Proper socialization and training from an early age – either from puppyhood or as soon as a dog is adopted – will help dogs learn how to behave around guests both in the home and outside. Pet Store Websites. Territorial aggression that has advanced to the point of lunging, snarling, and biting is more difficult to treat and positive results, though eminently possible, are not guaranteed. If the intruder is not intimidated, warnings may escalate to include hostile posturing and lunging. I want to help you understand the causes of dog aggression, so you can overcome this dog problem. To be able to truly understand how to stop dog aggression, you’ll need to find out what makes your dog aggressive in the first place. To keep everyone at ease…. Most medications take several weeks to achieve their peak effects. We are constantly adding new specials to our site. Every time the dog breaks the stay, a verbal correction should be given to indicate that there will be no reward, and the dog is escorted back to the mat. When dogs display aggression to strangers only on the home property, and do not respond aggressively to strangers on neutral territory, territorial aggression is the likely diagnosis. However, if you have concerns that your dog will be aggressive to your visitor, do not let him approach them, just settle for being in the same room together … Trouble when visitors arrive is a common concern of many guardians. A non-confrontational approach to leadership is the best way to accomplish this important task. Forewarn guests about any possible poor manners from the dog, emphasizing that the animal is still being trained and isn't always used to visitors. For difficult cases, it may be helpful to treat territorially aggressive dogs with anti-anxiety, anti-aggressive medication. Townsend, MA, Driven by Reassurance will affirm the dog’s fear. If the dog does not respond aggressively, visitors can be asked to try taking a few steps before returning to their seat. Although alarm barking can sometimes be aggravating for dog owners, neighbors, and visitors, lunging and biting are far more serious problems. After doing this several times, eventually the stranger should be able to stand a few feet from the dog while it remains calm and under control. toward the person’s buttocks, thighs, or calves) … or they may simply nip, ripping clothing. Counterconditioning interrupts unwanted behavior by training the dog to respond to a command or activity that is incompatible with continued performance of the aggressive behavior. Introduce a mildly anxiety-inducing person at a distance. Basket Muzzle. For these dogs, all off-lead exercise should be conducted in safe places, with constant supervision by an informed owner who has realistic expectations of the dog’s behavior. Annoying though it may be, it’s actually quite normal for dogs to do this. Arranging group training sessions, taking walks through busy areas, visiting dog parks, arranging puppy play dates and occasional doggie day care can all help dogs become more socialized and accepting of others. Key to the entire program is desensitization to approaching strangers along with counterconditioning to alter the dog’s associations and behavior during progressive, planned exposure to visitors. Does your dog like to bark at everyone who comes to your home? This technique is most effective when owners can identify and predict the situations that trigger the dog’s territorial response. In a way, the only distinguishing feature between territorial fear aggression and overt fear aggression is the level of confidence that the dogs possess. “The territory” generally includes the house and yard, plus abutting areas (e.g. ©Copyright 1999 - 2021. Uniformed visitors, like the mail carriers, are prime targets for this learned type of aggression. Rather, they should be asked to avert their gaze and advance slowly in a circuitous path (as this is less threatening to most dogs). Domestic dogs, however, seem to regard people as conspecifics and consequently may direct territorial aggression toward human visitors. Clomipramine (Clomicalm®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), buspirone (BuSpar®) are all reasonable treatment options. Dominant dogs have a responsibility to warn other pack members of a stranger’s approach and they do this with confidence and authority. The dog knows where his territorial boundaries are – but visitors do not, and they may unwittingly cross the line. Whenever the dog is behaving in an aggressive manner he should be ignored or controlled. Territorial aggression is a potentially dangerous behavior problem. As youngsters, they may back up and bark at the sound of people approaching but, as they grow older, they find themselves more intimidating and learn that they can drive the bogeyman away. Territorial/fear aggressive dogs do not usually settle down completely while visitors are in the home and are prone to sudden outbursts of barking or lunging and may aggress toward visors who move suddenly, speak loudly, or get up to leave the house. Allow sufficient slack for the dog to leave your side and interact with other dogs, but ensure that you can physically restrain him if necessary should he become aggressive. Perhaps they do possess a low