Man’s best friend becomes the centerfold for a lot of families, but your furry pet may have challenging traits. Living with an aggressive dog can take a lot out of the owner. You may worry every time you or anyone else is near your dog. This constant worry can take a big toll on your mental state. By taking some simple steps, you can alleviate this anxiety.
There are a few different ways you can help your dog become less aggressive. Although it will take time and patience, it can help your constant worries about your dog dissolve.
- Look at your response: While training, some owners punish aggressive dogs with aggressive behavior. Their aggression is a result of the fear that has been instilled in them. Using aggressive forms of punishment can give the dog an example of an accepted response. Instead, assert yourself as the alpha. Dogs are pack animals and give their respect to the alpha dog. If you do not assert yourself as the alpha, your dog will take the place as the alpha of the household. Making yourself the alpha of the household will establish control instead of fear.
- Take them to the vet: Sometimes there’s a reason for a dog’s aggression. An underlying medical condition can cause a dog’s behavior to change for the worse. Painful or cognitive conditions can alter your dog’s behavior. Your dog’s confusion can raise as well. This can also contribute to the changed behavior. A medical professional can help you either rule out a medical condition or care for your dog in the best way possible.
- Get a behavioral trainer: A professional animal behaviorist will have experience in knowing the techniques that can change behavior in animals. They can recognize how and why your dog is acting the way it is. Professional trainers can help you treat your dog in the best way possible. They can even offer support if they conclude that your pet has a poor quality of life and must be euthanized. Although euthanizing your dog is the worst-case scenario, the trainer must be open to all options when it comes to safety.
When your dog is aggressive, safety is the priority. Your dog may be unpredictable and lash out when you’re not expecting it. Just know, there is hope. There are actions you can take to find that loving dog underneath the aggressive one it has become.
