The truth is that no one really knows how their dog will be when they get it. It doesn’t matter how much time you spend with the dog beforehand, or how much research you do on their breed, each dog is different.
This means that, sometimes, a dog can turn out aggressive. It’s important to note that aggressive dog isn’t a lost cause and that there are ways to deal with them. Rescue dogs tend to be aggressive in the beginning, especially if they were abused.
So, sometimes, it’s a matter of waiting things out to see if it gets better. If it doesn’t, follow these tips to help you deal with your aggressive dog.
Keep them on a leash
Most dogs that show aggression aren’t aggressive towards their owners, but only to other dogs and humans. This means that many people keep their aggressive dogs at home so that they don’t get exposed to other people or dogs.
However, this could worsen the problem because your dog will have pent-up energy. Rather take them for a walk, but always keep them on a leash.
No matter how tempting it is to let your aggressive dog off the leash to run free, it’s not a good idea. They could end up biting someone, and that person might decide to get a law firm involved.
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Determine what the problem is
Sometimes, dogs are aggressive without any reason, but that’s very rare. