10 STEPS in preventing aggressive behavior!

Post date: Jul 06, 2012 6:32:31 AM

1 Begin the day exercising your dog!

Before feeding breakfast and dinner, dog should be exercised 45-60 min., (walk, run, play games, chase balls, fetch...but not tug o' war!) for reducing aggressive behavior you need longer exercise time to exhaust dog & reduce excessive/aggressive energy!

2 Use the ‘NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE (NILIF)’ method of training:

Dog starts out in crate with nothing, then things are added as they perform wanted behavior. Bedding, blankets, toys or treats are added to crate when dog stays quiet and calm.

3 Teach basic obedience commands or specific ‘job’ training skills or any other mentally stimulating training for at least 30 min. daily, separate from the 45-60 min. of daily exercise.

4 Keep your dog in a safe confined area when you are not able to observe behavior.

5 Always use a leash or long line when out in public! Keep dog on leash or a drag-line in home setting if dog will not return to you on command and follow basic commands around distractions.

6 Make dog move out of your way. Without talking, touching, or eye contact, walk directly into your dog getting them to back up or move out of the way.

7 Place yourself in front of or above your dog before giving commands.

8 Hold your dog on a down, preferably by standing on the leash or physically placing in the down position and roll onto their back hold in place for about 5 min. if dog struggles tell them NO! and wait for them to settle down and submit before letting the dog up.

9 Immediately correct any aggressive behavior with a change in posture standing up straight! change tone of voice to deep tone or add a growl & a quick NO! Redirect your dog into a more desired behavior like SIT or LEAVE IT, or SAY HI.

10 Always Praise wanted behavior so your dog knows immediately when their behavior pleases you, because that is the bottom line in training or modifying behavior. The dog only does what it knows and will never do what you want if it doesn't know what you want! It is better to praise your dog into wanted behavior than to correct out of unwanted behavior. Prevention far outweighs correction!

CAUTION: It is always better to be safe than sorry. Working with an aggressive dog is a very difficult and time-consuming task. If you are unprepared or unable to handle your dog, please contact me for professional help!