Aggressive Dog Behavior Putting Your Dog In His Place and You In Your Place

Does your dog have aggressive dog behavior? Is he dominant? Is he demanding? Does he want his way all the time? Is his behavior annoying and embarrassing? Does he stress you out?

Aggressive dog behavior can take many forms. Of course, there are some dogs that are so aggressive that they are a real danger. I have known big dogs that have attacked even their owner and killed them, because of untreated dog aggression. This was not a dog that had ever attacked his owner before, but he did show some signs of aggression.

Aggressive dog behavior will escalate over time. So what can be seen as insignificant signs of aggression should not be overlooked. You should put an end to it the sooner the better. Don’t wait until it gets worse, or until there is a terrible accident.

Always be aware of signs of aggression, so you can do something about it. Here are some signs of aggression, which are pretty common:

• Barking and growling
• Fighting with other dogs
• Whining and “talking” to get their way
• Nudging you so you will do something, like petting them
• Pulling you when you are walking them, and walking ahead of you
• Being demanding and willful
  
  

When a dog thinks he can get away with his demands, he thinks he is the leader. And as a leader, he is the one who does what he wants. His behavior can grow more and more aggressive and he can become dangerous.

In order to change his aggressive dog behavior you need help. You need help for the dog and for yourself, as you will also need to be trained to be a leader and take charge. You will have to learn how to effectively establish yourself as the leader of the pack.

You can hire a dog trainer, but besides being expensive, they only train the dog. You need a method which will help both you and your dog. Your dog has to learn to become submissive and you have to learn to become a leader. So each one has to take their rightful place in this relationship, and this way you will have a much more rewarding relationship which you will be able to enjoy much more.

Here is the #1 recommended method of dog training which has helped hundreds of thousands with their dog’s aggressive behavior.

This method is guaranteed to help you and your dog with his aggressive dog behavior.

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Small Dog Training Obedience School 101

Having problems training your small dog? Is there a difference in training a regular-sized pup and a toy dog? Are there helpful tips that can make your small dog training life easier?

The truth is there’s really no difference when it comes to training all kinds of dogs, no matter what their breed or size. The challenges my older brother went through while training his Labrador retriever, for example, were the same challenges I had to face in training my much smaller cocker spaniel. However, how different kinds of dogs respond to training may vary. Labs are typically friendlier and more good-natured, while spaniels are a little moodier and more apt to snap.

What about small dogs or toy dogs? What’s the best way to train them? Here are some tips you might find helpful in small dog training.

1. Avoid carrying small dogs around

People who own small dogs tend to carry the pup around with them instead of letting them walk on a leash. This habit can be detrimental to your training, especially when you’re trying to potty train them. Carrying your dog to the garden or the potty box when it needs to go will give it the impression that you will always be around to do so. And when you’re not – ah, the horror. So, use a leash. And next time your dog makes a mess on your carpet, walk him to the spot, let him smell it, say “bad dog” firmly and then lead him to the proper potty place. Hopefully, he’ll get the picture before the 10th try.

2. Aggressive behavior in small dogs

Watch out for aggressive behavior in your small dog. Don’t allow your small dog to get away with it because of his size. Many behaviors which are not condoned in larger dogs seem to be allowed very often in small dogs. For example, if a small dog growls at a larger dog, it is sometimes seen as cute. This is dominant, aggressive behavior, and you should try to change it.

3. Reward and punishment

Using the reward and punishment system is perhaps the best way to train a dog – big or small. Dogs (and humans too!) learn through good and bad experiences. Humanely punishing your dog when he chews your couch will help him remember not to do it again. And rewarding him for, say, pooping in the right place, will reinforce the behavior.

Even though there is no difference between small dog training and training larger dogs, the above factors do influence their training. So watch out for behaviors that you are unintentionally letting them get away with, and you will have a more balanced pup.

Feel free to check out this great resource for small dog training advice.

For more information on small dog training visit Cris Santeiro’s Dog Training With Love blog.

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Getting a Second Dog

My little dog seems so lonely.  I just hate leaving him home alone when I go do work.  I am thinking about getting a “little friend” for him.  Is this a good thing or a bad thing? 

As Dog Trainers, we are asked this question from time to time.  Our clients have to leave their dog home alone while they are at work or their dog seems to show signs of separation anxiety or they think that a second dog will be a good “play buddy” for their current dog.  These are some of the thoughts that go through our clients’ heads and there are a lot more, for sure. The honest answer is that you never completely know what will happen when you bring an additional dog into your family.

My Dog is Lonely:

The idea that a dog is naturally “lonely” when he is left by himself all day is not correct.  Most dogs sleep most of the day while you are at work.  Why do you think they are fully adrenalized and ready to “rock and roll” when you open the door at night?  You have just woken them up and they are now ready to play. 

My Dog has Separation Anxiety:

If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, a second dog is normally not the answer.  Separation anxiety, normally shown through destruction, defecation, and persistent barking; is caused by an issue between you and your dog.  You have not established the appropriate bond between you and your dog and your dog is trying to get to you or call you back.  This can easily be resolved through proper behavioral training and does not require the addition of a second dog.

