Discover Six Dog Behavior Modification Steps for Dealing With Fear Aggression in Dogs

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By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of fear aggression in dogs.  Plus you’ll also know several dog training behavior modification techniques to use when dealing with this problem in your dog.What Causes Dog Behavior Problems Like This One?Fear aggression in dogs can have many causes.  Certain dog breeds, like the herding breeds, are more prone to this problem than others.  Neglecting to socialize your dog when he’s a puppy can contribute to canine aggression towards strangers.  Past abuse may also be a factor.Even if puppy socialization isn’t an issue, many dogs go through a “shy” period when they hit adolescence at around six months.  It’s important to keep exposing your pup to lots of situations to avoid him becoming wary of new people and new animals.Dog Behavior Modification TechniquesIf your dog is already displaying fear aggression, here are six steps for dog training behavior modification you can use to desensitize your dog to strangers.  What you’ll be doing is teaching your dog that strangers are great!To start, you’ll need a few volunteers to act as strangers.  You dog also needs to be on a leash so he’s under your control at all times.First, you need to identify your dog’s favorite treat.  It shouldn’t be something he gets on a regular basis.  Steak, liver, chicken, cheese, hot dogs, whatever it is, it should be something he absolutely loves. Second, the only time he gets this favorite treat is when a stranger is present.  You’re training your dog to associate this wonderful treat with a stranger being around.Third, figure out what is triggering your dog to show canine aggression.  He may be OK if strangers are outside, but not in the home.  He may be scared of all men, certain men, or kids.  Do sudden movements, or somebody getting too close agitate him?  Observe him carefully to see what sets him off.The fourth step is to expose your dog to a stranger.  Stay inside your dog’s comfort zone.  You want to move slowly so you don’t provoke him to an aggressive display.  Your dog should know a stranger is around, but he shouldn’t be overly concerned about it.  Fifth, as soon as your dog is aware of the stranger, start feeding him treats.  Sixth, before the dog starts getting aggressive toward the stranger, you either have the stranger leave, or your and your dog will leave.It’s very important that your dog is continuing to eat the treats.  If he won’t eat, then the stranger is too close.  If the dog isn’t relaxed enough to eat, you’re moving too quickly with the dog training behavior modification.  Remember that you aren’t rewarding your dog for doing something right.  What you’re doing is changing his emotional state.More Tips For Dog Behavior ModificationYou’ll continue to work within your dog’s comfort zone, varying the distance the stranger is from your dog.  The stranger may be six feet away one day, eight the next, seven after that.  As long as aggressive dog behavior isn’t seen, you’re doing fine.  Continue these steps for several weeks.  Now you’re going to start working outside your dog’s comfort zone by having the stranger come a little closer, maybe five feet away.  Keep working to reduce the distance your dog is from the stranger.  You can see that this is a long, slow process.  It can be tempting to try to move along faster, but if you push too hard, you can undo all your hard work.  Keep the training sessions short, and end the session if your dog is getting nervous.Do yourself a favor and find a good dog training course.  This can be a very helpful aid when using dog behavior modification techniques.  You’ll want to look for one that includes a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer so you can get help, if necessary.

Darlene Norris worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. Visit her new website, No More Bad Dogs, to learn more about dog behavior modification. Discover which dog training course she recommends at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com
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Tips for Training a Shy or Fearful Dog

Training Your Dog No Responses »

Tell me, does this describe your dog?  He’s very attached to you, but is leery of strangers,  He may go as far as growling and snapping at unfamiliar people or dogs who get too close.  Friends say he’s a “one-person dog,” but actually he’s a shy or fearful dog.It’s important to work on training shy dog before his behavior escalates to fear aggression in dogs.  This type of aggressive dog behavior is characterized at first by growling at people he doesn’t know, and can quickly progress to snapping and biting.Why Is My Dog Shy?Sometimes a dog is shy or fearful of strangers due to a bad experience somewhere along the line.  Some cases are due to genetics.  But most cases of shyness in dogs are caused by one thing; neglecting to socialize a puppy in his first few months of life.  It’s also very important not to stop socializing your dog too soon, as many dogs go through a shy period around six months of age.Are You Teaching Your Dog To Be Shy?Speaking softly and reassuringly to your fearful dog in an attempt to calm him down is a mistake.  First, you’re teaching him that if he hides, or growls, or even snaps at someone, he’ll be rewarded with your praise and attention.  Second, listen to the sound of your voice when you’re reassuring your dog.  To your canine, it sounds like a dog’s whimper.  Your dog doesn’t understand your words, but he does understand the sound.  He thinks you’re whimpering at him, and it makes him even more anxious about the stranger.Training Your Shy DogSocializing your dog when he’s a puppy is the best way to prevent your canine from becoming a shy dog.  He needs to be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and dogs so that he can learn through experience that there’s nothing to be scared of.If your canine friend is already a shy adult, it’s still possible to socialize your dog.  It takes longer, and you’ll need lots of patience, but  it can be done.  The important thing to remember with training shy dog is not to rush him.  If you try to force him into socializing with unfamiliar people or dogs, all you’ll do is reinforce his belief that these things are scary.  Plus he may feel that he has no choice but to defend himself, which leads to aggressive dog behavior.Never allow a stranger to come up to your dog and try to pet him.  Let your dog make the first move.  If he doesn’t want to, that’s fine.  If he’s hiding, don’t try to coax him out, as he’ll think you’re praising him for hiding out.Ignore your dog when he acts shy or scared around strange people or dogs.  Keep him on his leash, and don’t let him get close enough to start displaying fear aggression in dogs.  Let him hang back and check out the situation from a distance.  When he’s ready, he’ll get closer on his own to the stranger.  This is when you praise him lavishly.A Good Dog Training Course Can Work Wonders With A Shy DogYou can see how easy it is to give your dog the wrong idea.  The fact is that dogs just don’t think like people do.  Understanding how your dog thinks is crucial to training shy dog properly.  Investing in a good dog training course is essential.  You’ll want to find out what other dog owners who have used the course think of it.  Look for testimonials of how well the training worked for their dog.  You’ll also want to look for a course than includes a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer.  This benefit alone may pay for the cost of the course.  Believe me, once your start to apply this advice, your problem with your fearful dog will be solved.

