It may be really difficult for you to imagine that the cuddly, adorable puppy living happily in your home and playing with your children could be a wolf in disguise displaying signs of aggression in certain circumstances. Unless you train your puppy correctly the possibility of aggression can quickly change to fact. It is best to gain control over this inappropriate behavior from an early age because the older your dog gets, the harder it will be to modify his character.
Your dog's natural instinct will be to protect his territory from strangers whether they are people or animals. This is perfectly normal but the way in which he protects your home needs to be dictated by you, not by him. When you are out walking with your dog observe his behavior toward other dogs. You will possibly notice that he won't attack larger dogs because he will recognize a threat to his own safety and respect the superiority of the other dog. If he encounters a dominant dog he may want to escape or roll over in a submissive position, particularly if he senses that the other dog is stronger or more intelligent than he is. This is an instinct which he has inherited from his wolf ancestry and just like wolves; the weaker of the two animals will back off to avoid a fight.
As humans, when we see a dog roll over onto its back we think that it just likes its belly rubbed. This is not the case - the dog is demonstrating that you are superior by assuming the submissive position. A balance needs to be achieved with this because if your dog automatically rolls over when he sees you or other dogs, he may have a very weak character. Building is confidence and strength is not easy but developing your relationship with him from a very early age is most important. He needs to understand that you are not his enemy but not to the point that he loses respect for you. Make sure that you are friends but maintain control because the least thing you want is for your dog to be overly submissive or dangerously aggressive.
Although some fights occur without warning, it is possible to recognize signals that dogs give out when there is likely to be confrontation. Staring, trying to mount another dog, growling or snarling and stiff movements are all signs of imminent danger. If your dog behaves in this way on sight of another dog first issue the command ?No?. You can also try this command on the other dog as it is approaching. If this does not work a citronella spray can be most effective and will not damage either dog.
If, despite your attempts to prevent it, a fight ensues do not put yourself between the dogs because you may be injured. Maintain a firm grip on your dog's leash if he is on one, or if the fight is between two family pets try dragging one of the dogs back by his hind legs. If there is someone around to assist you this is always preferable. If you show fear the dogs will sense it and you could be bitten. There are a number of reasons why dogs fight. Usually male dogs fight to protect territory and attain dominance. Female dogs often fight for possession or to protect their puppies. Neutered dogs tend to be less aggressive so if you find your dog fighting with bitches that reject his sexual demands, this is one solution.
When you brought your dog home, you just knew that cute little puppy was going to brighten your family's life in many different ways! You visualized him running with the children in the backyard, curled up at your feet on a winter's night in front of the fire, and as an always-cheerful companion for everyone in the house. Whether you were ready for it or not, you own a difficult dog. But, don't expect your problem dog to transform overnight. Changing the behavior patters of difficult dogs can take some time.
Does he attack every dog it meets on his walk? Or, he has some specific enemies? Relax; he just wants to prove himself in front of the small pups, which may not be in a position to answer back. Just watch, if he confronts a big bully, he will probably run away, for he knows who will be the boss! And he will automatically be submissive, if he senses dominance of physique or brain. Normally, two fighters settle their dominance issues without a battle.
Often you will see young dogs lying on their backs, and showing their tummies with all four feet up. This is a sign of submissiveness, like they are surrendering to the stronger ones. But as dog owners, you should be careful that this does not become a habit, for he may turn into a pathetic weak animal. So, make him your friend right from his early age, for when a dog no longer looks upon you as a potential enemy it stops this lying on its back as protection. You don't want your dog to be an all-time fighter, but then you don't want him to be weak either!
When confronting a dog-fight, your own personality needs to be strong, because fighters are usually adult dogs. Among the fighters, there are a few puppies, and also a few females. Make your mind stronger than that of the potential fighter so that you are in-charge, not either of the dogs. But, never step in the middle of two loving pets and try and grab them by the collar to stop a dog fight. If you try this, the chances of you being badly bitten are extremely high. Do not waste time in screaming at the dogs, it won't help. Understand, your dog wants to be the boss of his tribe!
Just pacify him. And let him loose with the dog he has previously fought and he will realize he is at a disadvantage and show no signs of anger. Be sure to give your dog lots of verbal praise and affection for not barking or trying to be aggressive towards him. Repeat this process several times until both animals seem fairly accustomed to the presence of the other and their aggressions seem to have subsided. When things go sour, just take it in stride and put the animals in their separate areas for a bit and, given a cooling period, they will be friends again in no time.
And if your dog tends to be aggressive towards a particular sex, then just neuter him. You will also have males with strong sex drive go after a bitch that is not receptive to them. Take your dog to the park or some place with lots of dogs and let him explore the other animals. Perhaps even be the host of a Pooch Party and invite several playmates for your dog and their human companions to come over for a treat and some time together. This is a great way to teach your dog some manners and also gives you a great way to relax.
After all, common sense, proper socialization, training, and spending good time with your dog are all a part of responsible dog ownership. Because, dogs always don't have to fight like cats and dogs!
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