Dog Aggression Towards Family Members

By Davidton George

If your pet dog is getting aggressive towards those who are close to you, then you should not ignore the situation. Even though dogs are naturally wild, uncontrolled aggressive behaviour is unsafe in any pet and may cause severe harm. You can find some tips below in this article to minimise your dogs aggression.

Realization

Firstly, you must realize that there are good and bad types of aggression in dogs. The two major types of aggression in dogs are towards the members of the family and aggression towards strangers.

When your dog is being aggressive towards an unfamiliar person, it is usually because he or she is nervous. Your dog may fidget, bark or whine, leap around like a maniac, or attempt to bite. Your dog is doing this because they are frightened and have not been properly socialized.

But when a dog is getting aggressive towards the members of the family, it maybe because they are being over protective of their food or toys. When family members come near to the dog, they look intently or try to bite them. In fact, your dog is trying to establishing himself as the leader.

What To Do

To quell this behaviour, you must not consistently confirm that your dog is in control. You must train them to become submissive. Maybe try putting your dog on an obedience course so they will learn some basic commands. Try to make your pet "stay or sit" every time before he or she receives a treat or eats. Another proven tip is that at meal times, you and your family must always eat first. Never give food to your dog before you have finished eating.

Also, your dog must never be allowed to lead throughout an entire walk. They should be kept at your side or follow you. Additionally, you must only treat your dog when he or she does as they are told. And, if they refuse to obey, they must be given an instant "time-out". If you do so, you will be showing them that you're in charge of everything and your dog is not the leader.

In conclusion, you may correct aggression in dogs by modifying your actions and be unrelenting in applying the new rules to your dog. By following these rules, within a very short time, you'll show your aggressive dog that they are secure in the world they don't have to act aggressively.

If you have ever experienced the stress and anxiety of having an ill dog, then you know the importance of doing everything you can to keep your pet healthy. For tips and advice, visit Dog Symptoms of Illness.