The Holiday season is upon us, and if you have a Great Dane or especially a puppy, you may be worried about how to dog proof your Christmas tree.
I don’t know about you, but the idea of Fido knocking over my beautiful decorations (and no doubt crushing some ornaments in the process) does NOT appeal to me!!! It is rather odd that we bring live trees into our home. They look beautiful to us, but to our dog, they smell interesting and look like something that needs to be peed on, chewed on, or destroyed.
So what is a Great Dane dog owner like yourself to do? Read this article, of course! We’re Dane owners, and we’ve totally been here. Let’s puppy-proof YOUR Christmas!
Our favorite training tips to keep the puppy away from the Christmas tree
Holiday decor alternatives that are safe for dogs
Management techniques to prevent your puppy from knocking the Christmas Tree over!
Get Creative with your Christmas Tree
Sometimes, you really just don’t want to deal with keeping your dog away from the Holiday tree! That is understandable.
Thankfully, some incredible people have come up with a few smart dog and kid-safe Christmas tree ideas that remove the problem while still being festive and fun!
For example, this 5ft tall flat LED Christmas Tree wall decoration take the place of a pine tree, and still looks very intentional and beautiful!
Check out this peel & stick Christmas Tree that can safely be used on almost any wall! Use this instead of a 3D Christmas tree if you are tight on space, don’t have time for the mess, or just need to not stress about your dog causing trouble.
Block the Christmas Tree
Sometimes, the best and easiest way to keep your dog away from the Christmas tree is to literally build a fence around it.
We’ve heard through the grapevine that Great Dane owners have tried everything from blocking it with vacuum cleaners (oooh, scary!) to surrounding it with chairs.
Enter the Amazon Basics Dog Pet System, which is 42″ tall (get the largest size!) and can be placed around your Christmas tree to keep your dog from well…making a mess.
This solution is especially great for dogs that like to knock things over, unwrap presents, and remove ornaments from the tree, too!
Train Your Dog to Leave the Christmas Tree Alone
Of course, all of the above solutions might take away from the Holiday magic of a beautiful tree and decorations in your home.
Enter…training. I know, I know – this one does take a little bit of effort but it’s well worth it!
There are two commands that help with keeping dogs away from the Christmas tree (and the Christmas cookies, and the presents…).
Those two commands are:
Leave it
Place
First, you are going to teach your Great Dane “LEAVE IT”, ideally before the tree comes into your home.
How to Teach “LEAVE-IT” to Great Danes
Hold 3-4 high-value treats in your hand. Allow your dog to sniff your hand but NOT to access the treats. As soon as your dog gets annoyed and moves its nose away from your hand, say “YES” and offer a treat (not from your hand, from a treat pouch).
Now, open your hand with the treats in it, and as soon as your dog lunges to grab them, snap your hand shut.
Wait, once again, for your dog to turn its head away from your hand, then mark with a “YES” and reward the behavior with a treat.
Repeat this process until your dog figures out (usually pretty quickly) that they are rewarded when the leave the treats in your hand (even when your hand is open)!
With practice, you can begin to say “LEAVE IT” and your dog will immediately look you, instead, because “Leave it” and ignoring high-value things results in treats and praise! Start teaching this behavior NOW so that you can apply it to the Christmas Tree.
Now that you can ask your dog to “LEAVE IT” when they approach the tree, you can also install a fail-proof system where your dog lays down on a mat and doesn’t get up until you tell them that they can.
I believe that all Great Danes should know the “PLACE” command. This way, your dog isn’t bugging the tree when you aren’t there to supervise.
Here is a great video from Kikopup on how to teach the “PLACE” or “BED” command.
How to Stop a Dog from Peeing on the Christmas Tree
Of course, you can do all of these things and still have problems with a dog that wants to pee on the Christmas tree.
These Christmas-themed dog Belly Bands come in Great Dane sizes, are washable, and can make marking less satisfying for your male dog, too.
How to Puppy Proof your Christmas Tree
Puppies are, of course, a whole other ballgame.
All of the above solutions will be helpful, with one major additional pro tip.
Allow your puppy to sniff and explore the tree, but make sure that having it in the home is no big deal and seems like just part of your routine! When you lead your young and impressionable puppy this way, they may learn that the tree is just another thing in the environment to ignore.
Puppies are, however, curious and tenacious creatures and in some ways, the Christmas tree may be unsafe for them! They can knock it over or take ornaments off the bottom that are dangerous for them.
You can always make it a point to only decorate the top half of your tree! This way, your puppy cannot grab any ornaments and run. Always supervise your puppy around the Christmas tree!
What other solutions have you found to dog-proof your Christmas tree?
There’s something uniquely special about Great Danes – they’re big, muscular dogs that are often referred to as the gentle giants of the canine world. But despite their docile appearance, many Great Danes are scared of everything!
Great Danes are not actually supposed to be timid or fearful, but unfortunately many of them are.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why these dogs might be so fearful and offer some tips for helping them overcome their fears.
Why Are Great Danes Timid?
Unfortunately, many people have come to believe that all Great Danes are timid and scared of everything, even if there is no real evidence to suggest this.
It’s true that some Great Danes may be more anxious or skittish than other dogs, but every dog responds differently to different situations.
Genetics can play a role in a dog’s temperament, and some Great Danes may inherit a predisposition to anxiety or fearfulness. Early socialization is critical for all dogs, and if a Great Dane doesn’t receive adequate exposure to different people, animals, and environments during their crucial developmental stages, they may become more apprehensive.
Additionally, traumatic experiences, such as loud noises or frightening encounters, can contribute to fear in Great Danes, as they can in any dog breed. It’s important for Great Dane owners to provide a supportive and nurturing environment, along with proper training and positive reinforcement, to help their dogs build confidence and overcome their fears.
The Great Dane Breed Standard
The Great Dane breed standard describes the ideal physical characteristics and temperament of a Great Dane, including their fearlessness.
If you look closely at the breed standard, you’ll find that “courage and vigilance” are some of the most important characteristics of this noble dog.
Here is a direct quote from the Great Dane Club of America’s written standard for Great Danes:
The Great Dane must be spirited, courageous, always friendly and dependable, and never timid or aggressive.
Fearful Great Danes Everywhere
So, if the written standard states that the Great Dane should be a confident, fearless, and friendly dog, why do so many people believe or notice otherwise?
There are several things that lead to this (which we will dig into below), but the biggest culprit driving the belief is social media.
People are sharing and normalizing these traits, and it’s having a significant impact on the public perception of Great Danes.
Have you ever seen somebody in a social media group who is upset or amused that their dog is terrified of strangers, objects, or even simple things such as a wrapped present?
Several dog owners will often chime in and say things such as:
“That’s just a Dane thing!”
“Totally normal! These dogs are such chickens!”
“Danes are afraid of everything, it’s just how they are.”
I hate to break it to you, but no, this is not a “Dane Thing” and no, Danes are not actually fearful timid chickens.
At least, they aren’t supposed to be.
Why is my Great Dane Afraid?
Below, I’m going to list the factors that contribute to fearful and anxious behavior in Great Danes. How many of these things can be avoided?
Genetic Predisposition
The genetics of temperament is not yet well understood, but there is enough research pointing to the fact that the pedigree strongly impacts fearfulness and poor behaviors in Great Danes.
Unfortunately, these dogs will also be more prone to bloat, a painful and extremely deadly condition in large and giant breed dogs. There are definitely genetic causes behind fearfulness, bloat, and temperament that need more research.
One of the best ways to avoid this occurring is to never support breeders that aren’t heavily invested in the genetic background, OFA health testing, structure, and health of the dogs being bred.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which a dog is raised has a tremendous impact on its behavior and fear levels. It is believed that dogs with a genetic predisposition to fearfulness, anxiety, and aggression may be more susceptible to damage caused by these factors.
This is why some dogs can experience traumatic events and still be calm, sweet, and loving while other dogs will become extremely reactive and fearful after a mild but stressful everyday occurrence (such as a veterinary visit or being left home alone).
Great Danes who are exposed to loud noises, sudden movements, or rough handling when they are young may be more likely to become fearful than those who are not. There is a huge difference between positive exposure to things in the environment, and flat-out scaring a puppy for life.
These environmental factors can include anything from thunderstorms to being scolded. For some dogs, hearing a loud car zoom by just once is enough to cause them to fear cars for life.
These dogs may also be more prone to developing separation anxiety and becoming overly attached to their owners, too.
Negative Experiences
Dogs living in shelters, or who have been rescued from situations such as puppy mills, often come with a multitude of behavioral issues. Some of this is because of the aforementioned genetic link, and some of it is because they weren’t offered the gentle, positive early socialization that they needed in life.
In some cases, the fear stems from past traumas or abuse. These experiences will stick with a dog and can cause them anxiety and fearfulness that they will live with for their whole lives.
A single dog attack, a bad experience with a child, or a yank of the leash on the neck can be enough to cause a dog to become fearful of certain people, animals, situations, and environments.
This is not to say we should coddle our dogs and prevent all forms of stress or potential negative experiences!
As a matter of fact, previous studies show that small amounts of stress can actually build confidence. It is important to be aware of our dog’s degree of fear and make sure to provide them with gentle guidance and encouragement when possible, not coddling.
Bad Dog Training Methods
This is one of the most commonly overlooked reasons why Great Danes are often scared of everything. When a dog is trained using punishment, fear, intimidation, or too much physical restraint it can become fearful and anxious.
Positive training techniques should always be used with Great Danes to ensure that their relationship with humans is based on trust and respect.
For modern, humane training methods, find a dog trainer who uses balanced + positive techniques focused on rewards, great experiences, and happy body language.
Even the most gentle, well-tempered dog is susceptible to this.
