Dog bite prevention is one thing that all dog owners should know all about!
Dogs are one of the most beloved creatures on the planet. They are known for their loyalty, affection, and playful demeanor. However, dogs can also be quite dangerous, especially if they are not properly trained or socialized. Each year, millions of people are bitten by dogs, many of whom require medical attention. In this blog post, we will discuss how to avoid an attack and what to do if you are bit by an animal.
DOG BITE PREVENTION
Dog bite prevention is important for ANY dog owner, not just a dog that has a bite record.
Any dog can demonstrate good behavior every single day, but get afraid when they feel threatened. Dogs bite when owners may least expect it. Most dog bites can also be
There are many things you can do to prevent your pupper from biting someone.
Proper socialization is one of the most important things you can do to prevent your dog from biting. Socialization means exposing your dog to a variety of people, places, and experiences in a positive way so that they learn to cope with new situations without feeling scared or threatened.
You should also provide your dog with basic obedience training. Obedience training will help your pup to understand what you expect from them and give them the confidence to follow your commands.
Let’s dive in to more solutions for how to prevent dog bites.
WHAT ARE THE TOP CAUSES OF DOG BITES?
Most dog bites are caused by fear or anxiety. Dogs may feel threatened by unfamiliar people, other animals, an unfamiliar pup, a young child, small puppies, or new environments. They may also become defensive if they perceive that their food, toys, or territory is being threatened.
Common causes of dog bites include:
Lack of socialization
Lack of obedience training
Pain or illness
Fear of young children
Fear of being around other dogs
Loud noises
Someone getting invasive with dog’s space
Most dogs will give off body language to imply that they are uncomfortable with a situation before growling. Body language is one of the key indicators a family or dog owner can use to prevent a bite from happening.
DOG BEHAVIOR AND COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR BODY BEFORE DOG BITES
All animal owners should learn to read their dog’s body language so they can prevent their dog from feeling scared or threatened. Common signs that a dog is feeling scared or threatened include:
Hiding behind the owner
Trying to get away from the person or animal
Lying down with their belly up
Ears pulled back
Tail between their legs
Whimpering or barking
Growling
Lip licking
Showing teeth
Freezing in place
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to remove your dog from the situation immediately. Ignoring these signs can result in a bite.
Many times, a pup will get uncomfortable with direct eye contact. It can help prevent a dog bite if you avoid direct eye contact with a pup that you do not know.
If your own pup is nervous, you can even practice avoiding eye contact with your dog, gently getting down to their level and showing them that you are not there to hurt them but to protect them.
Avoid petting them with any fast movements, and continue to avoid eye contact while slowly allowing them to come around. Responsible dog ownership is knowing that your pup is the only one that can prevent dog bites in most situations.
Remember, any dog has the potential to bite so it’s important to be prepared and know what to do if you find yourself in a situation where a dog is feeling threatened.
Some dogs have a hard time understanding the behavior of a puppy. Puppies are playful by nature and often unaware of their size. They may also jump, nip, or mouth people in an attempt to play.
Even if your dog has no bite record or history and is great with familiar dogs, it is important to be cautious when they are playing with a pet that is much younger than them. Everyday activities for an adult or senior dog can seem intense and high-strung when a young dog is involved.
YOUNG CHILDREN AND PREVENTING DOG BITES
Dogs can have a hard time interpreting the body communication language of children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Humane Society, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites every year in the U.S., and it’s believed this estimate is low.
Unfortunately, children are common victims of being bitten by dogs. And, in addition, many dog owners also have children living in the same home.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance that your dog and child both understand how to live as a cohesive family.
TEACH YOUR CHILD TO INTERACT WITH YOUR DOG APPROPRIATELY
Many bites happen because children are inappropriately interacting with dogs. Children get bitten because first the child might do something aggravating to the dog over months and months, sometimes even years.
Therefore, it is crucial to teach your children to interact appropriately with your pet.
A child should never:
Approach a dog they don’t know without permission
Hug or kiss when the pet doesn’t expect it
Pull ears or tail
Climb on or kick
Hit, kick, or scream at any pet
Bother a sleeping, eating, or sick animal
Lay on top of
Grab by the tail
Put their face close to face or head
Pull on ears or tail
Disturb while eating, drinking, playing with a toy, or sleeping
Try to take food away from them
Play inside the kennel with them
Kids are capable of learning safety when a parent or guardian is willing to teach them what it looks like to respect their pet.
TEACH YOUR DOG TO INTERACT IWTH YOUR CHILD APPROPRIATELY
Just like it is important that kids respect their animals, it is equally important that you teach the animal rules of safety while they are in the vicinity of a child.
No jumping
No playing with ropes/tug toys as it is easy for the animal to accidentally bite the child instead of the toy when playing
No playing with food or toys around the child
No taking food away from the child
Sit/down when greeting a child
Be gentle when taking treats
Walk calmly on a leash past a child
Never put their face close to the child’s face
Leave an area if they are feeling uncomfortable or scared (have a strong stay/off command)
If overly excited, spend some time in their crate to maintain calm behavior
INTRODUCING A KID TO AN ANIMAL
A pup that is not used to being around children, or any new person for that matter, can become startled and defensive if they feel like their personal space is being invaded. It is important to introduce your pet to a child gradually and allow them to get used to the smell, sounds, and movement of a child before expecting them to be okay with close interaction.