Darlene Norris worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. Visit her new website, No More Bad Dogs, for resources to help your fearful dog. Discover which dog training course she recommends at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com
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Tips for Training a Shy or Fearful Dog

Training Your Dog No Responses »

Tell me, does this describe your dog?  He’s very attached to you, but is leery of strangers,  He may go as far as growling and snapping at unfamiliar people or dogs who get too close.  Friends say he’s a “one-person dog,” but actually he’s a shy or fearful dog.It’s important to work on training shy dog before his behavior escalates to fear aggression in dogs.  This type of aggressive dog behavior is characterized at first by growling at people he doesn’t know, and can quickly progress to snapping and biting.Why Is My Dog Shy?Sometimes a dog is shy or fearful of strangers due to a bad experience somewhere along the line.  Some cases are due to genetics.  But most cases of shyness in dogs are caused by one thing; neglecting to socialize a puppy in his first few months of life.  It’s also very important not to stop socializing your dog too soon, as many dogs go through a shy period around six months of age.Are You Teaching Your Dog To Be Shy?Speaking softly and reassuringly to your fearful dog in an attempt to calm him down is a mistake.  First, you’re teaching him that if he hides, or growls, or even snaps at someone, he’ll be rewarded with your praise and attention.  Second, listen to the sound of your voice when you’re reassuring your dog.  To your canine, it sounds like a dog’s whimper.  Your dog doesn’t understand your words, but he does understand the sound.  He thinks you’re whimpering at him, and it makes him even more anxious about the stranger.Training Your Shy DogSocializing your dog when he’s a puppy is the best way to prevent your canine from becoming a shy dog.  He needs to be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and dogs so that he can learn through experience that there’s nothing to be scared of.If your canine friend is already a shy adult, it’s still possible to socialize your dog.  It takes longer, and you’ll need lots of patience, but  it can be done.  The important thing to remember with training shy dog is not to rush him.  If you try to force him into socializing with unfamiliar people or dogs, all you’ll do is reinforce his belief that these things are scary.  Plus he may feel that he has no choice but to defend himself, which leads to aggressive dog behavior.Never allow a stranger to come up to your dog and try to pet him.  Let your dog make the first move.  If he doesn’t want to, that’s fine.  If he’s hiding, don’t try to coax him out, as he’ll think you’re praising him for hiding out.Ignore your dog when he acts shy or scared around strange people or dogs.  Keep him on his leash, and don’t let him get close enough to start displaying fear aggression in dogs.  Let him hang back and check out the situation from a distance.  When he’s ready, he’ll get closer on his own to the stranger.  This is when you praise him lavishly.A Good Dog Training Course Can Work Wonders With A Shy DogYou can see how easy it is to give your dog the wrong idea.  The fact is that dogs just don’t think like people do.  Understanding how your dog thinks is crucial to training shy dog properly.  Investing in a good dog training course is essential.  You’ll want to find out what other dog owners who have used the course think of it.  Look for testimonials of how well the training worked for their dog.  You’ll also want to look for a course than includes a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer.  This benefit alone may pay for the cost of the course.  Believe me, once your start to apply this advice, your problem with your fearful dog will be solved.

Darlene Norris worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. Visit her new website, No More Bad Dogs, for resources to help your fearful dog. Discover which dog training course she recommends at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com
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Understanding Fear Aggression in Dogs

Training Your Dog No Responses »