Therefore, it is important to teach the correct behavior and avoid excessive jerking, tension, or yanking when walking your dog; especially if they see another dog or human on the path nearby!
Communicating to your dog with vocal cues (such as “easy”, “with me”, or “look”) and rewarding that behavior is much more effective than relying on physical restraint and force. Pair this with the gentle on/off pressure from a properly fit prong collar to teach positive loose-leash walking skills.
Finally, dogs have an innate sense of body language that can greatly affect how they interpret a handler’s attitude. If their owner or handler is anxious or fearful, the dog will pick up on those emotions and become anxious as well. It is important to remain calm when handling Great Danes in order to communicate that there is nothing to fear.
Poor Socialization
A lack of socialization can cause Great Danes to develop fear and anxiety about new people, places, animals, and situations.
Bringing an overwhelmed, scared puppy into a pet store or around rude dogs in an uncontrolled situation (ehhh…the dog park) is not socialization; that is a bad experience. It’s important to advocate for your puppy.
Good breeders are using programs such as Puppy Culture and ENS to develop strong and resilient dogs by taking advantage of the early stages of development. Brain development in the first weeks of life is incredible and every experience that the puppy has at that stage can have a significant impact on temperament.
Giving Great Danes a good start in life with responsible breeding, positive training, and proper socialization methods should help prevent them from being scared of everything!
We’ve created a well-loved Great Dane puppy socialization guide for reference. You can view it here:
Last, but not least, we have to mention that pain and medical conditions (including thyroid disorders, arthritis, heart conditions, poor conformation, and even overgrown nails) can affect how a dog views and interacts with the world.
Your veterinarian can rule out any physical ailments or conditions that could be causing the fear response in your dog. Even something as simple as a change in diet can make a big difference in how a dog looks, feels, acts, and behaves!
Even puppies can be suffering from medical conditions and pain that cause them to be nervous, anxious, timid, frustrated, or aggressive.
Always talk to your veterinarian if your dog isn’t happy, healthy, energetic, and robust.
How do you Calm a Scared Great Dane?
If you have a fearful, timid, or reactive Great Dane, the key is to provide them with positive experiences.
Focus on building trust and strengthening your bond – working through a few simple obedience exercises (or learning new tricks) can be a great way to bond with your pup and give them something to focus their energy on.
It’s important to set up successful experiences for your dog, too. When a dog is practicing fearful and timid behavior on repeat, they are actually reinforcing (practicing and worsening) that behavior and those emotions.
Never coddle your dog, either! It’s important to recognize that your pup needs help, but it’s also important to be strong and confident in your leadership.
Many times, by showing confidence and calm indifference yourself, you can naturally deescalate the fear and anxiety that your dog is feeling.
Throw in a little bit of positive reinforcement and with time, your dog can learn that great things and opportunities are all around them. A quality training program can be the difference between a scared and timid pup, to an outgoing and confident dog.
A lot of people believe that a fearful dog can be “cured” with enough love and attention. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Dogs can learn to cope better and develop more confidence over time, but many times the fear is still likely to remain at some level. It’s important to remember that fear was an evolutionary adaptation for our dogs – in the interest of survival, it’s quite normal for them to be cautious of some things!
It’s our job as owners and guardians to help them learn to live with and cope with that fear, rather than trying to “cure” it away.
It’s also important that we stop spreading misinformation. It’s not a “Dane thing” to be fearful, unstable, and flighty.
Don’t Make This Mistake
Showing a dog something that they are scared to elicit a funny (read: fearful) reaction for social media is not cute.
This is extremely poor handling and is wildly unfair to dogs who aren’t sure how to cope with the world in a healthy way.
If you have a scared or anxious dog, know that you are not alone. Many other dog owners share your struggles!
Reach out to your veterinarian, an experienced trainer, and professional resources for help in working with and managing your pup’s behavior. Do some research into positive behavior modification techniques such as B.A.T. 2.0 by Grisha Stewart as well.
It can take time and patience to get to the bottom of why your pup is so scared, but doing so will be better for their health and happiness!
When I met my friend Natalie (we have littermates and started this blog together), I was a noisy card-carrying member of the ‘force-free’ dog training club. Both of us were anti-Purina and hated ‘big kibble’, too. I disliked breeders and believed only in rescue. Prong collars and E-Collars? NEVER.
Together, we wanted our blog to be rooted in ethics, not to mention current research, science, and methods.
What surprised me was learning just how much my mind began to change as I researched and shared information from legitimate scientific sources. The more studies I read and the more I learned, the farther I strayed from those original ideas I had about training, food, and breeding.
I have since revoked my membership to the force-free, kibble-hating, breeder-hating dog club.
As a science-backed blogger and dog advocate, here are 5 CONTROVERSIAL ways I raise my Danes. From nutrition to training, to E-Collars, I’m sharing it all!
We Don’t Rest After Meals
In the Great Dane community, it’s long been cited that resting before or after meals would prevent bloat.
(Bloat is a deadly condition in large and giant breed dogs where their stomach fills up with gas, fluid, or air. If the stomach flips, the prognosis is grim. This condition is often sudden and may result in death, quickly. There is no known trigger. However, there are known risk factors including genetics, unstable temperaments, and poor gut health).
However, during THIS STUDY at Tufts University, researchers found absolutely no correlation between exercise and bloat. The study indicated that most cases of bloat happen to dogs that are resting, not moving!
There was no correlation of bloat risk to exercise before or after eating, as most dogs bloated in the middle of the night with an empty, gas-filled stomach.
Tufts University Bloat Study
This is not to say that rest will kill a Great Dane. But we need to stop villifying movement and food, too.
There has never been a single study proving that movement caused bloat in dogs or that rest was a legitimate way to keep it from happening. As a matter of fact, bloat rates have increased dramatically in the last 30+ years despite ‘resting’ being cited as a preventative.
I hate to break it to you, but it’s not working.
While it may be smart to take it easy after meals to prevent indigestion or stretching the stomach ligaments out (which CAN lead to an increased risk of bloat over time), movement itself is not likely to be a trigger.
I don’t believe in the false sense of security that this old-school, outdated advice provides.
I Use a Prong Collar
Prong collars look awful. They are metal and pokey, which makes people assume that they work by being extremely painful.
Here is the actual reality:
A properly fit, high-quality Herm Sprenger prong collar is less aversive, less frustrating, and more humane than a front clip harness, “Gentle Leader”, or never getting to go out because of dangerous pulling and lunging behavior.
Why is this? Prong collars are built to distribute pressure evenly around the neck. This pressure does not hurt or pinch, but it is uncomfortable.
Coincidentally, the pressure from front-clip “no-pull” harnesses and “gentle leaders” is uncomfortable too. That’s why they work. The difference here is that the prong collar doesn’t rely on restricting movement.
“No-Pull” harnesses restrict shoulder movement and alter the dog’s gait, causing potential damage and pain to the front assembly and joints. “Gentle Leader” type head collars restrict neck and head movement and can potentially damage the eyes, nose, jaw, and spine.
Watch THIS video on YouTube to learn more. ⬅ One of the best parts about this video is that the dog’s body language immediately improves when the trainer removes the harness from her! The harness was causing suppression of her emotion and behavior; a common problem that people don’t notice or care to admit.
Prong collars do not harm dogs, suppress, or restrict them. The amount of pressure needed to communicate with one can be applied with a single finger. With proper training, the dog learns to remove this pressure by turning back to you for a reward.
The prong collar offers a simple, painless, on-off sensation that solves a LOT of problems for millions of people struggling with their dogs.
Look, these are GIANT breed dogs. Even the most well trained animal is stronger than most humans. Lunging, pulling, and reactivity are dangerous behaviors in Great Danes, and it’s not fair to lock them up for life because we cannot trust them to be polite, calm, and gentle on a leash.
As I mentioned above, I revoked my card to the anti-Purina club. I used to be a rabid hater of all things Purina. As far as I was concerned, Royal Canin was trash, and Hill’s Science Diet? Don’t get me started.
So how did I go from that negative mentality about the ‘Big 5 Foods’ to telling people who feed kibble that those brands are actually among only a small handful of acceptable choices?
All three of my dogs were struggling in some way or another. Chronic loose stools, swollen paws, itching, heat intolerance. Then one of my dogs became very, very sick. She was lethargic, had become weak, had no muscle tone, and had developed some concerning health problems.
My veterinarian implored me to put her on Hill’s Science Diet or Purina, a suggestion that I thought was appalling and gross. I thought, “She is literally dying, why would I put her on that food and make it worse?”
So I took her bloodwork into Chuck & Don’s and asked a pet store employee to look it over and give me advice.
Read that again. I asked a pet store employee, with no qualifications, to tell me how to treat my dog.
He told me to choose a “high-quality” diet from their shelves, and “steer clear of that nasty Hill’s Science Diet trash“.
In telling me this, he validated my own misguided beliefs, and generated sales. ?
It made ME feel good to buy that $90 bag of ‘Holistic Super-Premium” kibble, but it did not make my dog feel good. As a matter of fact, it did nothing for her.
Do you know what did make her feel good and ultimately saved her life? PURINA PRO PLAN.
Within weeks of feeding Purina, she was developing muscle tone again. All of her symptoms reversed completely and her energy level skyrocketed. My other dogs were suddenly thriving, too. It was nothing like I had been told.
Many dog food brands use sneaky tricks and marketing tactics including ‘Ingredient Splitting’ to make you think the food has a higher meat content or is healthier. Everything they say is to get you to make a purchase.
The more ‘holistic, natural, and premium’ the kibble seems, the more likely it is that they are better at marketing than they are at making truly nutritious and balanced food.
READ MORE at the Tufts University Petfoodolgy blog. This is the most scientific, modern source for nutrition information and is run by veterinarians with board certifications in nutrition. One of the veterinary nutritionists is even a consultant for BalanceIt, where you can create safe, balanced homemade food recipes for your dog. Everything they say is backed by actual research, and you won’t find an ad, affiliate link, or financial motivation in sight.
My Dogs are E-Collar Trained
Yup. That’s me. Former “Force-Free” dog training fanatic.
All three of my dogs are now E-Collar trained. The “force-free / R+ / Positive ” dog training community HATES E-Collars, and with good reason.
Too many frustrated people buy cheap shock collars on Amazon and zap the crap out of their unsuspecting, poorly-trained pets. This is not humane and it’s not fair.
E-Collars are different. They first require that the dog has a good foundation in basic positive obedience.
Then, they use a gentle muscle stimulation that is not aversive or painful. This stimulation is often imperceptible to humans and replaces leash pressure. By replacing leash pressure, we can effectively and safely eliminate physical restraint. This is an incredible innovation for giant breed dogs who are strong and powerful!
By eliminating physical restraint, we eliminate the frustration, safety problems, physical power struggles, and potential damage to the head, neck, and shoulders that can be caused by collars, head collars, harnesses, and long lines.
Because I trained my dogs to respond to very low levels of muscle stimulation, they can be off-leash anywhere that it is safe and legal to do so. They don’t have to drag long lines around, I can trust them to be in my front yard, and they would never, ever dream of bolting, jumping a fence, or leaving our property. If they did, the pressure (not shocks! Pressure, like hitting the end of a long leash) from their E-Collar will remind them to turn around.
When they turn around, the pressure is gone; they are 100% in control of their collars and the sensation that comes from them.
Run from any dog trainer who tells you that an E-Collar is always aversive and a harness and life on a long leash are not. They do not understand how behavior science, modern E-Collar training, or how physical restraints of all kinds utilize pressure and punishment in different ways.
Since E-Collar training my dogs, they have more freedom, more choice, and more enrichment than ever before.
I Let My Dogs be Dogs
What does it mean to let a dog be a dog?
It means letting them get dirty. Allowing them to roll in mud pits, dig holes, crawl through the grass, and explore the world around them to their heart’s content.
Letting a dog be a dog means treating them like dogs, not people or children. Giving them boundaries and saying NO to keep them safe, so that I can tell them YES as much as possible.
It means letting them sniff the ground on walks, or better yet, be allowed to run naturally and freely off-leash as much as possible. That off-leash privilege begins with training, lots of boundaries, and yes, an E-Collar.
All three of my dogs have orthopedic issues related to injuries from before I got them. Two are missing legs, one has a very deformed foot. I do not coddle them. They are allowed to run, play, tumble, struggle, fall, and get up again like any other dog. I take them to training classes. We go hiking. We walk. We play.
With Boundaries, of Course…
Educated dog ownership means never humanizing their emotions.
Dogs are not spiteful or jealous or ‘dominant’, they are however often insecure, pushy, or rude and desperately need our guidance and understanding, not our assumptions and judgments.
I have a no-tolerance policy when it comes to teeth, nails, and baths. My dogs get their spa treatments on a regular basis whether they like it or not. This is one place where I don’t let them just ‘be dogs’, because if I did, I would be neglecting needs that aren’t met naturally in the typical suburban home.
We see the veterinarian regularly. I don’t coddle them there but we do make it a good experience – so much so that even my more timid rescue girl will willingly go with the veterinarian and lay down politely for her exams. They step onto the scales because I made it clear that it was not-negotiable.
To some extent, I believe that the ‘force-free’ and ‘fear-free’ movement is harmful. Dogs who never face stress don’t learn to cope with it either, and it’s not uncommon for frustration, reactivity and fear to increase with those methods.
As a reformed ‘force-free’ person, I now realize just how much science is cherry picked to fit that belief system.
Dogs are not babies. We don’t have to coddle them or remove every single stress from their lives. Being isolated and restrained in the name of avoiding all forms of stress is no life for a dog at all. That said, we don’t have to be jerks to them, either! Force and harsh physical handling are not cool. Find some middle ground.
Because I have high expectations of them, they are happier, calmer, friendlier, and stronger as a result!
Bonus: I Keep My Dogs LEAN
If I had a dollar for every person who asked me if my dogs were starving, I’d be rich. They are not starving. They are covered in muscle and have tons of energy. Starving dogs can’t say the same.
We are SO used to seeing overweight dogs, that a healthy-weight dog covered in muscle can appear alarmingly thin. Our perception has been skewed.
Truth time: overweight dogs have shorter lifespans (2 years, on average). They are more likely to suffer from arthritis, joint problems, cancer, heart problems, and complications related to anesthesia, among other things.
Danes are a lean breed. They take forever to mature, too. This photo is of my intact male at around age 2. He still has some filling out to do here, but not in terms of fat! His head, chest, and hips continued to broaden from this point on.
If you want to reduce cancer risk, keep your dog lean! That’s step one.
I really could add a 7th item to this list about spaying and neutering, but I’ll stop here and save it for another day 🙂
Many dogs will show anxiety to their human with behavior signals. A frightened dog will have red flags over its entire body. But, humans often overlook these signals in their dogs because us humans don’t always know what to look for.
When dog owners become educated on what a stressed out dog looks like, they can solve conflicts with their dog before the conflict even begins.
So, it makes sense to become more in tune with dog body language and behavior so that you can understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
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WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON STRESS SIGNALS IN DOGS
Although many dogs show their anxiety in stressful situations in different ways, most dogs will demonstrate these signals in some common behavior.
Sniffing the ground– A dog shows nerves when they can’t seem to escape a situation and starts sniffing the ground as a means to escape the current situation.
Whale eyes– A dog’s eyes will get big and round when they are stressed. The whites of their eyes will be more prominent as their pupils dilate.
Lip licking– When a dog licks their lips excessively, it’s a sure sign that they are stressed.
Shaking– A dog that is shaking or trembling is trying to release the built up anxiety they are feeling.
Panting– Dogs will start to pant when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
Head turning– A head turn is often a dogs way of attempting to remove their entire body from a situation. This dog is turning away in order to show peaceful intentions, but demonstrate to their social groups that they are uncomfortable with the current situation.
Freezing– When a dog is feeling scared or threatened, they may “freeze” in place as a survival mechanism.
Nose licking– Dogs will often lick their nose when they are unsure of a situation.
Tail tucking– A dog that is tucking its tail is feeling scared.
Play Bowing– A play bow can be a calming signal when a dog is around other dogs that it might not feel comfortable with. A play bow is used when a dog may try to show other dogs that it does not want to fight.
Walking Slowly / Slow Movements– Moving slowly can be a dogs way of showing that it is not a threat and does not want to fight.
All of these signals are your dog’s way of communicating with you that it is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to be able to recognize these signs so that you can help your furry friend feel more comfortable in stressful situations.
When a dog yawns, it might be trying to calm another dog that is getting too excited. Nose licking can also be a calming signal, and it’s often seen when two dogs are greeting each other. If a dog starts panting heavily, it might be a sign of stress or anxiety.
Lip licking can also be an anxious behavior, as the dog is trying to soothe itself by licking its own lips. Tail wagging can mean different things depending on the context. If the tail is held high and wagged stiffly, it may be a sign of aggression. However, if the tail is wagged loosely with a relaxed body, it usually indicates happiness.
Dogs also use eye contact to communicate. Their gaze can convey a range of emotions, from love and affection to fear and aggression. By understanding these common stress signals in dogs, we can better interpret their behavior and respond in a way that will help to keep them calm and comfortable.
COMMON STRESS TRIGGERS FOR DOGS
Dogs can have some unusual fears. Maybe your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, or perhaps he’s terrified of going for car rides. But there are some more common triggers that can cause stress in dogs.
One of the most common triggers is changes in routine. If you usually take your dog for a walk in the morning, but one day you have to leave for work early and can’t take him, he may become anxious. Dogs can also be stressed by changes in their environment, such as a move to a new house or the arrival of a new baby in the family.
LOUD NOISES
Loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, can also be stressful for dogs. You may notice your dog giving off more calming signals on the 4th of July than other normal and quieter days.
Unfortunately, you might notice your dog is afraid of people or kids. They might use signals like tail tucking or retreating when you have small kids nearby them, or they might bark when strangers walk by your house. Socialization is important for puppies, so if your dog didn’t have a lot of exposure to different people and situations when he was younger, he may be more fearful as an adult.
For some, it might be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of your dog’s fear. Maybe they are using dog calming signals more often than usual, but you can’t seem to figure out why. In these cases, it’s possible that your dog is just feeling stressed in general. Dogs can have bad days too!
If you notice your dog is displaying any of these common stress signals, try to remove him from the stressful situation if possible. Crate training is a fantastic way to help your dog remain calm, feel safe and secure, and reduce stress in general. If you can’t remove your dog from the situation, try to provide some distractions, like a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or dog treats.
And always remember to consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety or stress.
WHAT IS A CALMING SIGNAL IN DOGS?
Dog’s use calming signals to show that they are feeling stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable. Yawning, sniffing the ground, and lip licking are all examples of calming signals.
These signals are your dog’s way of communicating with you that it is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to be able to recognize a dog’s calming signals as they are many dog’s only communication system.
ARE THE USE OF CALMING SIGNALS IN DOGS A GOOD THING OR BAD THING?
When dogs use calming signals, the dog is attempting to show humans and other dogs that it is not a threat and does not want to fight. Play bowing is a good example of this, as the dog is essentially saying “I come in peace!”
While the use of calming signals is generally a good thing, it’s important to be aware that some dogs may use them excessively out of fear or anxiety.