When you are first introducing your pet to a child, it is important that the introduction takes place in a quiet area without too much commotion. Allow the child to approach the animal while maintaining a calm demeanor. If
DON’T LEAVE YOUR KIDS AROUND DOGS BY THEMSELVES
You should also never leave a small child unsupervised with any dog, even if the pup is friendly. Dogs can become defensive when children get too close to their food or toys, or if they feel like the child is invading their space.
MY DOGGO IS NERVOUS AROUND DOGS
If you have a pup that is fearful of an unknown dog or new animals, it is still possible to avoid and prevent bites.
Some dogs will simply not enjoy socialization activities where there are a lot of new dogs such as parks or beaches. If this is the case with your dog, it’s best to provide other outlets for socialization such as hikes, smells and finding the right outlet for your specific dog’s needs and breed.
SOCIALIZATION IDEAS FOR A NERVOUS DOG
Even if your own pup does not demonstrate aggressive behavior, he or she may be nervous around others. Finding an outlet for them to get their energy out without feeling uncomfortable is crucial. Here are some ideas:
Sniffing Activities: This can be done on a leash or in an enclosed area. All you need is some tasty treats and patience! Let your pup take their time to smell around and get used to the new smells. Try not to move too fast or make sudden movements as this may startle them.
Scented Toys: You can purchase special toys that come with a scent. This can help your pup feel more comfortable around other pup by getting them used to the smell. Tug of War: Playing tug of war is a great way to get your pup’s energy out without having to be in close proximity to other pups.
Hide and Seek: Hiding treats around the house or in your backyard is a great way to keep your pup’s mind active. This is also a good way to get them used to new smells if you are hiding the treats in different areas each time.
Remember, socialization is key for preventing dog bites! Dogs that are not properly socialized are more likely to bite out of fear or anxiety. If you are unsure about your dog’s socialization level, consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
There are also many management tools that can help prevent bites from occurring such as muzzle training, body harnesses, and head collars.
If you are experiencing a dog bite where dogs require medical attention, immediately wash the wounds, avoid if it is a potentially dangerous situation and if anybody is severely injured, and always seek medical care for ANY bites.
In the intricate tapestry of canine behavior, fear aggression in dogs emerges as a complex and often misunderstood facet. Dogs, inherently social beings, can exhibit aggression rooted in fear when confronted with perceived threats or anxiety-inducing situations. You may have experienced this with a puppy suddenly acting fearful or defensive!
This form of aggression is a poignant expression of a dog’s attempt to cope with overwhelming fear, manifesting in defensive behaviors that range from growling and barking to more overt displays of aggression. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a result of ‘stubbornness’ or ‘dominance’.
Fear aggression can be directed at people, other dogs, or animals. It can also be generalized, which means the dog is afraid of anything and everything.
This post aims to:
Understand why fearful dogs can act aggressive
Address puppy fear stages (and how they can impact future aggressive traits)
How to properly train, manage, and socialize dogs to avoid fear aggression
What Causes Fear Aggression in Dogs?
The most common cause of this behavior is a lack of socialization during the critical period (between 3 and 12 weeks old).
This is when puppies should be exposed positively to as many different people, animals, and situations as possible so they learn to cope with new things and don’t become fearful. However, many pet owners make the mistake of flooding puppies with these experiences and disregarding their emotional state while it’s happening.
For example, a timid puppy brought to a dog park and hides under a bench the whole time quickly learns that other dogs are scary! This is not a good experience and can result in defensiveness as the puppy grows.
Other causes of fear aggression include prior traumatic experiences, such as being attacked by another animal or being abused. Fear aggression can also be caused by health problems, such as brain damage or an injury that makes the dog sensitive to pain.
Fear aggression is a serious problem because it can lead to bites and other injuries. It can also make it difficult for the dog to be around people or other animals. This can make their life (and yours) very stressful!
Not all is lost, however! Many of us have had or worked with timid, fearful dogs and there are things you can do to help.
Fear Aggression is a Compounding Problem
In most cases, dogs that show aggression are doing so after a history of displaying more subtle signs of discomfort. By the time it gets to the point when we humans take notice, it’s gone too far.
Dogs give such subtle signals of distress that they can be easy to miss, or mistake for other emotions! Here are some examples of clues dogs give us that they are uncomfortable (and may escalate to aggression):
Ears are pinned back
Tense body
Hunched posture
Avoidance and hiding
Lifting lips/showing teeth
Tail tucked
Shaking
Skittishness
Growling and grumbling
Nipping or snapping
If a dog has a high-value food item and you try to take it away, they may initially react by cowering or lifting their lips. But if you ignore these signals and begin to take those items away (and punish the dog for showing teeth), the behavior often escalates to bites and severe aggression.
Dog aggression does not happen overnight. Many dogs will demonstrate one small behavior at the first sign of discomfort.
It is for this reason that many pet owners will say their dog “bit somebody out of the blue” or “snarled and lunged, but that’s not like him!” With certainty, we know those dogs had body language leading up to becoming aggressive. Their communications had been ignored.
What is the Difference Between Aggression and Fear Aggression?
Aggression and dangerous behaviors caused by fear are closely related. It can be hard to draw a line between the two! However, there are some forms of aggression caused by health problems, genetics, hormones, and overall temperament that have nothing to do with fear.
It is important to work with a highly qualified dog trainer if your dog is exhibiting dangerous reactivity and behaviors.
