There are many signs of aggression in dogs; such as growling, nipping, biting, snarling etc. Before you can deal with this issue, you need to understand the cause behind your dog’s aggression.

Understanding Aggression in Dogs

Aggression in dogs can pertain to protecting their territory, possessiveness, fear, anxiety, feeling defensive, frustration, pain, or illness.

For instance, a dog may bark or growl upon seeing a stranger approaching the house or entering a specific room. Injured dogs may nip or bite when touched due to their discomfort or pain.

A dog will display signs of aggression before doing something drastic such as attacking a person or another animal. These signs can be growling, snapping, raised fur, their bodies becoming rigid, tail tucking, cowering, avoiding eye contact etc.

Even gentle dogs can show signs of aggression every once in a while. You need to address the issue only if it becomes problematic. Via aggression; a dog is trying to convey something. If you can understand the reason behind an aggressive behavior, it is easier to rectify it.

Ways to Stop Aggression in Dogs

If your dog is regularly showing sign/s of aggression, then take corrective action without delay.

Medical help: If your dog is normally not aggressive but suddenly begins to show one or more signs of aggression, talk to your veterinarian first.

Any underlying medical issue can make a dog aggressive. Injuries or pain are big reasons for it. Dogs who develop hypothyroidism can also become aggressive. Epilepsy and tumors can also cause aggression in our canine companions. Your veterinarian can conduct a full exam to resolve the issue. If an illness is the underlying cause for aggression, its treatment will resolve the issue.

Positive reinforcement: Most behavioral issues can be resolved via positive reinforcement techniques. If your dog barks or growls when out on walks; upon the presence of other dogs, try rewarding for good behavior.

Stand with your dog at a distance from a stranger dog. Give the ‘no’ command if the dog starts to bark or growl. If the barking/growling stops, reward the behavior with a small healthy treat. Continue to do so as you cover the distance slowly.

It may take a few days for the positive behavior to fully reinforce itself. But with patience, you will succeed. You can try positive reinforcement for any aggressive behavior.

Avoid any form of punishment to get rid of a dog’s aggression. Punishment will further augment the fear, anxiety, or any underlying cause of the aggression.

Professional help: If the aggressive behavior continues despite your best efforts, hire the services of a professional and reputed dog trainer. Ensure that the trainer only uses gentle tactics on the dog and involves you while formulating the corrective plan.

Once you understand the reason behind your dog’s aggression, you can easily rectify the behavior. Aggression is not comfortable for your dogs also. So, be gentle while taking corrective action. Give dogs space if they are asking for it via any aggressive behavior.