When your dog sees an approaching dog and you notice lip licks, whole body shaking, or other dog calming signals that are implicative of fear, it is crucial that you take note of their anxiety of unfamiliar dogs before it turns into aggressive behaviors.
A DOG DISPLAYING CALMING SIGNALS WHEN IT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE
Dogs communicate their feelings and moods through their body language. calming signals are one way that dogs do this. When a dog feels uncomfortable, they may use calming signals to try to defuse the situation and make themselves feel better.
Common calming signals include licking their lips, averting their gaze, and yawning. If you see a dog doing any of these things, it’s important to give them space and not try to force them to interact with you or other dogs. By respecting a dog’s calming signals, you can help to prevent potential aggressive situations from occurring.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE A DOG DISPLAYING SIGNS OF STRESS
Dogs communicate their emotional state through a combination of facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations. When a dog is experiencing stress, they may display some or all of the following signs: rapid breathing, panting, drooling, yawning, lip licking, pinning their ears back, wide eyes, tense muscles, and a stiff posture. Dogs may also try to get away from the source of their stress by pacing, shaking off, or hiding.
If you notice your dog displaying any of these signs of stress, it’s important to take action to help them relax.
HAVE A LOOK AT YOUR DOG’S ENVIRONMENT
First, take a close look at their environment.
Are there any potential dangers that could be causing them to feel stressed? For example, is there another dog in the area that they don’t get along with? If so, try to remove your dog from the situation.
HOW ARE YOU INTERACTING WITH YOUR DOG?
Secondly, think about how you’re interacting with your dog. Are you being too forceful or demanding? Dogs can sometimes pick up on our own stress levels, so it’s important to remain calm and relaxed around them.
PROVIDE PLENTY OF REST AND RELAXATION TO DECOMPRESS FOR YOUR DOG
Finally, make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to rest and relax in their own space. A tired dog is often a stressed dog, so provide them with a cozy bed and some quiet time each day. By taking these steps, you can help your furry friend stay calm and relaxed in even the most stressful situations.
WHY DO DOGS PANT WHEN THEY ARE STRESSED?
Just like a dog begins showing calming signals at the onset of other stressful situations, panting is one way that many dogs can try to relieve their stress.
Panting is a normal, physiological response that helps to regulate a dog’s body temperature. However, when a dog pants excessively, it can be a sign that they are feeling overheated or stressed.
If you notice your dog panting more than usual, take a close look at their environment and make sure they are not in a situation that is too hot or humid. If the temperature seems fine, then try to provide them with some calm, relaxing time to see if their panting subsides.
WAYS TO HELP PREVENT YOUR DOG FROM EXPERIENCING STRESS
Dogs are social animals that thrive when they’re part of a social group. However, potential conflict can arise when dogs meet, which is why it’s important to socialize your dog from an early age.
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION IS KEY FOR CANINE COMMUNICATION
Puppy socialization classes are a great way to introduce your dog to other dogs in a controlled setting, and they can also help you learn how to read your dog’s body language and prevent aggression.
Socializing older dogs is still possible, but it may take more effort. Attending dog parks or arranging playdates with friends’ dogs are good ways to help your dog socialize.
You can also try attending training classes together or going for walks in new places. In any social situation, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s body language and be aware of potential signs of stress.
If you see any signs that your dog is uncomfortable, make sure to remove him from the situation and provide a calm environment for him to relax in. Remember, socializing your dog doesn’t just benefit him – it also helps you create a stronger bond and a better relationship with your furry friend.
HIRING A TRAINER TO HELP YOUR DOG
If you notice your dog gets anxiety when another dog approaches, they are making intense eye contact with your neighbor when they cross paths, or you are seeing sweaty paws when you have guests visit, it could be time to hire a dog trainer to help you navigate these signals.
Dog trainers who are qualified in behavior have the skills to help you understand what your dog is trying to communicate and how you can better manage the situation.
A professional trainer can also offer guidance on how to socialize your dog and provide helpful tips on preventative measures you can take to reduce stress in your dog’s life.
IS YOUR DOG DISPLAYING BEHAVIOR THAT SHOWS THEY ARE NERVOUS OR STRESSED?
All of this evidence points to the fact that we need to be very aware of our dogs’ stress levels and take steps to reduce them.
Dogs communicate their stress primarily through body language, so it’s important for us as their guardians to be able to read these signals. If you see your dog displaying any of the signs of stress listed above, it’s crucial to remove him from the situation immediately.
You can also help reduce your dog’s overall stress by providing plenty of exercise, training, and socialization.
Are you desperate for dog jumping fence solutions?
If you are a dog owner with a dog who has learned how to jump the fence, you’re probably at your whits end.
There are solutions to keep your dog from jumping the fence.
We’ve got ten ways to keep your dog safe and inside your own yard.
DOG JUMPING FENCE SOLUTIONS DOG OWNERS NEED TO KNOW
The last thing you need when you get home from work is to find that your dog has jumped the fence and is now roaming the neighborhood.
Or, even worse, you come home to find that your dog has been hit by a car because he or she was chasing after something on the other side of the fence.
No matter how much you love your canine best friend, it can be mentally exhausting to deal with a dog’s escape antics.
But, with these 10 ideas, your dog will grow to be successful at remaining in an enclosed space:
MAKE THE YARD MORE EXCITING THAN WHAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE YARD
MAKE THE FENCE HARDER FOR YOUR DOG TO JUMP OVER
GET INNOVATIVE WITH YOUR FENCE
CREATE NEW ANGLES ON YOUR FENCE
KEEP YOUR DOG BUSY
MAKE YOUR DOG EARN THE PRIVILEGE OF SPENDING TIME IN THE YARD
Let’s ‘jump’ right in!
FIRST THINGS FIRST: KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE
If your dog jumps over the fence regularly, the first thing you must do is ensure that they are safe. When dogs jump fences, there can be a serious danger involved.
Depending on the fence height and fencing material, your dog could get injured while jumping the fence. Also, if they manage to jump, the dog could run away and get lost or even worse get hit by a car and killed.
ITEMS ON YOUR SAFETY TO-DO-LIST:
GPS tracking device: Attach a GPS onto your dog’s collar. That way, if they are successful at jumping the fence, you will be able to locate them.
Get your dog microchipped: Getting a microchip put into your dog from your veterinarian will help someone return your dog safely in the event that your dog ever does manage to jump the fence and get lost.
Crate train: crate training your dog can help eliminate the dog from jumping while you work on the root cause of the problem and finding solutions to prevent the dog from continuing the habit.
TRAIN YOUR DOG THAT IT IS NOT OKAY TO JUMP OVER THE FENCE
Once you have ensured that your dog is safe, you can begin the next stage of preventing your dog from jumping your fence line.
Although this may sound easier said than done, it is crucial to actually teach dogs that fences are not meant to be jumped.
Determined dogs and high energy dog breeds who are out for an adventure do not realize that they are breaking the rules when they jump over a fence.
You will need to be consistent with your training and remain calm while you work on this behavior with your dog. Yelling at your dog or getting angry will not help them understand what it is that you want them to do.
Spend quality time with your dog, showing them that the top of the fence is a ‘no’ and respectfully remaining in the yard will give them rewards and treats.
When dogs jump the fence, it is usually an indicator that they are not a well exercised dog.
A few short walks per day might not be enough exercise for the pent up energy of some high energy breeds.
Many dogs require long periods of being able to run in open spaces per day. This form of daily exercise where dogs can run at their full speed is a solution that could help your dog from jumping.
HOW TO STOP DOG FROM JUMPING FENCE BY UTILIZING EXERCISE
If you have a high energy dog who needs more physical exercise or a young dog who just never seems to get tired, you need to be prepared to give them more physical exercise.
Take your dog to the dog park, if they are capable of socializing with other dogs in that environment
In addition to physical exercise, dogs also require mental stimulation to remain well behaved. Dogs who are bored often turn to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, getting into garbage cans, and jumping fences.
You can provide your dog with mental stimulation by:
Dog training classes: Classes such as nose work, tricks or obedience are all excellent ways to give your dog’s brain a workout.
Get involved in dog sports: Dog sports such as flyball, agility or dock diving are all excellent ways to give your dog’s brain a workout while also getting some exercise.
Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of toys and chewS
Play hide and seek: This is a great game to play with your dog both inside and outside. It is a simple game that can be played anywhere and does not require any special equipment.
Use puzzle toys: Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog’s brain challenged and engaged.
THINK OF WAYS TO MAKE THE YARD MORE EXCITING THAN WHAT’S OUTSIDE OF THE YARD
Next, consider ways in which you can make your own yard more exciting than the thrill that your dog receives when they jump.
If you are still struggling stop your dog from jumping the fence, you may want to consider the way in which your pup actually is able to reach the top of the fence.
Next, it is time to get innovative with your current fence.
With solid wooden fences, reed fencing, wire fencing and chain link fences there are things you can do to help prevent dogs from jumping.
The best possible solution to altering your fence is called coyote rollers.
Coyote rollers are designed to keep coyotes from entering into your yard. When a wild dog approaches and tries to get into your yard, they will jump onto the top of your fence, but the coyote rollers (similar to round pvc pipe) will start rolling, ultimately preventing any wild dogs or animals from getting a grip on the fence and entering.
Likewise, if you have a newly fenced in yard, you can use coyote rollers and attach them to your fence posts to prevent your own dog from being able to jump outward.
CREATE NEW ANGLES FOR WHAT YOUR DOG SEES ON YOUR EXISTING FENCE
Next, consider what your dog’s view of the fence might be. Their perspective is different than a humans as they are shorter and see the world from a different angle.
By adding additional slats at an angle to your fence, you will be able to close up the gaps that your dog might be using as leverage to get over the fence. This is especially useful for wire fencing and if you have a chain link fence.
If you notice that there are any gaps that you see from their angle, consider plant shrubs or extra wiring to cover them up. Some dense shrubs may be a big enough deterrent, but it depends on the size of gap in your fence.
KEEP YOUR DOG BUSY
Young dogs, especially, need to remain active. Some older dogs, too, require an active lifestyle to remain confident and happy.
Keeping your pets busy will eliminate many behavioral problems, including fence jumping.
Here are some ideas for how to keep your dog busy:
Regular exercise: This is a must for all dogs. A good rule of thumb is that your dog should get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, but this may vary depending on the breed and age of your pup.
Interactive toys: Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog’s brain challenged and engaged. There are a variety of different types of interactive toys available on the market, so it is important to find one that is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and chewing habits.
Pet friendly stores: If you want to keep your dog busy while you are away from home, consider taking them to a pet-friendly store such as PetSmart or Petco. There, they can explore, sniff around, and socialize with other dogs while you shop for pet supplies.
Hiring a professional dog trainer: If you are struggling to keep your dog from jumping the fence, consider hiring a professional dog trainer. A dog trainer can help you to modify your dog’s behavior and teach them how to stay safely within your yard. Hiring a trainer can also be a great means of getting your dog’s energy out.
Jumping fences is a behavior that can be prevented with the proper training and exercise regime. It is important to work on the root cause of the problem and find solutions that work for you and your dog. Consistency is key!
Leash aggression is a serious problem for dog owners.
It can be dangerous and even life-threatening for both the owner and the dog. Leash aggression can also be a sign of other problems, such as fear or anxiety.
Dog owners need to be aware of the signs of leash aggression and take steps to prevent and stop it.
WHAT IS LEASH AGGRESSION?
Leash aggression is when a dog becomes aggressive or violent on a leash. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as fear, anxiety, or frustration. Dogs who are leash aggressive may bark, growl, lunge, or even bite when they are on a leash.
Leash aggression is a serious problem because it can be dangerous for both the dog and the owner. If a dog is leash aggressive, it may try to bite or attack people or other dogs.
This can lead to serious injuries, including death. Leash aggression can also be a sign of other problems, such as fear or anxiety. Dog owners need to be aware of the signs of leash aggressive dogs so that they can keep their own dog as well as other dogs and humans safe.
WHAT DOES A LEASH REACTIVE DOG LOOK LIKE?
A leash reactive dog is one that becomes aggressive or violent on a leash. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as fear, anxiety, or frustration. Dogs who are leash reactive may bark, growl, lunge, or even bite when they are on a leash.
A dog that is leash reactive may seem fine when it is not on a leash. But the dog’s behavior might change when they are going for leash walks.
Leash reactivity does not necessarily mean that the particular dog has leash aggression as there are different levels of leash reactivity.
SIGNS OF A LEASH REACTIVE DOG
Leash reactivity may play out in the following behaviors:
The dog’s behavior gets anxious / nervous when on leash
The dog barks and growls when on leash
The dog lunges towards other dogs or people when on leash
The dog tries to bite when on leash
The dog’s body tenses up when the dog sees other dogs or humans / kids
Fearful behaviors such as cowering, hiding, or shaking
These are just some of the signs that a dog may be leash reactive. If you see any of these signs in your dog, it is important to seek help from a professional trainer as leash reactivity can escalate to leash aggressive dogs if not addressed by pet owners.
IS LEASH AGGRESSION DIFFERENT THAN LEASH REACTIVITY?
Leash reactivity is typically the beginning stages of a leash aggressive dog.
If a dog owner notices that their dog gets nervous when they are on a walk and the dog notices another approaching dog, they should take that as a warning sign that their dog could become leash reactive.
Typically, a dog becomes leash aggressive when they have unsuccessfully tried to avoid the trigger (in this case, other dogs) by engaging in leash reactivity behaviors such as barking, growling, or lunging and the behavior has not worked. The next step for the dog is to try to bite, which is considered leash aggression.
Leash reactivity can be managed with proper training, but if a dog owner does not address it, the dog may eventually become leash aggressive.
WHAT CAUSES LEASH AGGRESSION?
There are many different reasons why a dog may become leash aggressive. Some common causes include:
A perceived threat of a dog approaching on leash can be frightening in a dog’s mind
Dog does not tolerate other dogs well
Dog is forced to participate in high stress situations with other dogs, such as the dog park, when that environment is not fitting for them
Dogs who are not properly socialized may be more likely to become leash aggressive. This is because they have not had the opportunity to meet and interact with different people and animals.
A DOG FEELING ANXIETY MIGHT DEMONSTRATE LEASH AGGRESSION
Dogs who are anxious or stressed may also be more likely to become leash aggressive. This is because the leash can feel like a restraint to them. They may feel like they cannot escape from the situation, which can cause them to become anxious or stressed.
A DOG WHO IS NOT GIVEN ENOUGH EXERCISE FROM ITS DOG OWNER MIGHT BECOME A LEASH AGGRESSIVE DOG
Dogs who are not properly exercised may also be more likely to become leash aggressive. This is because they may be frustrated from being cooped up and not having enough opportunity to run and play. This frustration can lead to aggression.
It is important for pet owners to make sure that their dog is getting enough exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog and is less likely to be aggressive.
THE DANGERS OF A LEASH AGGRESSIVE DOG
Leash aggression in dogs requires immediate dog training.
If your dog feels threatened when they see an approaching dog while on the leash, it is your job as a pet owner to help them navigate the situation. At times, especially if the leash aggression has not been addressed in dog training, that means to avoid the other dogs entirely.
Leash aggression in dogs can be extremely dangerous not only physically but for your own dog’s well-being and lifestyle.
Here are a few ways in which an aggressive dog on leash can become a danger to others and themselves:
LEASH AGGRESSION IN DOGS CAN CREATE A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF ANXIETY
Not only is it important to stop leash aggression for your own personal anxiety, but dogs who continue to practice aggression on the leash can develop generalized anxiety and phobias of other dogs, people, and environments.
This is because each time your dog reacts aggressively, it reinforces in their minds that the trigger is something to be afraid of. As a result, your dog may start to become anxious in a wider variety of situations.
LEASH AGGRESSION PREVENTS YOUR DOG FROM INTERACTING APPROPRIATELY IN SOCIETY
Leash reactive dogs are not suitable to do things like go for walks with other dogs, to the park, or on playdates.
This is because their leash aggression can result in fights and injuries to other dogs. Additionally, it may also result in you getting into you completely avoiding other dog owners or humans while you are on walks.
As a result, your dog may miss out on important socialization opportunities.
You might find yourself taking routes of dog walks that have less people, going to parks or public places less often and generally avoiding any sort of triggers that would set off your dog.
This can lead to you feeling isolated as you are unable to do the things that you love with your dog by your side.
Additionally, it may also limit the places that you feel comfortable taking your dog, as you may be worried about them reacting aggressively.
Not only is this limiting to your dog and make your dog feel isolated, but this can become very isolated for you as a dog lover as it can be very fun to spend time around other dog friendly people.
REACTIVE DOGS CAN HURT AND HARM OTHER DOGS OR PEOPLE
Most of all, it is important to prevent leash aggression because two dogs that are fighting on leash can be extremely dangerous and harmful.
Your dog could get injured from another dog’s teeth or nails. If your dog is on the receiving end of an aggressive encounter, this can cause long lasting physical and psychological damage.
Additionally, if your dog is the aggressor in the situation, they may cause serious injury or even death to the other dog.
If the dog’s level of aggression has escalated to reacting to humans, the dog could harm or hurt a human or even small child, resulting in major injury.
There are a few things to do to be successful when dogs meet. The method of which you will take depends on if your dog is already experiencing aggression on leash or if you have a non reactive dog.
First, let’s discuss what to do to prevent leash reactivity with a non reactive dog.
PREVENT LEASH AGGRESSION IN DOGS WHO ARE NOT YET AGGRESSIVE
The absolute best way to prevent any dog from becoming aggressive is to start before it begins.
Training skills begin far before a dog is ever put on a leash. The bond that you create with your dog and the trust that is developed is what will prevent your dog from feeling the need to be aggressive in any situation, whether that be on or off the leash.
Be sure to socialize your puppy from an early age, exposing them to as many different sights, sounds, smells, people, and animals as possible in a positive way.
This will help your puppy to grow into a confident dog that isn’t easily scared or triggered by new things.
SOCIALIZATION CLASSES AND DOG TRAINING
As your dog gets older, you can continue their socialization through different methods. Hiring a dog trainer who you trust can help provide your dog with the dog training that it may need to be successful around other dogs in the future.
PROVIDING YOUR DOG WITH SUCCESSFUL INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DOGS
Be intentional when your dog is a puppy to provide them with successful ‘meet and greets’ with other dogs. When dogs meet, many dogs get anxiety naturally.
So, prevent that anxiety by creating the dog’s environment to be successful. This means that you need to be in control of the situation, and not the other way around.
You can do this by:
Choosing a quiet place to introduce your dog to the other dog, where there isn’t a lot of movement or distractions
Allowing the dogs to approach each other on their own terms and at their own pace
If one of the dogs seems uncomfortable, give them space and time to adjust
End the interaction before either dog gets too tired or overwhelmed
Pay attention to your dog’s body language
Only allow your puppy to meet friendly dogs as to not give them a bad experience right off the bat
MANAGING LEASH AGGRESSION IN AN ALREADY REACTIVE DOG
Unfortunately, not all dog owners are able to prevent leash aggression in their dogs.
Many times, dog owners adopt a dog that is already leash aggressive or they may not have known the importance of socialization and expose their dog to too many new things at once, resulting in aggression.
If you find yourself in this situation, there are still things that you can do to help your dog.
Let’s discuss the value of a qualified dog trainer, positive reinforcement training, muzzle training and being in tune to your dog’s body language.
GETTING A QUALIFIED TRAINER
A qualified dog trainer should not only be someone who is certified, but also someone who has extensive experience working with dogs that are leash reactive.
The trainer should also be able to provide you with a training plan specifically for your dog’s needs.
Your dog might be in a place that is just too much for you to handle on your own, and you should be proud of yourself for bringing a certified dog trainer onto the team to help. Not all dogs respond the same to their owner as they might to a trainer conducting training sessions.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT DOG TRAINING
Reactive dogs need to be trained with positive reinforcement. This means that you will give your dog a treat or verbal praise when they display the desired behavior.
For example, if you are asking your dog to ‘sit’ and they do, then you will immediately provide them with a treat. The key is to be quick so that your dog associates the behavior with the positive reinforcement.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT EXERCISES FOR YOUR DOG
Here are some examples of positive reinforcement exercises that you can do with your dog:
Name Game – Say your dog’s name followed by a treat so that they associate their name with something positive
Sit or Down – Ask your dog to sit or down and provide them with a treat when they doLeave It – Place a treat on the ground and ask your dog to ‘leave it.’ If they don’t touch the treat, give them a verbal praise or another treat
Touch – Have your dog sit or stand next to you and offer them a treat. As they are eating the treat, lightly touch their side or back and immediately give them another treat. Repeat this process until your dog is comfortable with being touched
Remember to go at your dog’s pace. If they seem overwhelmed or stressed, end the session and try again later. Always use high value treats that your dog loves.
Muzzle training is a way to keep many dogs safe around other dogs as well as people. With a muzzle and proper muzzle dog training, not only your dog will be safer but also any other dog in the situation will too.
It allows you to have more control over your dog in high stress situations and can help to prevent bites.
Muzzle training should only be done if your dog is already comfortable with you handling their face and mouth.
It should also be noted that a muzzle is not a cure for aggression and should only be used as a management tool for dogs with aggression.
A basket muzzle combined with high value treats can be a powerful tool in creating a safe space with fearful dogs who tend to react aggressively.
SHOP HERE:
PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG AND THEIR BODY LANGUAGE
One of the most important things that you can do as a dog owner is to be in tune with your dog’s body language.
Dogs communicate through their body language and it’s up to us, as their owners, to learn how to interpret what they’re trying to say.
If you see any of these signs in your dog, it’s a good indication that they are feeling stressed. If the stress is not relieved, it could lead to an aggressive situation. Leash aggressive dogs rarely, if ever, become aggressive overnight.
Staying in tune with your dog and their stress signals will help you be the best dog parent that you can possibly be.
IS LEASH AGGRESSION CURABLE?
Most dogs who suffer with leash aggression can be completely cured with the proper training and management.
However, some dogs may never be 100% comfortable on a leash due to their prior experiences.
That being said, it is important to remember that even the most reactive of dogs can still learn to enjoy walks and be calm on a leash with the help of a qualified trainer.
Everyone LOVES using Harnesses for Great Danes… well, everyone except for me…
I, personally, cringe when I see a dog harness on Great Danes.
Why, you might ask? Well, you came to the right place to hear my rant about why I hate Great Dane harnesses.
Let’s discuss the common dog harness that both you and your dog love so much (well, at least you do) and determine whether or not this tool is actually right for your dog’s health and well-being.
Harnesses for Great Danes
Of course, you’re a Great Dane owner– you want the best for your Gentle Giant. We all do…
We can’t WAIT to get home from work just to squeeze our big dogs to bits and pieces, spoil them and proceed to spend the better part of the time we have off with them.
So, if you’re using a dog harness, chances are you probably are doing so for one of two reasons:
REASON NUMBER 1: You think the harness is the safest option for your giant breed dog.
REASON NUMBER 2: You are in over your head with yourBIG DOG and cannot keep them from pulling and choking themselves on walks!
Let’s go ahead and discuss both reasons.
Reason #1: You believe a harness is the safest option
So, you did your research on large dogs, you looked for the ‘no pull harness’ with the mesh lining and padded chest which ought to be extraordinarily comfortable for your Great Dane.
You paid extra for that reflective stitching that is sure to keep them safe from oncoming traffic! You even got fast release buckles incase you ever need to get your large dog out of their harness in a pinch.
Your dog’s comfort matters to you- and it shows.
So, did you cross all your T’s and dog all your I’s?
Well, not exactly.
Great Dane harnesses are BELIEVED to be safe for large dogs and their thick necks, big chests and long spines, but….. they aren’t exactly that.
We will talk about why in just a moment. But first, let’s discuss the second reason you may have purchased a dog harness for your Great Dane.
So, you did what Sally in the facebook group told you to do… You purchased an Extra Large dog harness that claims to provide EXTRA CONTROL, has a ‘no pull design’, and the reviews even stated that this extremely high quality harness completely TRANSFORMED their dog’s body overnight, changing the owner from a miserable walk to having better control… IN JUST ONE WALK!
RED FLAG…. PLEASE, see the red flag….
Anyways, continuing onward.
Let’s discuss the fun stuff.
Why are harnesses dangerous for a Great Dane’s neck?
The neck of a Great Dane is as fragile as porcelein and should be treated as such.
Think of it this way, when you’re using that ‘Gentle’ Leader to gain complete control on that nice, brisk walk with your Great Dane, you’re ultimately yanking their neck, whether you think so or not.
Additionally, you may even see the dog visible struggle, stress, and get anxiety from using a head halter. There is always a reason for your dog’s stress! “Harnesses that go around the muzzle, also known as a head halter, can present a unique challenge because few dogs easily adjust to them”, Schade says.
“Most do not enjoy the sensation and fight it by pawing at their nose, rolling on the ground, or rubbing their face on their person’s leg,” she says. “Additionally, if the dog races ahead and is jerked back, it might injure its neck.”
Why is a No-Pull Harness Bad for Great Danes?
Harnesses are a straight up nightmare for Great Danes.
Why? Because…
They restrict the way your dog’s body is designed to move
They create whiplash that is not natural for their skeletal system
First, harnesses restrict the way your dog moves. And if you wake up every single day and restrict your dog’s body from moving in the way it is supposed to move, eventually (and soon) there are going to be issues.
Secondly, using a harness as a means to gain control over your dog on the leash and ‘make them stop pulling’ is inevitably going to make YOU pull on the harness, creating whiplash on their joints.
“I have studied the effect of restrictive harnesses using a well-validated gait analysis system and demonstrated that there are significant alterations in a dog’s gait (both the amount of forward extension of the legs and even the amount of weight borne on the front legs) when wearing the harness, even without a leash attached.” –Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVSMR
“As a specialist in canine sports medicine, I have significant concerns about the use of harnesses that wrap around the front of dog’s forelegs, particularly in circumstances like this, where a dog is exercising using a gait that requires forelimb extension”, Zink says.
Why could a harness hurt a dogs chest and shoulders?
The canine body is all connected, just like the human body.
Manipulating the body of a Great Dane with a tool that pulls from their chest or shoulders can cause long term damage, just as it would to a human.
“Front-hook harnesses, on the other hand, can affect a dog’s natural gait and hinder shoulder movement.” Nelson says these particular harnesses may not be a good choice for dogs who engage in athletic activities.
So, not only are front-hook harnesses dangerous for your dog’s health, but they could also hinder their ability to perform certain activities or exercises! Constant nagging or even slight yanking on everyday walks can add up, affecting the ability of your dog to walk in the way their body has designed them to.
“The results of this study demonstrated that wearing a harness affects gait. Interestingly, regardless of the harness type, some dogs were found to be highly reactive to wearing a harness. In fact, even dogs who had been wearing harnesses most of their life and that were thought to be well accustomed to wearing a harness were still found to have significant alterations in gait while wearing a harness, regardless of the type of harness. Overall, wearing a harness was also associated with a longer forelimb stride length, shorter forelimb step length, a greater forelimb total pressure index percentage, and a shorter forelimb gait cycle.”
A dog’s gait is used to define how they move their legs when walking or running. This includes how high they hold their legs, how much weight is put on each leg, and even the pattern in which they move their legs. All of these factors play into how well a dog moves.
As described above, some many harnesses are actually studied in clinical studies and CHANGE the gait of your dog! THAT’S NOT GOOD- INCASE YOU NEED IT SPELLED OUT.
Long term affects of wearing a harness that alters gait
Your dog may seem fine today. They may seem fine tomorrow. But what about in a few years from now, when they are older and not as spry?
Slowly, you will start to notice changes in the way your dog moves. You may not quickly attribute these changes to the harness, but take it from the data and the experts.
Even some of the ‘best harnesses’ that Sally recommends over and over in that Facebook group may just be causing your Great Dane to age much quicker than you hope.
Common risks of Great Dane harnesses
Even what you think might be a ‘good harness’ can have detrimental affects on your dog or Great Dane.
Some of the best harnesses pose threats to our Great Danes. Have a look at some of the risks that Great Dane harnesses could be posing:
Sleeping in ANY item can be a huge owner error and cause serious long-term damage, eg. callouses, sores, traumatic injuries, etc.
Sleeping in a harness is potentially risky because it could get caught on something (like the dog’s crate) and become a choking hazard, Nelson adds. “It can also be uncomfortable for a harness to be on 24/7.”
Using a wet harness that doesn’t dry
Be weary of keeping a wet harness on a dog’s body, especially a leather harness.
In addition, pet parents should not leave a wet harness on their dog for a long period of time, as it can cause skin infection, advises Dr. Katie Grzyb, medical director at One Love Animal Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
Wet items can create yeast and infection, which may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Leather is also a breeding ground for bacteria, so keep that in mind if you do choose to use a leather harness.
Signs that your dog may have an infection from their harness include:
Your dog can also develop skin diseases underneath a harness, such as folliculitis and pyoderma.
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, and pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin.
“Monitor hidden areas such as armpits and under the chest a few times a week to make sure that the harness is not causing skin irritation from rubbing,” Grzyb adds.
Using Great Dane harnesses can in fact harm their throat and trachea.
ESPECIALLY for dogs with pre-existing throat conditions or breathing problems, it is crucial to not use a front clip adjustable harness. This no pull design can put a significant amount of pressure on your dog’s windpipe, which can cause more coughing and hacking, and irritate an already pre-existing condition.
Buying a harness for Great Danes is not a ‘quick fix’ for training your dog.
You can buy a sturdy harness with high quality materials. You can buy a $200 Great Dane tactical harness, research endlessly the best harnesses for Great Danes… look into durable materials and superior comfort.
It is time to stop making excuses for our dog’s behavior on the leash and start taking actions to make them more successful– without the dangers of a harness.
Driving with dogs can be very scary and extremely dangerous.
Dogs should be contained in the car.
The Center for Pet Safety is the ONLY resource that you should use to verify whether the tool you are looking at has been crash tested and approved to keep your dog safe in the car.
The best harnesses for Great Danes include those that:
Do not limit your dog’s ability to move in their natural gait
Serve a purpose: Working dogs/service dogs wear a harness at times for a specific reason (should still not limit their gait)
Are crash tested and to be worn as a seatbelt
Veterinarian checked and approved for your dog’s specific body
First off, even though I think I have a good grip on dogs and what they need- I usually have found that I don’t.
So, I trust science, data and experts.
Now that you know that- here are the recommendations for the best harness based on safety, health and features.
Best crash tested harnesses
If you’re looking for a crash tested harness, you’re really only given a few options.
In 2011 the Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study to investigate the crashworthiness of pet travel harnesses. Based on the findings of that study CPS went on to complete a landmark pet travel harness study in 2013, sponsored by Subaru of America.
The ClickIt Harness by Sleepypod is currently the only (and best) harness on the market for car safety for large/giant breed dogs.
It is crash tested up to 110 lbs (for the XL), secures nicely into your dog’s seatbelt through two leash attachment points (somewhat around the shoulders), and has a reflective material / reflective trim.
The company states that the harness can be worn for working dogs or as a standard harness for leash walking, but we always recommend speaking to your veterinarian regarding your dog’s specific gait.
HELP-EM-UP Harness for Mobility Issues
If you’re like me- you are a Great Dane mama to a pupper with a mobility disease.
My Great Dane has struggled with Wobblers for over 1 year now and I do everything to help her mobility.
There are Great Dane harnesses made for the purpose of being able to help them maintain their mobility through all life stages.
HELP-EM-UP HARNESS CAN HELP YOU PROVIDE MOBILITY
I recommend the Help-em-up Harness which is used for Great Danes (and all other dogs) that struggle with:
It may have appeared to you that there was no reason that the dog bit, but to the dog– there was a reason.
By accepting to see through a lens that the dog sees, you will be able to better understand the reason for the dog acting the way it did, and therefore move on to finding solutions more quickly.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AGGRESSION IN A DOG?
There are several different types of aggression that a dog might portray.
Territorial aggression: A dog might demonstrate this type of aggression when someone or something enters their territory- such as another dog on a leash, or a person walking by the house.
Redirected Aggression: A dog might show redirected aggression when they are feeling frustrated or threatened, but cannot reach the object of their aggression. For example, a dog on a leash who cannot get to a person or another dog might redirect their aggression onto the leash, or the person holding the leash.
Possessive aggression: A dog might show possessive aggression when they feel like someone is trying to take away something that they perceive as theirs- such as a toy or food bowl.
Defensive Aggression: A dog might show defensive aggression when they feel like they are in danger and are trying to protect themselves. Defensive aggression can also occur when a dog is sick or in pain and need medical attention.
A dog that has been teased, hit, kicked, or treated poorly by kids in the past might have learned that aggression gets them left alone (learned aggression)
A dog that is being defended by another animal might show aggression when kids come near (redirected aggression)
A dog that is territorial might show aggression when kids come in their space (territorial aggression)
A dog that is sick might show aggression when kids come too close because they are feeling defensive (sickness or redirected aggression)
Kids are simply obnoxious to some dogs- kids can be loud, fast/energetic, grab tails, rude, grab their face, try to lay on them, show no boundaries, etc.
Now that we know some of the reasons that a dog might show aggression towards a child, we can start to learn how to prevent these bites from happening.
Prevention is the absolute best solution to stop the dog bite statistics from increasing.
Dog bites do not happen overnight, and most dogs do not bite in general.
However, there are preventative actions that dog owners can take to prevent dogs from showing aggression towards other dogs, family members or kids.
SOCIALIZATION OF YOUR DOG
The best way to prevent dog bites is by socializing your dog from a young age. This means exposing your pup to as many different people, places, animals, and situations as possible.
You want your dog to be comfortable with all kinds of people- men, women, children, the elderly, people in hats, people in uniform, etc.
You also want your dog to be comfortable being handled in different ways- being petted, brushed, having their nails trimmed, being restrained, etc.
Teach children how to properly interact respectfully with your dog. This means no pulling on tails, ears, or fur. No climbing on, jumping on, or sitting on the dog. No chasing the dog. And most importantly- no hitting, kicking, or otherwise being violent towards the dog. My Dog Snapped at My Child:My Dog Bit & Hurt My Child Suddenly
If children are taught how to interact with dogs properly from a young age- it will go a long way in preventing bites from happening.
TRAIN YOUR DOG AND PROVIDE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION INTERVENTION EARLY
Training your dog is one of the best ways to prevent aggression and bites from happening. Remember, your dog is trying to convey something to you almost all the time and dog body language is something that you can work to understand.
Provide a baby gate as a barrier for an older dog who might need a more calm environment than the stimulation of the kitchen. A baby gate might be a simple but incredible tool to help your dog learn that they are respected and not expected to tolerate everything that happens in the home.
SHOP HERE:
WHAT TO DO IF MY DOG BIT MY KIDS
As stated, our dogs are our family members and when a dog demonstrates aggression towards our children it can be extremely scary and frightening.
VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST
Aggressive dogs are typically in need of a veterinary behaviorist who can help provide intense behavior modification while also ruling out potential for any health issues that may be causing their aggression. The veterinary behaviorist will be able to both provide you consult as well as give your dog medical attention if needed.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Your dog does not need yelling, screaming or anger. These actions in response to aggression towards something or somebody else could aggravate your dog further.
There are many things that you can do to prevent bites from happening in your home.
It is important to provide rules for both your dog and your family members, train your dog, provide behavior modification intervention if needed, use tools, and seek professional help if necessary.
If a bite does occur- stay calm and remove your dog quickly from the situation.
Your dog might not be happiest living in a home with children but with some effort you can make it work!
Having a dog is a big responsibility and requires a lot of time, energy, and patience.
Make sure that you are up for the challenge before bringing a four-legged friend into your home!
Dog parks can be great places for your pet to get some exercise, sniff around, and be with other dogs. However, there are some pros and cons of dog parks to consider before you go!
Should you take your dog to a dog park?
What are the rules of a dog park? Are dog parks safe? Will your dog run away at a dog park?
We will answer all of these questions and more!
The Pros and Cons of Dog Parks
A bark park is an off-leash dog area where dogs can play and exercise. These parks have become increasingly popular in recent years, as dog owners look for ways to socialize and exercise their pets.
Bark parks usually have a fenced-in area with plenty of room to run around. Many of them also have agility equipment, such as ramps and tunnels to play on. Some even have pools or ponds to cool off in during summer!
If your dog enjoys being off-leash and is fine being around other dogs, a local dog park may be a great amenity for you!
What happens if my dog gets into a fight at the dog park?
Unfortunately, fighting is more likely to happen at dog parks.
Even the most responsible and diligent Great Dane owner may find their dog in the middle of a fight. How you react to it matters.
If your dog caused the problem, apologize to the other owners and be willing to compensate them if veterinary care is required. Then, immediately leave the park and consult with a dog trainer, asap.
If your dog was attacked, think about what led up to the attack. Was there anything you could have done to prevent it? Did somebody bring toys or treats that caused a disagreement?
Remember, dog parks are not supervised and you are responsible for your dog’s actions. If your dog is aggressive or will respond aggressively when challenged, it’s best to find other ways to socialize (even if your dog is fine 90% of the time).
Can my dog get sick from the dog park?
Yes, your dog can absolutely become ill with parvo, distemper, kennel cough, parasites, ringworm, or otherwise.
Not all dogs will be up to date on their vaccinations, and exposure to them could be bad for your dog’s health.
It is important to make sure that your dog has all of its vaccinations and booster shots, as well as flea and tick preventatives, in order to stay safe and healthy.
When Can I Take my Great Dane Puppy to the Dog Park?
It’s not a bad idea to expose a young puppy to the idea of a dog park long before you actually go into one.
This could mean spending time on a very long, loose leash outside of the park learning to ignore people and pets walking by or playing.
When your puppy is 5-6 months old and has demonstrated healthy play signals with others, good obedience, and a mild, calm, friendly temperament, you might consider the dog park for your pet.
Should I Take my Dog to the Dog Park?
Unfortunately, not all dogs are good candidates to visit the dog park.