How Aggression Builds in Dogs
When dogs feel threatened, they react. For example, most humans are very frustrated by other people who cut in line or steal their food out of the employee break room.
Depending on the day, and the history of these occurrences in the past, humans may react to these situations with empathy and understanding, or anger and aggression. Dogs are not much different!
This ladder demonstrates that dogs do not just wake up one day and decide to bite. Instead, they travel through a known escalation of signs and signals before eventually snapping.
Common Triggers of Aggression in Dogs
Dogs experience fear and aggression for all sorts of different reasons. There are certain situations or “triggers” commonly seen for dogs. Take a look at this list and evaluate your pet. How many of these triggers are present in their life?
Interactions with people of all kinds
Interactions with unfamiliar dogs or dogs in general
A stressful or chaotic environment (such as the Farmer’s Market or an elementary school at recess)
How many of those triggers could be reduced, or better managed?
You may not fully understand what your dog is afraid of or why, but if they are fearful, it’s up to you to protect them and prevent their behavior from escalating.
Some great examples of ways to prevent fearful behavior and aggression in dogs include:
Walking in quiet areas or during the day when less people and dogs are around
Observing scary or chaotic environments from a distance
Teaching children how to properly interact with dogs
Working with a certified Fear Free Veterinarian
Is All Aggression in Dogs Caused by Fear?
There are many reasons for scary and aggressive behavior in dogs and no, they aren’t all related to fear.
Some other reasons that dogs can show aggressive behavior include:
In addition to speaking with your veterinarian to resolve health problems, we recommend feeding a correct diet, reducing stress and anxiety with mental enrichment, and working with a good dog trainer to address and treat behavior problems.
How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog
A lack of socialization can seriously impact a dog’s behavior. While the key socialization window is in puppies from birth to 3 months, all dogs benefit from socialization throughout life!
We will touch on socializing puppies to prevent aggression below. If you need to socialize an aggressive dog, start here!
Start Gradually: Introduce the dog to new people, animals, and environments in a controlled and gradual manner.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats or praise, reinforcing positive associations with social situations.
Professional Guidance: Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to create a customized socialization plan.
Desensitization: Expose the dog to triggers at a distance and gradually decrease the distance as they become more comfortable.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent socialization routine, ensuring positive experiences to build the dog’s confidence over time.
When socializing puppies, look for the following key experiences. Remember to keep exposure positive, fun, and rewarding! If your puppy seems nervous, take a step back. Look for ways to build their confidence around scary things (including the veterinarian). Use treats, praise, and play to make these experiences fun!
Walk around on different textures such as grass, sand, and gravel
Explore water such as puddles, kiddie pools, and ponds (with clean water)
Touch your puppy all over. Brush their teeth, and praise them for letting you examine them.
Play the sound of fireworks on your phone, and have treats magically appear after the sound is heard (fireworks predict treats)
Visit a park and watch children and dogs from afar
Have short, supervised play sessions with dogs that are known for being gentle and safe with puppies
Avoid leash tension! (More on this below)
How Leash Tension Causes Dogs to Become Leash Reactive
Cute puppies get by with a LOT.
By that, I mean, many owners will put their puppy in a harness and let it bounce, pull, and lunge around on walks. Puppies are excited and direct their enthusiasm into their leash.
Over time, the puppy learns that there is a lot of tension associated with being out in the world. This is especially true if they pull to greet humans and other dogs.
Think about this logically for a moment.
For a more mature dog, what does that same tension mean? That sensation can be frustrating and dare I say, anxiety-inducing!
Instead of letting your puppy lunge around in a harness and learn bad leash manners, use a long leash to explore a field. Then take an AKC Star Puppy Class and learn how to install positive leash skills around other dogs.
Puppy Fear Stages
Puppy fear stages, also known as fear periods, are developmental phases during a puppy’s early life where they may exhibit heightened sensitivity and apprehension towards new stimuli.
These stages typically occur at key points in a puppy’s growth, often between 8-11 weeks and around 6-14 months. During these periods, puppies may become more cautious, startle easily, or be reluctant to engage with unfamiliar people, objects, or environments.
The reasons behind these fear stages are rooted in the puppy’s instinct for survival and self-preservation. It’s believed that these stages coincide with crucial developmental milestones, including brain and sensory system maturation.
To support a puppy through these developmental milestones, owners should provide positive exposure to new experiences, people, and surroundings. Gentle socialization, using treats and praise to reinforce positive behavior, and avoiding forceful or punitive measures can help build a puppy’s confidence and reduce fear-based responses.
Consistent, patient, and positive interactions during these stages contribute to a well-adjusted and resilient adult dog.
Chronic Pain & Aggression in Dogs
A dog who is in pain might begin to show behavioral problems. If you have ever been in pain, you might remember how short-tempered it made you!
Dogs who are typically well-mannered and have positive behaviors that suddenly begin to demonstrate aggression might be experiencing pain.
Hip Dysplasia or bad teeth are common reasons pets become more nippy and unstable than usual. Dogs with ongoing health problems related to kidney or heart disease may also have a short fuse.
If you think your dog’s sudden aggression might be due to pain, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. We recommend ruling this out first anytime your pet isn’t being themselves.
For L/XL dogs, we recommend clinically backed joint support; this can be helpful for pets living with chronic joint pain! Talk to your veterinarian.
Dominance aggression in dogs refers to aggressive behaviors displayed by a dog attempting to assert control over a person, another animal, or a particular situation. People often refer to these dogs as “alpha”, implying that they are a leader.
It is essential to understand that the concept of dominance in dog behavior has been debated among experts, and some believe that the term may not accurately describe canine behavior.
If we look at our current scientific understanding of animal behavior, we now know that dogs are not always trying to assume the dominant position. However, this misunderstood concept still has a strong-hold in the community.
That’s not to say that dominance in dogs doesn’t exist, though! Like humans, dogs will position themselves for the best access to resources. These resources might include attention, food, toys, treats, or a spot on the couch.
Traditionally, dog trainers have approached rude ‘dominance’ behaviors with harsh punishment. Several wacky theories have even surfaced, surmising that owners can get control of their pets by biting their ears, jabbing them in the neck, or eating food first (while the pet watches).
This outdated methodology is known to cause and increase aggression and is no longer a gold standard approach for pushy pets.
If you have a dominant dog, look for ways to provide them safe access to resources while establishing good boundaries. Use positive reinforcement training to encourage the correct behavior, and don’t let them have free will to do as they please.
This may mean changing your routine.
Don’t let a “dominant” or pushy dog be rude to other dogs. Say “uh-oh” and remove them from play.
If your alpha dog is guarding resources (such as a couch), don’t give them access to those things
Establish boundaries in your home. Rude dogs should not be allowed free roam.
How to Help a Fearful Dog
If you think that your dog is displaying signs of fear aggression, there are things that you can do with your dog to help their fearful behavior.
1. Create a Safe Space
Designate a quiet and comfortable area where the dog can retreat when feeling scared.
Provide a cozy bed, toys, and water to create a positive association with the safe space.
2. Gradual Exposure
Introduce new people, environments, and stimuli gradually and in a controlled manner.
Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior during exposure, reinforcing positive associations.
3. Positive Reinforcement
Reward confident and relaxed behavior with treats and affection to build the dog’s confidence.
Avoid punishment, as it can intensify fear and anxiety.
4. Desensitization
Gradually expose the dog to fear-inducing stimuli at a distance and slowly decrease the distance as the dog becomes more comfortable.
Patience is key; progress may take time, and each dog will respond differently.
5. Professional Assistance
Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for a personalized plan.
Professionals can provide guidance, assess the dog’s fears, and offer effective strategies for overcoming fear-based behaviors.
It is always best to seek a qualified professional when it comes to a dog that is fear aggressive. Fear aggressive dogs can be unpredictable. Fearful dogs are not bad dogs, but they can be dangerous if not properly trained.
Why do dogs yawn? A dog yawn usually has a very different meaning than a person yawning.
Humans yawning usually implies that they are sleepy. Dogs yawning however is a sign of many different emotions such as: stress, anxiety, boredom, fear or even when they are trying to calm themselves down.
So next time your dog yawns think about what emotion he may be feeling, depending on what situation you and your pup are in in that current moment.
WHY DO DOGS YAWN?
A dog yawn can happen for several reasons, including when they are sleepy, but also when they are stressed, anxious, bored or even when they are trying to calm themselves down.
A dog who is experiencing anxiety or stress may demonstrate the following:
Ears back
Tail tucked
Yawning repeatedly
An occasional yawn at an uncomfortable time
Lip smacking
Wide eyes (whale eyes)
If you have noticed these signs in your pet repeatedly, your pet may be feeling anxious and need your help working through their confidence in certain situations. Working with your dog on balanced and respectful training can help them become confident in many situations.
Normally, a dog will nap two to three times a day for short periods and sleep 12 to 14 hours out of every 24.
However, some breeds require more sleep than others. For example, herding dogs like Australian shepherds or border collies may need up to 18 hours of sleep each day.
If your dog is not getting adequate rest, or sleeping on a bed that supports them and provides proper rest, their brain will eventually begin to feel exhausted.
You might notice your dog’s yawn as you enter a place that has other dogs that he is not familiar with. This yawn may be a key clue that your dog is yawning because he is uncertain about those other dogs.
Or, your dog may start to yawn as he begins to recognize the parking lot of the vet as you pull in for his vaccines. This example shows that your dog is uncomfortable with the veterinarian office and doesn’t want to see the vet that day.
Imagine after a long day of doing nothing and you start to notice your dog yawning.
One yawn, two yawns, three yawns! Your dog just keeps on yawning.
Sometimes, when a dog yawns because they are bored, they let out a loud noise with their yawn. This noise sort of serves as a ‘lets go do something, I’m so bored’, type of communication.
If your dog’s body language shows boredom, or eagerness to play a game, go for a walk, or get some food, then it is likely that they are yawning because they are bored.
A DOG MIGHT YAWN WHEN THEY ARE AFRAID
Have you ever seen a dog at the shelter who is trying to make themselves small in their kennel and they keep yawning?
When a dog is afraid, their body releases adrenaline and cortisol- also known as the fight or flight response.
Yawning is one way that dogs try to release some of this built up energy when they are feeling scared.
Socializing your dog often in healthy situations is important that they are not afraid of new situations and people.
DOG YAWNS TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER DOGS
When a dog yawns, it is often considered a sign of dog communication.
Dogs yawn to show that they are not a threat and to communicate that they do not want any trouble.
In some cases, a dog may yawn when they meet another dog to show that they are friendly and non-threatening.
