I need to get rid of the dog. He is unsafe around my kids, me and other humans!!! Who should I call, to come get him NOW!!!
Wait! It is rare for a dog to just attack, there are signs. There is a reason why a dog might act aggressively. You are in the best position to determine the root cause and work through it. Don’t pass it on to an unsuspecting shelter or new family.
Some dogs only care about their food. These dogs might react aggressively when a person or another animal comes near their food bowl or approaches them while they’re eating. Are your kids teasing the dog with its food, taking it away?
A dog can be afraid of a person or another animal but, still attack if she thinks this is her only recourse. A fearful dog will normally adopt fearful postures and retreat.
Sometimes the “aggressive” reaction of the dog is our own fault. Are we using punishment, alpha rolls, yelling, leash jerks and other aversives as a way to “show your dog who is boss?” These methods backfire and can be the cause of the aggressive behavior.
What is aggression?
Growling? Snapping? Biting? One bite? Numerous bites? Only bites that require medical attention of the victim?
It’s hard to pinpoint. All dogs bite – it’s their own natural instinct.
Did the dog growl or snap without being provoked? Were you attempting to take something from him? Did this happen when food was involved?
Did a stranger or child approach and lean over the dog, stare at him, hug him around the neck or stick out his hand toward the dog’s face?
Was the dog protecting itself from unintended abuse by a child?
Does your dog react aggressively only while restricted on a leash? Dogs will react the only way they know how.
You are the most logical and realistic hope in addressing aggressive behavior. Please do not expect any organization to accept and/or place a pet that is aggressive or has a serious behavioral issue.
If your pet is showing aggressive behavior you should IMMEDIATELY contact a behaviorist.
There is no such thing as a dog that cannot be trained to be a well-behaved member of the household. Most canines thrive when given training in Basic Manners. After all, your dog is just acting as a normal dog and it’s up to you to teach your dog how to function in a human world and home. Please give your dog the benefit of training and take them through a “positive reinforcement”.
Dogs also require a lot of exercise, so make sure your dog has plenty of outlets for physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. Unexercised dogs tend to be unruly.
Related articles:
Some ideas to Help a new Boston join the existing pack
One of my Bostons has started exhibiting a new behavior, resource guarding
Edited by Julie Bradford