If your pup runs away from you, tries to jump fences, or humps pets or humans often, the local dog park may not be the best place for him either. Dogs that do not have a good recall or are not well-socialized can be a danger to themselves and to other pups at the dog park.
Spay & Neuter Considerations
With Great Danes, we recommend keeping them intact until maturity (18-24 months), and in some cases, indefinitely.
However, this may mean that your intact pup cannot visit a bark park or socialize with other dogs.
A female dog in heat should never visit the dog park.
It’s important to note that intact males may attract negative attention from dogs who don’t like intact males; watch out for these interactions and step in before they escalate.
If you have an intact male at the dog park, his behavior is your responsibility. Intact males can become territorial about their space when faced with other intact males or pushy neutered males.
A well-tempered intact male should, however, be able to walk away from negative interactions and will not engage in aggressive behaviors of any kind, especially when asked to move on.
How Do I Keep My Dog From Running Away Off-Leash?
Truth time. If your dog is likely to run away from you and not listen to obedience commands while inside the park, your dog isn’t ready to be off-leash. This isespecially true if you have an intact giant breed dog.
Coming when called is a skill that requires a fair amount of training for most dogs. However, it’s fun and easy if you are willing to put a little time into it!
We recommend enrolling in an obedience class with a reputable trainer before taking your pup to the park. This way you can learn how to train your dog to come when called and work on any other behavior issues he may have.
Obedience classes are a great investment for any dog. Once your dog has a solid obedience foundation, you can layer in a modern E-Collar!
Good dog park manners are how you and your dog will avoid scuffles and stay safe!
The most important rule of thumb is to never leave your dog unsupervised, no matter how well you think he gets along with other dogs.
You are responsible for your dog’s behavior at all times, and even the best-behaved dog can have an off day.
Humping
Humping is often mistaken as a sign of dominance.
There is nothing mature or dominant about humping. Humping is a sign of insecurity, frustration, and over-excitement. If it’s happening, it’s not cute and chances are it can lead to fighting.
NEVER allow your dog to hump another dog at a dog park. This behavior should result in an immediate correction and removal from the park.
It amazes me how many times I see this behavior and owners laugh about it. It’s not funny, especially when they might physically hurt others by doing it, or with puppies who are learning bad habits!
Aggression
Aggression is never acceptable at a dog park. Exposing an aggressive pet to other dogs in this environment will not socialize them or reduce aggression: as a matter of fact, it will likely make the behavior worse!
If your dog is growling, snapping, or trying to bite other dogs, remove him from the park immediately. This behavior puts other dogs and people in danger.
Don’t bring dog toys or treats, which can trigger reactivity.
It’s one thing if your dog growls or air snaps at another dog for being rude (for example, humping them). It’s a different story, however, if your dog is being aggressive and intends to harm other dogs.
Dominance
The concept of dominance is in dogs is greatly misunderstood.
Truly dominant/alpha dogs are calm, benevolent, and stable. True alpha dogs are natural leaders and have exceptional social skills.
Dogs or puppies that are snappy, rude, pushy, humpy, or out of control are not being dominant. They are showing that they are immature, lack impulse control, have poor social skills, and need more training.
Stop labeling poorly tempered and poorly trained dogs as ‘dominant’.
Rude Play Behaviors
This brings us to rude and pushy behaviors at the dog park! Many dogs labeled as ‘dominant’ are actually just rude and socially inept. This behavior can lead to a dog fight.
Immediately stop your dog if you notice rude behavior. This includes humping, pinning dogs down, chasing dogs that don’t want to be chased, cornering dogs under benches, nipping, hovering over another dog’s neck and growling, or just generally being ‘wild’.
If the other dog doesn’t want to play, your dog should immediately stop.
These are not cute, even in puppies, and should not be allowed. Your pup is not making friends this way.
Dog Park Etiquette 101
Ready to hit the dog park? Here are a few things to keep in mind!
Be sure to bring water and a bowl for your dog, as well as clean-up bags. It’s always courteous to leave the park cleaner than you found it.
Use your leash, the right way!
Don’t let your dog off-lead until you are securely in the enclosed area.
Many dogs who are great around others when let free will be reactive toward other dogs while on the leash. If your dog is running freely outside of the enclosed park and runs up to a leashed dog trying to enter or exit, this could result in a scuffle.
While it’s important to keep a leash on your dog as you enter or exit the park, inside of the fenced area it’s better to let your dog free!
Dogs on leashes have no way to escape and often feel threatened by other animals who are not. This can make attending a dog park scary, turning what should be a fun day into a bad experience.
As before, if you are concerned that your pup may run away, your dog needs more training!
Pick up your poop!
We shouldn’t have to say this one, but seriously.
Pick up your dog’s poop! Leaving it is gross and it’s disrespectful to other park users. Most parks provide bags and garbage cans for this purpose.
If you see someone not picking up their dog’s poop, politely offer a poop bag (or, be a good person and pick it up yourself).
Healthy play & fun
Healthy play signals are a must!
When two dogs want to engage in play, you will see play bows, loose waving tails, relaxed lips and ears, and super silly body language.
A play bow is when one or both dogs bow down and stick their bum in the air. This is a sure sign that the dogs are being friendly!
Healthy play between dogs can be very noisy! They may growl and bark at each other, body slam, chase, and pretend to bite each other. However, these will all be good fun.
You should see the playing dogs stop occasionally, shake off, and communicate with each other if the play should continue (with another play bow). If they don’t take breaks, you need to break it up before things escalate.
Stiffness, low growls, pinning, stiff bodies, hovering, tucked tails, and one dog trying to get away are signs that the play session is NOT healthy.
Leave when things aren’t right
If there are too many dogs, if a fight breaks out, or if you or your dog are feeling uncomfortable for any reason, it’s time to leave.
The dog park should be a fun experience, not a stressful one.
Here are some reasons to leave the dog park, immediately:
Your dog is overwhelmed
There is too much excitement or a large dog fight breaks out
You notice that your dog is being pushy, rude, or overstimulated
Other pet parents are not paying attention to their pets
Other dogs are behaving poorly, out of control, or becoming snappy
Your dog is starting to act aggressively or is fearful, cowering, or trying to hide
CONCLUSION:
Be a responsible, educated owner, and have fun with your best friend!
My dog snapped at my child for seemingly no reason!!! Help!!
If you have a family dog that has been around young kids it’s entire life, but suddenly showed dangerous behavior around your own human children, you’re probably feeling very scared and confused. It’s a natural reaction to want to figure out what caused the dog to lash out, and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.
MY DOG SNAPPED AT MY CHILD AND NORMALLY IS NOT AN AGGRESSIVE DOG
Dog bites and canine aggression should not be taken lightly. If your dog’s behavior showed any indication of danger towards a child’s safety, a resolution should be a huge priority.
Dogs and children CAN safely interact, but when a dog bites children, growls at children or shows dog aggression towards human child- something is definitely off.
Many family members have reported that their dog has suddenly ‘snapped’ and reacted or bitten a young age child without previously showing any signs of being an aggressive dog.
However, it is important to note that a dogs behavior is portrayed very differently than a humans. Warning signs of dog bites come in slight and progressive changes in a dogs body language and energy.
These changes are often misinterpreted or even ignored by dog guardians- until an incident happens and the dog is labeled an aggressive dog.
For this reason, it is so important to recognize the warning signs in a dog’s behavior far before a dog bite occurs.
Fearful dogs are unpredictable dogs. So, it is beneficial to any dog owner to know the signs of an anxious dog and watch for them in their own dog. Dog body language communicates loudly and clearly, it is just necessary for us to look closely.
Signs of stress can be warning signs of coming aggression towards others in dogs. It is important not to wait until a dog is growling or showing teeth to provide them with an opportunity to leave the situation. Often, by the time a dog is displaying these more obvious signs of aggression, they have already reached their breaking point.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG AND CHILDREN?
Living in the same house with a dangerous behavior problem and kids can be a dangerous situation.
If your dog has shown aggression toward your own children, it is possible that they could do it again.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG?
An aggressive dog will:
Break skin with their teeth
Growl or snap when someone comes near them while they are eating
Growl or snap when someone tries to take something away from them
Growl, lunge or snap at people or other animals when on a leash
Bite people or other animals without provocation
If your dog snapped at child unprovoked, it is an extremely serious situation that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
It is important to always consult with a certified professional dog trainer regarding your individual dog.
IS RESOURCE GUARDING THE SAME THING AS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR?
Your dogs behavior is ultimately up to you to categorize. You know the safety levels in which you feel comfortable.
If your dog is showing possessive aggression, it means that they are showing aggression towards yourself or family members when you attempt to take something away from them that they consider to be valuable.
This could be a toy, food, bone, or even just your attention.
So, if you have a dog that is snapping at your kids when they try to take away their toy- this would be an act of resource guarding and could be categorized as aggressive behavior.
Some levels of resource guarding can be completely trained with behavior modification techniques, crate training, muzzle training and teaching children the proper way in which to interact with the dog.
Other severities of possessive aggression might lead to aggressive behavior which could be a dangerous behavior problem and harmful for family members or kids.
Instead, they travel on a ‘ladder’ of communication, and do not stop traveling this ladder until their problem is solved or their owner is listening to their needs.
They will also be able to discuss options as to whether it is wise to keep your dog, rehome them, or provide behavior euthanasia, depending on the situation that you and your family members have experienced.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A DOG BITES A CHILD
If your dog has bitten your child- you should take immediate action.
If you are seeing any signs of aggression in your dog, it is important to consult with a certified professional dog behavior consultant who can help you create a behavior modification plan that is tailored specifically for your dog.
The sooner you address the problem, the better chance you have of preventing it from escalating into something more serious.
By remaining in tune with your individual dog and its needs, you can help prevent aggressive behavior before it starts.