If you see your dog yawning around other dogs, it is likely that he is trying to communicate with other animals or a new dog. This is a completely normal way for your pup to show body language, and unless it is a ‘fear yawn’, it is perfectly normal behavior.
It simply means that a dog yawning COULD mean that this specific pup is anxious with that situation.
In turn, that owner should be responsible for helping their dogs through that situation, training them in confidence or helping them abort the situation altogether.
When a person neglects to help a dog through the first step of the ladder, the dog will resort to the second step of the ladder, and so on, and so forth.
A dog will almost never jump directly to the fourth step, or fifth, or top of the ladder. There are ALWAYS warning signs in a dogs body language of anxiety, stress, and fear in which a dog is trying to communicate.
Humans should be aware of a dog body language and what each step of the ladder implies and be willing to help their dog cope with their stress and anxiety, as it is a normal part of of a human and dogs life.
DOES A DOG YAWNING IMPLY A MEDICAL CONDITION?
On very rare occasions, a dog yawning can imply an underlying medical condition.
For example, if your dog is displaying other strange behaviors like pacing, circling, whining, or barking for no reason and yawning excessively, he may be experiencing pain.
Acid reflux can ocassionally cause excessive yawning or lip licking because of the pressure it puts on the esophagus.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take him to see a veterinarian and seek the appropriate steps.
EAR INFECTIONS AND YAWNING IN DOGS
A yawning dog may also have an ear infection because of the pain and itchiness in their ears that comes along with the condition. Typically this form of your dog’s yawns will be associated with head shaking and/or scratching.
Xymox is our absolute FAVORITE cleanser if your Great Dane has yeast or inflammation in its ears.
If your dog is displaying any of these behaviors, it is best to take him to the vet for a check-up.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED WHEN MY DOG IS YAWNING?
Overall, when a dog is yawning, it is usually just because they are tired, stressed, bored , or trying to communicate with other dogs.
The calming signals that a dog may use when experiencing stress are different than that of a person. Yawning behavior can be indicative of anxiety and stress, whereas when humans yawn it is mostly just because they are tired.
However, if your dog is yawning excessively and displaying other abnormal behaviors, it may be time for a vet visit to rule out any possible medical conditions.
The great thing is that if you notice your dog demonstrating a consistent yawn as a calming signal during a stressful situation, you can seek help from a professional trainer to get the training that your pet needs to feel comfortable and confident in all of the life situations thrown their way.
There are many reasons why dogs might start fights with each other, including:
Possession aggression: This is when a dog becomes aggressive over something he perceives as his, such as a toy or a spot on the couch.
Territorial aggression: This is when a dog feels like his territory is being threatened and he becomes aggressive to protect it.
Fear aggression: This is when a dog is afraid of something and lashes out in aggression in order to protect himself.
Redirected aggression: This is when a dog is feeling aggressive about something but can’t get to the object of his aggression, so he redirects it onto another dog.
Now that you know some of the reasons why dogs might fight, let’s look at how to stop dogs from fighting.
HOW TO STOP DOGS FROM FIGHTING: THE SECOND STEP IS MANAGEMENT
The first step in management is understanding what sets your dogs off and trying to avoid those situations.
POSSESSION AGGRESSION
If you have an aggressive dog who gets more agitated when they are around toys, items, bones, or food, they might have possession aggression or food aggression. This is often called resource guarding.
Dogs involved with a dog fight involving being possessive might initially appear relaxed and then suddenly start growling or snapping when someone comes too close to their prized possession.
To help manage a dog with possession aggression:
Make sure there are enough toys, bones, and food so that each dog has their own.
Do not allow children to take away a toy from a dog; instead teach them to trade the dog for something else such as a treat.
If your dogs start fighting over an item, do not try to intervene yourself; instead, use a loud noise (such as clapping your hands) to startle them and make them drop the item.
TERRITORIAL AGGRESSION
Dogs who become aggressive when someone enters their home or yard might have territorial aggression.
To help your dog with possession aggression, you can:
Give them their own toys that they can keep in their own space
Feed them in separate areas or in crates so they don’t feel the need to protect their food
Avoid leaving bones or other chew items where other dogs can get to them
Teach him a “welcome” command so he knows that it’s okay for people to come in
Keep him on a leash when visitors come over so you know that he will not approach them
Crate train so that your dog feels safe as well as other people feel safe in the same room as your dog
Fear aggression is common in many dogs. Most dogs are afraid of at least something, if not all dogs.
Your dog could be afraid of the silliest things, like the sound of the vacuum cleaner or a plastic bag.
Other dogs might be afraid of more serious things, such as men with beards or people in hats.
Younger dogs often start off afraid of their own shadows, and need socialized to understand what validates fear and what does not.
The first step to helping your dog with fear aggression is to find out what he’s afraid of and try to avoid those situations while you are working on building confidence.
If you can’t avoid the situation, then you need to help your dog learn to cope with his fear. This can be done through desensitization and counterconditioning.
REDIRECTED AGGRESSION:
Redirected aggression happens when a dog is feeling aggressive about something but can’t get to the object of his aggression, so he redirects it onto another dog.
For example, if your dog is barking at the neighbor’s dog through the fence and the neighbor’s dog starts barking back, your dog might become so agitated that he turns around and bites you.
Do not put your dog in a situation where he is likely to be aroused by something but unable to get to it.
If you see that your dog is getting aroused by something, try to redirect his attention with a toy or treat.
