Aggression in dogs can be a concerning issue for owners. It is essential to understand its causes and adopt the right methods to manage it effectively.
Observing situations where the dog becomes aggressive helps to better understand the underlying causes.
Early and continuous socialization is essential. It is recommended to expose the dog from a young age to various environments, people, and animals so that it learns to interact calmly. If an adult dog shows signs of aggression, gradual socialization can still be beneficial. For example, take your dog to observe other dogs from a distance, then gradually reduce this distance while rewarding it for staying calm.
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition. For example, if your dog growls when it sees a stranger, give it a treat when it stays calm. Avoid physical punishments, which may increase its stress and aggression.
A dog that suddenly becomes aggressive may be suffering from an underlying health issue, such as joint pain or a neurological disease. A vet visit can rule out these medical causes before considering behavioral work.
A dog trainer or behaviorist can assess your dog and propose a suitable re-education program. For example, a dog that excessively protects its food can gradually learn to tolerate human presence near its bowl through adapted exercises.