My Dog Needs to be Socialized with Other Dogs:

If you believe that a second dog will help with your dog’s socialization skills, you don’t need to bring a new dog into the pack.  Think about taking your dog to a doggie day care a few times a week.  If you have some neighbors with nice dogs, arrange some play dates in a neutral area. 

If our client still really wants to get a second dog because they are “sure that the new dog will be great for the current one”, we ask them a very simple question:

Are you prepared to take care of another dog, period? 

Getting a second dog can’t be done to simply solve a perceived problem.  What if getting the second dog doesn’t solve the problem?  What then? 

Let’s say that they have assured me that they really want a second dog and will do whatever is necessary to make sure that both will feel happy and safe in their family.  No matter what it takes, they will be the “diligent parents”.

With that said, I council them on the appropriate method to pick and introduce a new dog into their family:

• Check Rescue Groups and the Local Humane Society for dogs you like.  Try and find a “middle of the pack” dog.  This is a dog that doesn’t run at you instantly when you approach the cage or their area.  This dog also won’t stay in the back of the cage or area.  This dog will respond when you address them and will come over to you in a calm and polite manner.  This is important when you introduce this dog to your current dog.
• Have the two dogs meet in a neutral area.  Many groups and Humane Societies have fenced in areas that are used for this purpose.  You can also use a neighbor’s fenced in back yard if that neighbor does not have any pets. 
• Have both dogs on leashes and bring them into the area from different locations.  Walk them around the area while slowly approaching each other.
• Bring them to about eight feet from each other and have both sit.  Once both display submissive body language, allow them to approach each other.   Do not force them.  Let them sniff each other for a few moments and then separate them and have them sit again.
• If all is still going well, walk them around the area again for a few minutes.  Have them sit and then release the leashes.  If either dog shows aggression towards the other, quickly step on the leashes and separate them.
• Continue to let them interact, watching closely for any signs of aggression of fearfulness.  If they eventually lie down and show passive tendencies towards each other, you may have a good match.
• Continue the introduction at your home.  Have both dogs meet on your front lawn.  Have them leashed and walk them around for a moment or two.  Now, allow them to approach and sniff.  Continue this for about fifteen to twenty minutes.
• Take your dog into the house and have him sit in an area away from the front door but with a view of the front door.  Bring the new dog into the house but do not walk directly towards your dog.
• Allow both dogs to sniff if they want. 
• Sit on the sofa with the dogs at opposite ends.  Still have them on their leashes and have them sitting or lying down.  After a few minutes, let the leashes go but do not remove them.
• Get up from the sofa and quietly walk around the room but never leave the room. 

There still is never an air tight guarantee that the two dogs will be “best buddies”, but you have done everything possible to properly introduce and jointly socialize them.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers inSouthern Florida.

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Preparing Your Dog for The Start of School

School time is just around the corner and the kids have been playing with our family dog all summer long.  What happens when our dog is left alone all day?

 

This same scenario happens every year and is something that is easily solved if you prepare for it now.  Two big problems that your dog could experience are boredom and separation anxiety.  Both of these could lead to inappropriate behavior such as destruction and continued, crazy barking.  Here are some tips to work on now before your kids go back to school:

 

Boredom

While dogs naturally sleep a lot during the day, when they wake up, they want something to do. Seek out toys and activities that can keep your dog entertained, even when youre not at home.

• Scatter food.  Dogs are natural foragers who enjoy sniffing out food on the ground. Before you leave the house, scatter a variety of foods -such as bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that wont attract wasps-around the yard or house. Hide a few ultra-tasty treats, too, so your dog spends extra time looking for them. Be sure to provide fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.
• Toys.  Dogs love toys, but they can get bored with or destroy them.  Buy high-quality, virtually indestructible puzzle toys that your dog will always enjoy, especially those that hold treats like the Classic KONG.  Every week or so, rotate what toys are available to your dog to give him something new and fun to hold his interest.

Separation Anxiety

With everyone away from the house all day, dogs left alone can become stressed. This stress can result in destructive behaviors and endless barking. Follow these tips to help reduce the potential anxiety of separation.

• Start early.  A few weeks before your children return to school, get your dog used to being alone.  Begin by separating him from the kids and the rest of the family.  For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to run errands, leave him at home instead.
• Pay less attention to your dog.  While your dog may be the center of attention when the kids are home all day, you need to change this scenario before they return to school so that he can adjust more quickly to the quiet time. About a week before school starts, pay increasingly less attention to your dog each day.
• Practice leaving the house.  Go through the motions of leaving the house.  Pick up your keys and go out the door, but then come right back in again. The dog will cease associating the routine of your leaving the house with your departure.  This will help him to be more relaxed when you actually leave.
• When you leave When the last person leaves the house for the day, dont confuse your dog by saying soothingly, "Dont worry, Wolfie-well be home soon. Be a good boy." If he is feeling concerned that youre leaving, your sweet-toned voice can make him think its okay to feel anxious. Dogs are animals that instinctively rely on a defined social structure, and so they expect their leaders to be strong when they leave the group. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.

As I mentioned earlier, it is important that you start this new routine BEFORE everyone starts back to school.  This allows you the time to work with your dog to acclimate him with your new “school-time” routime. As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at Great South Florida Dog Trainers.

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