Make sure that you are not inadvertently rewarding your dog for being aggressive by giving him attention when he is acting aggressively.
DOGS FIGHTING IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY
Dogs who are fighting can cause serious injuries to each other, as well as to people who try to break up the fight. It’s important to understand what might be causing your dogs to fight so that you can prevent future fights from happening. There are four main types of aggression in dogs: possession aggression, territorial aggression, fear aggression, and redirected aggression.
Possession aggression is when a dog becomes aggressive when someone tries to take away their toy or food.
Redirected aggression happens when a dog is feeling aggressive about something but can’t get to the object of his aggression, so he redirects it onto another person or animal.
Territorial aggression is when a dog becomes aggressive when someone enters their home or yard.
Fear aggression is when a dog becomes afraid of something and redirects his fear onto another person or animal.
WHAT DOES A STRESSED DOG LOOK LIKE?
A stressed dog might:
Pace
Shake or tremble
Pant excessively
Yawn
Lick his lips
Avoid eye contact
Have a “half-moon” eye (whites of the eyes are showing)
Ears may be back or flat against the head
Tail may be down, between the legs, or wagging low and fast
Body may be stiff
If your dog is demonstrating any of the above signs, they might be stressed, even if they are not demonstrating all of them.
Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.raynaPhoto credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna
Dog owners should be intuitive with their own dogs in order to identify underlying anxiety and their dogs stressors so that they can prevent dog fights in the first place.
WHAT DOES A MORE CONFIDENT DOG LOOK LIKE?
Some dog owners think that the most confident dog is the most dominant dog.
That is just not true.
The ‘pack leader’ will demonstrate calm behavior, a relaxed posture, and slow movements.
A confident dog is not afraid to make eye contact and will have a soft body with a natural wagging tail.
Confident dogs are not the ‘weaker dog’. They are not necessarily the older dog either.
The confident dogs will be able to help other dogs feel calm and comfortable by picking up on their cues.
Dogs who are comfortable with their situation will display:
Relaxed body
Loose ears
Relaxed tail
Happy to make eye contact
Happy to approach other dogs but also give space when needed
Not impacted when new people come into the dogs environment
Can happily be in the same house and same room as other dogs or a new dog
HOW TO STOP DOG FIGHTS INVOLVING GUARDING PEOPLE
Sometimes two dogs will get into a dog fight when one dog gets possessive over another dog while trying to ‘protect’ their owner or a person.
The first step in preventing this type of dog fight is to never put yourself in the middle of two dogs who are fighting.
If you try to break up a dogfight, you could get bitten by one or both dogs. The best way to break up a dog fight is to distract the dogs with loud noises or spray them with water. Once the dogs are distracted, you can move them away from each other.
WHY DO MANY DOGS GUARD THEIR OWNERS?
Many dogs will act aggressive if another dog comes too close to their owner.
Some dog owners consider this as a form of protection. They try to label this action as heroic: their dog is protecting them and even willing to fight other dogs to ‘protect them’.
Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
If a dog is acting aggressive when another dog comes nearby its dog owner, this is not heroic, but rather called guarding.
Dogs growling or raising their hackles at another dog for ANY reason shouldn’t be praised.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG IS GUARDING ME?
Identifying your dogs stressors is the first step.
If you know that your dogs triggers lies with the moment another dog approaches you, start by asking other dog owners to give your dog a wide berth.
This will help your dog feel more comfortable and less anxious. If you have friends with dogs, ask if they can help you out by not coming too close to you when your dog is around.
You can also work on desensitizing, socializing and counterconditioning your dog to other dogs being around you.
Start with having another person stand far away from you while you feed your dog his favorite treats. We recommend using a treat bag.
As he gets used to this, the person can move closer little by little until they are close enough to pet your dog without him feeling uncomfortable.
It’s important that during this training process, everyone involved ignores the fact that there is another dog present.
This means no talking to or looking at the other dog, even if he’s being well-behaved.
The goal is for your dog to associate the presence of other dogs with good things happening, instead of feeling anxious or stressed.
When your dog is comfortable with this exercise, you can start adding in movement by having the person walk around you while you are standing still.
Once your dog is doing well with that, you can move on to having the person walk past you while you are walking in the opposite direction.
Remember to go slowly and only increase the difficulty of the exercise when your dog is completely comfortable and not showing any signs of stress.
If at any point during these exercises your dog becomes anxious or stressed, you are moving too fast and need to immediately separate dogs and go back to the previous step.
It is important to never force your dog into any situation that he is not comfortable with.
Forcing a dog into a situation that causes him stress will only make his guarding behavior worse.
MY DOGS FIGHT WHEN THERE IS FOOD INVOLVED
Food is a very big trigger for dogs, and can continue to be so for a majority of some dog’s life.
Many instances of dogs fighting is related to when dogs are eating meals, treats, bones, or anything similar.
Many dog owners do not realize that food can be one of the biggest of dogs triggers to an otherwise calm dog becoming a ‘more aggressive dog’. Even dogs who are generally even-keeled can become uncomfortable with another dog getting into their space when they are eating.
TIPS FOR ELIMINATING ISSUES WITH FOOD
It is best to feed dogs in separate areas, especially if they are not used to being around each other.
If you have a multi-dog household, we recommend getting an extra food bowl and feeding station so that each dog can eat in his own space.
Crate training is an especially excellent tool to help more than two dogs stop fighting while eating. Crates help manage mealtime and feed dogs separately and safely.