level of dominance and would bark anyway, but some are also insecure, anxious, or even frankly fearful. One to two 5-minute sessions per day are usually sufficient. Dogs with the confidence to bite strangers present a danger to any visitors to the home and a liability for the dog’s owners. Management of an Aggressive Dog in the Home by Humane Society of Missouri Owners of aggressive dogs have a serious responsibility to keep other people and animals safe. These exercises should be repeated with a variety of different people. Owners can start by having the guest slowly stand up and then sit down. Aggression toward people is born from anxiety and fear. Building a dog's trust and respect for you helps a dog trust you to handle situations, and also deals with possessiveness that many aggressive dogs are displaying - where they basically view you as theirs and are trying to keep The approach we advocate is the “Nothing in Life is Free” leadership program. Dogs can have many different reactions to visitors, from excited piddling and jumping to fearful growling and anxiety to barking and aggression. For dogs that are aggressive when people enter the house, it is best to isolate the dog at first and then, once everyone is seated, the dog can be brought into the room on a lead and head halter, if he remains relaxed. Keep in mind that it’s never your dog’s fault, some dogs just Typically, these treatments are applied for at least four to six months, and possibly for as long as a year or two. All dogs that have shown aggression to visitors in the past should be trained to wear a basket-style muzzle. The dog should initiate all interactions with visitors in the home. Many dogs react poorly to visitors because they aren't used to being around strangers. Where owners have some control, they can usually reassure the dog that the person is, in fact, welcome, at which point the dog will settle down. Once the dog has learned the basic obedience commands, he can be trained to perform long down-stays while the owner moves progressively further away. At this point, the stranger should be asked to toss one of the dog’s favorite food treats toward him. The efficacy of such treatments will vary from case to case but price, side effects, and other logistical concerns will determine the order in which these treatments are tried. When temperatures drop, we layer up in warm clothes, turn up the furnace, enjoy hot drinks, and take other steps to stay warm and safe. By definition, territorial aggression should be expressed toward members of the same species. Borderline-low levels of the principal thyroid hormone may be associated with increased anxiety, and thus aggression. Your first step toward stopping this behavior … Some owners find that their bundle of furry joy turns from Lassie to Cujo when confronted with visitors to the home, or when another dog crosses their path during walkies. Diet. Ensure that the dog receives regular daily exercise (20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily is a minimum). Something unfamiliar appears -- be it an object, person, or other animal -- and your dog sees it as threatening. Training an aggressive dog should not be done without the help of a professional, but these 6 best aggressive dog training tips can help you start. Reschedule the introduction between the visitor and the new dog at a different time. By the end of the fifth day, the dog should be able to remain focused for 25-30 seconds no matter what the distraction. If the dog responds by paying attention in a relaxed and focused manner, reward him with a small food treat or praise him lavishly. Each day, increase the amount of time that the dog must pay attention, in a relaxed pose, before he receives a reward. If the dog is sensitive to certain stimuli, let the guest know and request that they not contribute to the animal's anxiety. This will cause the dog to defer to his owners’ authority so that he can be introduced to people under pleasant circumstances and be rewarded for remaining calm. Punishment has the potential to increase the dog’s anxiety and worsen the situation. Head halters send a biological signal of the owner’s leadership by exerting gentle pressure around the muzzle (“maternal point”) and at the nape of the neck (“leader point”). Serving If you can’t reschedule the visit or have unannounced visitors and the dog seems agitated, put the dog in its safe place, such as its crate or a separate room with its own bed. The amount of movement the dog will tolerate, while remaining relaxed, should be increased incrementally. At this early stage of the treatment program, if the owner has the dog in the room with guests, the dog should be removed before the guests prepare to leave. Effective options include…. More often than not, these dogs are afraid, but people rarely call to say that they have a fearful dog. The bites of territorial fear aggressive dogs are usually directed towards the “nether regions” of the offender (e.g. If your dog is aggressive to visitors to the home, make sure you secure your dog in the garden or in a secure room before you open the door or greet guests. The next step is to countercondition the dog to people and situations that trigger aggression. Medical Rule-outs. Once the