Even the sweetest dog can show signs of aggression toward his owner if there is confusion in the home about who’s in charge. Fortunately, there are some ways to help your dog and to work on aggressive dog training. Here are some suggestions.
The Problem
You probably love your dog very much but there are times when dog-human roles can be confusing for your dog. If you allow your dog to take advantage of you or to run things in your home you are setting yourself up for problems. You don’t have to act like you live in a wolf pack with your dog but you do need to establish yourself as the person in charge.
Your dog will be more secure and happy if he knows that someone is in charge and it’s better for both of you if that person is you. Otherwise, if you try to “share power” with your dog or include your dog in your decision-making, you will quickly find that your dog is unhappy with the situation. Just about any dog, even the most laid back dog, will try to assume a leadership role if he thinks that there is no one in charge.
This will lead to your dog behaving aggressively toward you when you try to take something from him or make him do something. Make it clear to your dog from the time he’s a puppy onward that you are in charge.
Signs Of Aggression
There are some common signs of aggression from dogs toward their owners in the home. Some owners may not recognize these signs until after they get bitten or they have an ugly scene with their dog. Here are some of the signs:
- Your dog growls at you when you try to take something from him
- Your dog growls at you when you try to make him move from a favorite spot
- Your dog growls at you if you try to give him a bath
- Your dog snaps at you
There are also some very pushy behaviors that, left unchecked, can escalate into your dog becoming aggressive with you:
- Your dog rushes through doors ahead of you
- Your dog jumps on you
- Your dog demands petting
- Your dog sleeps in your bed spot and won’t move
- Biting your fingers or snatching food out of your hand
When these signs appear you must do something about them before your dog becomes unmanageable.
First, put a stop to the pushy behaviors. These can occur in puppies and young dogs. Make it clear to your dog that you won’t allow these behaviors to continue. Make your dog sit before giving him his dinner. Make him sit before opening the door for him and then go out the door first. Teach your dog not to jump on you. Ignore your dog when he demands petting and only pet him when you call him to you. Don’t allow your dog to sleep on the bed at all unless you give him permission. That’s an enormous privilege and you should not allow your dog to sleep on your bed unless he’s earned it. Make your dog take food gently or don’t give him treats
Stopping Aggression
When it comes to stopping dog aggression one of the things you can do is to put an end to guarding things. Many dogs guard their food and their toys. When you try to take their food bowl from them they growl at you. When you try to take a toy away from them they growl at you. Use these strategies:
If your dog growls at you when you try to take his bowl of food, don’t feed him in a bowl. Instead, make him eat from your hands for a few days. Feed him one bite at a time. Your dog will quickly learn that the food comes from you. He has to earn his food bowl back again with good behavior. When he gets his bowl back you should be able to remove it. If not, try dropping a delicious piece of chicken or steak in the bowl when you go near it. This should teach your dog that you don’t just take things away, you give good things. You want to teach your dog to look to you for his food. This should end the food guarding.
If your dog growls at you when you try to take his toys away, try trading with him. When you start to take the toy, offer him a bite of something that tastes good. You want to teach him that you are the person who gives him good things. He shouldn’t be growling at you.
You should also be able to make your dog move from a favorite spot any time you wish. Try tossing a delicious treat in the floor to make your dog move. Again, you are teaching your dog that you are the person who gives good things. But you are also the person in charge.
At the end of these lessons your dog should have learned that aggression doesn’t work and he gets more good things by letting you be the boss. If your dog does bite you or someone else, don’t be shy about consulting with a dog behaviorist or your veterinarian. They may be able to offer more guidance.