This will help reduce the chances of your dogs fighting over food.
In cases where one dog consistently steals food from another dog, it is best to get a puzzle toy or slow feeder bowl to give the ‘stealer’ dog something else to do with his time besides trying to steal food.
Puzzle toys and slow feeders are a great way to keep any dog occupied and out of trouble!
DO NOT STEAL YOUR DOGS FOOD OR PUT YOUR HAND IN YOUR DOGS BOWL
Some training methods, especially in the ‘alpha‘ or ‘pack leader training’ methods will recommend that you steal your dogs food or put your hand in his bowl while he is eating as a way to show him that you are the ‘pack leader’.
This is an outdated and dangerous method that can cause your dog to become aggressive towards you or other dogs.
We do not recommend this method under any circumstances.
Instead, if your one dog is acting stressed around food, make sure to associate yourself with the ADDITION of positive treats/food. When you walk past your dog, throw a treat in his bowl or drop a few next to him so he associates you with something good happening.
Guarding food is a very natural behavior for dogs, and one that should not be punished.
In summary: apply these tips with your dogs who demonstrate stress surrounding food when around other dogs, other animals, or other people:
Avoiding triggers that may cause your dog to become aggressive
Feeding dogs in separate areas or using puzzle toys/slow feeders if they tend to steal food from each other
Never stealing your dog’s food or putting your hand in his bowl (this could trigger aggression
By using the above tips, you can help your dogs feel more comfortable around each other and reduce the chances of them fighting.
SEEKING HELP WITH DOG TRAINING FOR FOOD AGGRESSION
In cases where a dog is truly food-aggressive and fights with other dogs over food, it is best to seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist who can help you safely modify your dog’s behavior.
Dogs fighting is a very serious issue that can lead to many problems, including but not limited to: severe injuries, the spread of disease, and even death.
If you have two dogs who are fighting, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating. There are an abundance of dog training resources that can help.
Fighting dogs can be a danger to themselves, each other, and any humans who try to break up the fight.
DOGS IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD FIGHTING
Dogs tend to fight with new dogs that they do not know already, but sometimes two or more dogs of the same pack can randomly begin to fight.
If you have two dogs or even three dogs in the same house, you will need to work hard to keep the peace with the house.
Multiple dogs in one household CAN get along in a peaceful way!
With obedience training, confidence building, and strong boundaries, your dogs can get along well under one roof.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
TIPS TO STOP FIGHTING WITH DOGS IN THE HOUSE
If your dogs fight with one another in the house, you can work to stop fighting with a few tips.
Crate train one dog or both dogs. This will give each dog his own space and help to prevent fighting.
Do not allow either dog on the furniture. This will help to create a hierarchy in the home and prevent fighting over resources.
Be sure to feed each dog in his own area and never leave food out where they can both get to it.
Make sure each dog has his own toys and do not allow them to play with the same toy at the same time.
Do not leave your dogs unattended.
Do not let kids or small children lay on top of your dog, pull the tail of your dog or interact with your dog unattended.
Plan ahead for when new dogs will visit.
Work with a dog trainer and animal behaviorist to help your dogs remain peaceful in the home.
MY DOG FIGHTS WITH NEW DOGS
If your dog fights with new dogs that it is unfamiliar with, it is likely because it is afraid but there are also other reasons:
Older Dog: Sometimes with an older dog, you might find that they no longer have the same interest as a younger dog to interact with dogs anymore.
Young Dog: Some young dogs have not been properly socialized and therefore might try to fight with new dogs.
Dog Parks: Dog parks can be a great place to socialize your dog, but they can also be a place where dogs fight. If you take your dog to the dog park, be sure to keep an eye on him at all times.
Barking: Dogs will often bark and lunge at other dogs when they are on a leash because they feel restrained and unable to escape. If your dog is barking and lunging at other dogs while on a leash, it is important to work with a professional trainer to help your dog overcome this behavior.
Reactivity: Reactivity is when a dog is overly sensitive to stimuli in its environment. Dogs who are reactive may bark, growl, lunge, or even bite in response to things that trigger their fear or anxiety. If your dog is reactive, it is important to work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to help your dog learn how to cope with the things that trigger its reactivity.
Fearful Dogs: Fearful dogs are often the ones who start fights with other dogs because they are trying to defend themselves. If your dog is fearful of other dogs, it is important to work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to help your dog overcome its fear.
Anxiety: Anxiety is a condition that can cause a variety of different behaviors in dogs, including aggression. If your dog is anxious, it is important to work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to help your dog learn how to cope with its anxiety.
Depending on the cause of the reactivity and aggression, most dogs if not all dogs can be rehabilitated and will be able to exist with any other dog without breaking out in fights.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING DOG BITES
The best way to prevent dog bites is to educate yourself and others about how to interact safely with dogs.
Here are some tips:
Never approach a dog you do not know, even if he seems friendly. Ask the owner first if it’s okay to pet the dog.
When meeting a new dog, let him sniff your closed hand before petting him.
Don’t bother a dog who is eating, sleeping, or playing with a toy.
Dogs can get jealous when you give attention to other dogs, so always ask the owner before petting another dog.
Never pull on a dog’s tail or ears, and never try to pick up a dog against his will.
Respect a dog’s personal space and do not invade it.
Never approach a strange dog from behind as this may startle him.