territorial dog is reliably relaxed with visitors in the home, he can be permitted to interact with them. The goal is to teach the dog to associate visitors’ presence with pleasant experiences. Wait for quiet Under no circumstances should you let your dog our while Once the dog understands the concept of the long “down-stay,” the owner can switch to supplying rewards intermittently. Treats should be supplied if the dog remains calm. If owners are consistent with this approach, the dog will learn that he must look to them to obtain anything he needs or wants, such as food, freedom, play, and social interaction. There are times when a guest's behavior can cause a dog even greater anxiety or may send mixed signals to the animal. This concept will replace the prior aversion and need to repel borders. Once a dog performs a reliable “down-stay” when his owner is in the room, the owner should ask for this behavior as she moves progressively further from the dog. If you have a dog that is acting aggressively toward visitors to your home or property, it’s vital that you consult a qualified behavior professional immediately. Click & treat training may facilitate training endeavors. At this stage, whenever owners sense that their dog is about to engage in the unwanted behavior, they can use this counterconditioning technique to interrupt the behavior before it escalates. It is important to practice this exercise on a periodic basis to ensure its effectiveness when it is needed. Avoid Punishment and Reassurance. Aggression to other dogs That may include feeding time, the arrival of visitors, or seeing other dogs. Unlike humans, dogs have little sense of equality and will always aspire toward the highest possible rank within their social group. For indoor sessions, owners can also train the dog to perform a 20-minute “down-stay” on a specific bed or mat that is used only for training. Territorial/fear aggressive dogs do not usually settle down completely while visitors are in the home and are prone to sudden outbursts of barking or lunging and may aggress toward visors who move suddenly, speak loudly, or get up to leave the house. Every dog owner should take steps to train their canine companion to react appropriately when guests arrive, and there are several ways to help dogs have better "company manners" when greeting guests. If someone approaches too closely, and the dog becomes aggressive, the assistant should stand still until the owner can get the dog’s attention, preferably using an obedience command, like “cut” [it out], and rewarding the dog for its compliance. You have to manage or prevent any situations that cause your dog to behave aggressively. We find these muzzles to be effective and more humane than standard muzzles. Once the dog remains relaxed when people are quietly sitting in the home, he can be taught to accept them moving about. If the dog can be distracted by food rewards or games, counterconditioning on its own may circumvent the brunt of the problems. Some dogs, notoriously those of the herding breeds, show a variation of the territorial aggression theme. All exercises should be performed on lead, preferably with a head halter, and basket muzzle, if necessary. Limiting interaction can smooth over very awkward situations with ease. Assistants and visitors should be asked to engage in a variety of different activities so the dog learns that they are not threatening. Except during training sessions, avoid exposing the dog to situations and people that may trigger the aggressive behavior. If the dog prefers, visitors can present the dog with a tennis ball or other preferred toy. Your ultimate goal will be to have your dog sit at the door while you answer it. While not every technique will be effective with every dog, using several tactics to help them get used to guests will help the dog develop better manners for every stranger they interact with. Electronic fences pose a particular problem for dogs with territorial aggression. We currently do not have any events scheduled. The mail carrier comes, the dog barks, the mail carrier leaves, and the dog takes credit. The aggressive behavior is thus reinforced. Show the guest what verbal commands or hand signals should be used so the dog gets consistent clues about how to behave. There are several factors that distinguish fear-related territorial aggression from dominance-driven aggression: Although dominance-based territorial aggression is easier to manage than fear-based territorial aggression, both forms of territorial aggression can be addressed reasonably well by means of management measures, proper control, and containment. Dog aggression is a major dog problem for owners. Every dog has a different threshold of what they take. Safety Precautions. 