things that can be replaced. Our furry friend’s love and respect can’t be.
10. Give your dog his own space. It’s only fair to set up a specific area that is just for them. Put their dog bed there, as well as a favorite toy, a blanket, and anything that your pup loves!
Even if you only take just a little extra time a day to try some of these activities, the bond between you and your furry friend will grow and your pup will feel extra special. With all of the things our pooches do for us, loving them back is the least we can do!!