If you see a fight between two dogs, do not try to break it up yourself. Dogs can become aggressive when they are afraid or feel threatened, so it is best to call animal control or the police for help.
HELPING DOGS BE SUCCESSFUL ON LEASH
If you have worked with a dog trainer, you have probably heard that you should not let your dog interact with other dogs while on leash.
The reason being is that dogs on leash often feel threatened and anxious, which can lead to aggression.
However, there are ways that you can help your dog be successful when interacting with other dogs while on leash:
Make sure that your dog is well-socialized so that he knows how to interact appropriately with other dogs.
Be aware of your dog’s body language and look for signs of stress or anxiety. If you see these signs, it is best to move away from the other dog.
Ensure that your dog has a good foundation of obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. This will help you keep control of your dog if he does become excited or reactive around another dog.
Do not approach other dogs on leash or let the two dogs interact with one another while on leash.
Participate in on leash walks where the dogs do not interact, but rather learn how to exist with one another without playing, lunging or biting.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG ATTACKS ANOTHER DOG
First and foremost, if your dog attacks another dog, it can be very scary.
Try not to panic.
Also, do not try to separate fighting dogs, especially with your hands.
Try to make loud noises and get the dogs’ attention by spraying them with water from a hose or throwing objects near them.
Only once the dogs have stopped fighting should you try to separate them.
Then, take your dog to the vet for a check-up, even if he seems fine.
Afterward, make sure to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist to help you and your dog work through any issues that may have caused the aggression.
It is also important to talk to your veterinarian about what happened and ask for their advice on how to prevent it from happening again in the future including asking them if they have any recommendations for fear training and obedience training. Your vet might have great suggestions for a certified professional dog trainer.
Dogs are complex creatures and there can be many different reasons why they fight with other dogs. However, by understanding the causes of aggression and working on prevention.
Some parents like to be prepared with items such as loud horns, dog versions of pepper spray, or other tools in case their dog ever gets into a fight with another dog.
If you choose to carry any of these items, make sure to familiarize yourself with how to use them before you need to use them in an emergency situation.
Remember, the best way to prevent your dog from fighting with another dog is to be proactive and understand the causes of aggression. If you can identify the triggers for your dog’s aggression, you can work on prevention and management so that your dog can live a happy and healthy life.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG GETS ATTACKED
If your dog gets attacked, do not forget to get the contact information from the owner of the attacker.
Not only is it important for potential vet bills, but you will want to verify that their dog is up to date on its vaccines.
Next, try to get to the vet immediately. Getting to the veterinarian immediately is important because your dog will need to be checked for injuries, given a round of antibiotics to prevent infection, and possibly have x-rays taken if there are any broken bones.
If your dog has been attacked by another dog, it is important to take some time to understand what may have caused the attack.
It is also important to work on prevention so that it does not happen again in the future.
There are many different resources available to help you do this including books, online articles, and even working with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
While an attack can be frightening, it is important to remember that most dogs do not want to hurt other dogs and that with some training and understanding, you can help your dogs stay safe.
MY MALE DOG IS AGGRESSIVE
Male dogs can be aggressive for many different reasons.
Some male dogs are aggressive due to dominance, while others may be acting out because they are afraid or in pain.
Other males may have been poorly socialized as puppies or have a history of abuse or neglect.
If your male dog is displaying signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
In some cases, medication may be necessary in order to help your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable around other dogs. However, medication should always be a resort taken after training.
Some male dogs mount female dogs when they are over stimulated and this should be avoided. Keep your male dogs separately from female dogs if they are not spayed.
MY FEMALE DOG IS AGGRESSIVE
Female dogs are known more for fighting with dogs that are the same sex as themselves.
This is because females are often more territorial and want to protect their home and resources from other females.
However, any dog can be aggressive regardless of sex.
If your female dog is displaying signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
If your female dog is aggressive toward any other dog, work on setting intense boundaries, crate training and seeking help from a balanced trainer.
MY DOG HAS SEPARATION ANXIETY
Separation anxiety is a type of anxiety that occurs when a dog is away from their owner.
This can be caused by many different things including prior abandonment, neglect, or abuse. It can also be caused by dogs not being given enough independent time, which is why crate training is so important.
Dogs with separation anxiety often display signs of distress such as barking, howling, chewing, pacing, and destruction when left alone.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
Treatment plans for separation anxiety often include medication, crate training, and providing your dog with toys and bones that are only given to them when you leave the house.
With some time and patience, most dogs with separation anxiety can be cured and be confident being by themselves.
MY OLDER DOG IS SUDDENLY AGGRESSIVE
If you have an older dog that is suddenly demonstrating signs of aggressive behavior, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Older dogs can become aggressive due to many different things including pain, cognitive decline, and sensory issues.
Since dogs cannot talk, they sometimes resort to other forms of communication to express their pain. Their pain could be stemming from:
Once you have ruled out any medical causes, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
Treatment plans for older dogs that are suddenly aggressive often include medication, crate training, obedience training, and providing your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
With some time and patience, most older dogs that are demonstrating signs of aggression can be helped with these treatment plans.
IN CONCLUSION
There are many different reasons why dogs may become aggressive. However, with some patience and training, most dogs can be taught to control their aggression. If you are struggling to stop your dog from being aggressive, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog. With some time and effort, you and your dog can overcome this obstacle and have a happy and healthy life together. Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful. 🙂
If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with dog aggression, please leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you.
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