5 Put your dog on a … The approach to controlling fear-based territorial aggression is more problematic. Territorial/fear aggressive dogs frequently show ambivalent body language similar to that of purely fear aggressive dogs. Avoid Confrontations. Some dogs are only a problem when people come into their perceived territory and so be especially careful at doorways, gates and even the doors to the car. Dogs are more likely to show aggression towards visitors who make them feel in some way confronted, which is why totally ignoring them is very important. When dealing with territorially aggressive dogs, it is essential that owners establish a leadership role with respect to the dog in order to safely manage the dog’s territorial tendencies. Out on the street, these same dogs may not have the courage to intimidate their adversaries, although they might wish they had. Territorial aggression, when confined to barking at the sound of approaching strangers can be a bane or a blessing, depending on the circumstances and the owner’s control of the situation. While the aggressive dog may have initially triggered a dog fight, your other dog might as well be the first to attack. Exercise. During the early stages of training, assistants should be advised not to make direct eye contact with the dog and not to approach the dog head on. The barking is also intended to alert other pack members who can join in defense of the pack’s territory. But what about our pets... © 2021 Farmer's Exchange Townsend. Counterconditioning. Despite all of the publicity involved with dog bites When you invite your guests in, he should not jump on them and, ideally, should greet them calmly. If it is a bane, the owner can do something about it using the approaches described above, and can frequently make inroads into containing the problem. All rights reserved. There are several ways to help dogs adjust to a visitor's presence without bad behavior. Let the guest reward the dog's good behavior with a few kibbles or treats to share with the dog. If the dog chooses to approach a guest, have the person quietly offer their hand for the dog to sniff and they may offer a treat if the dog is not too “grabby.” If the dog indicates that he would like to be petted, the guest may do so briefly, but again they should avoid reaching up and over the dog’s head and they should avoid prolonged eye contact. There’s the constant concern of an incident happening despite your best efforts at prevention. For dogs that do not readily respond to food or play, it is helpful to train the dog to relax on command by responding to verbal and visual cues from the owner. And if this is ineffective in deterring the visitor, an attack may ensue. In general, dogs tend to be more territorially aggressive when they are behind a fence, because a fence allows the dog to know exactly where the boundary lies, and he will patrol and protect it. Bear in mind that dogs with fear-related aggressive behavior have a tendency to snap at people when they move away, for example, when they are preparing to leave. In mild form, dogs bark to intimidate intruders, particularly those of the same species. Fear aggressive dogs generally have enough confidence to be aggressive to strangers on or off their own territory. There are so many drawbacks to living with and loving an aggressive dog. If the dog is resistant to remaining still, an alternative strategy is to have the person stand still and walk the dog around the person in progressively decreasing circles. Finally, owners should consider posting a “Beware of Dog” sign as a responsible reminder that a dog is on the property. In either case, it’s important to teach your dog what you want him to do when visitors come to the door. Dogs can have many different reactions to visitors, from excited piddling and jumping to fearful growling and anxiety to barking and aggression. First say, “watch me,” and move a finger toward your face. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable when a dog is rude or aggressive toward a visitor, but with consistent training, proper socialization and good techniques for coping with guests, every dog can have suitable company manners for greeting and interacting with visitors. If the dog learns to respect his owners in this way, he will be more likely to turn to them for direction when he’s feeling challenged or fearful and will be more likely to heed directions. Initially, reward the dog every 10 seconds if he remains still, then every 20 seconds, 30 seconds, and so on. There are two primary motivations for territorial behavior, dominance or fear/anxiety. The main one has to be the question “Why would two dogs who have lived together, often for This requires the dog to work for anything he needs or desires (food, toys, attention, access to the outdoors etc.). The body language includes: approach-avoidance behavior, tucked or semi-tucked tail, slinking gait and an indirect approach. This will also help the dog recognize the hierarchy of visitors so they behave accordingly when anyone comes to visit. If the dog cannot maintain the required posture and affect, and remains tense, barking and lunging at the stranger, the owner needs to return to an earlier phase of training. All Rights Reserved. If your dog is likely to be aggressive if being pet by strangers, tell others that your dog does not like to be petted. For example, strong perfumes or aftershaves can heighten anxiety in dogs, and asking a visitor not to wear any can help minimize bad behavior. Assuming that your dog’s behavior is not a result of boredom or frustration due to a lack of appropriate exercise, let’s take a look at why dogs seemingly randomly become aggressive. 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