Reactivity
      Back to home
      1. Partners Dogs Knowledge Base
      2. Training
      3. Reactivity

      Human Aggression

      Why is it important to address human aggression in dogs

      Introduction

      Human aggression is a serious behavior problem that can be dangerous for both dogs and people. It is important to address human aggression early on, as it can escalate over time.

      There are many reasons why dogs may become aggressive towards humans. Some of the most common reasons include:

      • Pain: Dogs may become aggressive if they are in pain.
      • Fear: Dogs may become aggressive if they are afraid of humans.
      • Resource guarding: Dogs may become aggressive if they are guarding their food, toys, or other resources.
      • Territorial behavior: Dogs may become aggressive if they feel threatened in their territory.
      • Dominance: Some people believe that dogs become aggressive because they are trying to dominate humans. However, this is not the case. Dogs do not have the same concept of dominance as humans do.

      Common Misconceptions

      There are a few common misconceptions about human aggression. Here are a few of the most common ones:

      • My dog is aggressive because he's dominant. This is not always the case. In fact, most dogs who are aggressive are not dominant at all. They are often fearful or anxious.
      • I can't do anything to change my dog's aggression. This is not true. With the right training and management, most dogs can be taught to control their aggression.
      • I need to punish my dog for being aggressive. This is a mistake. Punishment will only make the aggression worse.

      Human Aggression - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      • Start with 1-3 people handling the dog. Too many people can overwhelm the dog and make the aggression worse.
      • Use hand feeding to build a bond with the dog. Food is an important resource and providing it directly to the dog shows that you are a source of good things.
      • Use compulsion if necessary to teach the dog to respect people. Compulsion should be quick and effective, just like a correction.
      • Get the dog used to other people being in their space in a controlled way. No one should touch the dog at this stage.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      • Begin to allow other people to handle the dog. Go at the dog's pace and be mindful of their thresholds.
      • The dog should be comfortable in a muzzle at this point. This will keep everyone safe and help to change the dog's mentality towards biting.
      • Start with people that the dog is comfortable with and gradually introduce new people.

      Proofing Phase:

      • Work the dog around a variety of people in different settings. This could include working the dog in a class setting or out in public.
      • Muzzle the dog when working them around new people or in new settings. This will keep everyone safe and help to prevent the dog from biting.
      • Work the dog around people that they have previously been aggressive towards. This will help to desensitize the dog to these triggers.

      Maintenance Phase:

      • Continue to work the dog with different people on a regular basis. This will help to prevent the aggression from returning.
      • If the dog starts to show signs of aggression, be sure to address it immediately. Do not ignore the problem, as it will only get worse.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: A dog named Max was aggressive towards men. He would bark, growl, and lunge at men whenever he saw them. His owners tried to punish him for his behavior, but it only made things worse. They eventually brought Max to Partners Dog School for help.
      • Case Study 2: A dog named Bella was aggressive towards children. She would bark, growl, and lunge at children whenever they came near her. Her owners were afraid to take her for walks or to the park. They eventually brought Bella to Partners Dog School for help.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be aware of your dog's triggers. What makes your dog aggressive towards humans? Once you know your dog's triggers, you can start to avoid them or manage them.
      • Never punish your dog for being aggressive. This will only make the aggression worse.
      • Seek professional help if your dog is aggressive. A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can help you to assess the situation and develop a training plan that is safe and effective.

      Conclusion

      Human aggression is a serious problem, but it can be addressed with the right training and management. By following the tips in this article, you can help your dog to overcome their aggression and live a happy and healthy life.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: How long will it take to treat my dog's aggression?
        A: The amount of time it takes to treat a dog's aggression will vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the problem. However, with patience and consistency, most dogs can be helped.
      • Q: What if my dog is very aggressive?
        A: If your dog is very aggressive, it is important to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They will be able to assess the situation and develop a training plan that is safe and effective.