Tell me, does this describe your dog?  Whenever somebody comes to your door, your dog puts on a big show of barking and acting brave, but all the time he’s backing up.  If a stranger approaches him, he’ll run off to a safe distance, all the while regarding the interloper with mistrust and suspicion.  These are signs of fear aggression in dogs. If you don’t deal with this problem now, it will only get worse as your dog gets older.  In this article, we’ll take a look at what causes this type of aggressive behavior in dogs, and what to do about it.Causes of Fear Aggression In DogsOne of the main causes of this kind of canine aggression is a lack of socialization when your dog was younger.  If your dog doesn’t have lots of opportunities to interact with unfamiliar people and other dogs when he’s between the ages of three and twelve weeks, he’ll have a hard time trusting people and dogs he doesn’t know.  Unfortunately, another reason for this fearful behavior is that your dog was abused at some point in his life.  It takes a lot of love and time to overcome fearfulness in an animal that has been abused.Some breeds of dogs, including herding breeds, are more prone to developing fearfulness.  This aggressive dog behavior tends to run in certain breed lines, too.  Hormonal imbalances may be a factor.  A dog with borderline hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) may be anxious and fearful.  Thyroid treatment is helpful in these cases.Will This Type of Fearful Canine Aggression Go Away On Its Own?Unfortunately, no.  A fearful dog may learn that he can intimidate people by barking at them.  Once he figures out that this works very well, his behavior will get worse, especially around people who are scared of dogs anyway.  A dog may be so successful in hiding his fearfulness with a veneer of aggression that it’s hard to tell that the fear is what’s driving his bad dog behaviors.How Can I Train A Dog With Fear Aggression?A reward-based technique is usually the best way to deal with aggressive behavior in dogs that’s caused by fear.  If your dog doesn’t like people, you need to figure out how to teach him that this stranger really does like dogs, and if you dog gets close to him, he’ll give your pup a treat.  You need a volunteer for this, someone who’s very patient with dogs.  Have your friend sit in a chair and scatter dry food around it.  Your dog can get close or back off if he wants.  Sooner or later, you dog will come close enough to get the food.  The next time, have your friend hold the kibble in his hand.  Be patient and let the dog come to him to get the treat.  Don’t pay any attention to the dog if he’s acting fearful.  If you punish him or reassure him when he’s behaving aggressively out of fear, you’re just rewarding this bad dog behavior with your attention. When and if the dog comes and gets the food, that’s the time to praise him.You can see that dealing with fear aggression in dogs can be a long and difficult process.  A good dog training course can be a very helpful guide when working with a fearful dog.  You’ll want to look for one that includes a free consultation with an experienced dog trainer.

Darlene Norris worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. Visit her new website, No More Bad Dogs, to learn more about fear aggression in dogs. Discover which dog training course she recommends at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com
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How Socializing Your Dog Prevents Aggressive Dog Behavior

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Let me ask you a simple question.  Do you know how important it is to socialize your dog?  Do you even know what socializing your dog is?  Learn how this important aspect of dog training can prevent aggression in dogs later on.What Does Socializing Your Dog Mean?Actually, it’s pretty simple.  What you’re doing is getting your dog accustomed to strangers, both human and animal.  It also includes taking your dog lots of places so that he’s used to different environments.  This process can be so much fun that most people don’t take it seriously.  But if your dog hasn’t been socialized properly, he may become timid and fearful.  A pup who’s scared is more likely to develop some dog behavior problems that are very hard to get rid of. Aggression toward strangers can lead to biting people, while aggression toward other animals leads to fights with other dogs.Fear Aggression In DogsIf your pooch is not exposed to lots of different people when he’s between the ages of three and twelve weeks, he may develop fear aggression in dogs as he gets older.  This is characterized by him displaying suspicion and mistrust around people he doesn’t know.  A dog that shows a lot of fear around strangers when he’s very young has a good chance of becoming fear aggressive as he gets older.  If your pup backs away from strangers while barking at them, this is a tip-off for you that this condition could be his problem.  In this case, you really need to concentrate on getting your dog used to other people.Aggression Towards Other AnimalsIf your dog is not friendly towards other dogs, he probably doesn’t know how to interact with other canines.  This is because he never learned the proper social skills as a puppy.  Sometimes a dog owner unknowingly causes aggression between strange dogs.  If you tighten the leash and pull your dog closer every time you see a strange canine, you’re communicating your unease to your dog.  If this happens repeatedly, your dog learns to get tense whenever another dog gets close.  He wants the other dog to stay at a distance, so your dog growls and barks at the stranger to accomplish this.Plus, tightening the leash tells your dog that he can’t run away.  The only option he has left is to fight.  Pulling back on his leash also forces him to lean forward on his front feet.  The other dog may think he’s being threatened, and the result can be a dog fight.Socializing Your Dog Prevents Aggressive Dog BehaviorYou can see that neglecting to socialize your dog at a young age can lead to many dog behavior problems as he gets older.  It’s important to expose your pup to a wide variety of people to be sure he doesn’t develop fear aggression in dogs when he’s around strangers.  Even more important is to make sure your young puppy has plenty of opportunity to interact with other pups.  This is how he learns to be a dog, and how to behave around other dogs. You need to watch your own behavior to be sure you’re not inadvertently training your dog to be aggressive towards other dogs.  Now that you have this information, you can take steps to socialize your dog properly to prevent aggressive dog behavior.

Darlene Norris worked at a vet clinic and an animal shelter, and has had lots of experience with dogs. Visit her new website, No More Bad Dogs, to learn more about socializing your dog. Discover which dog training course she recommends at http://NoMoreBadDogs.com
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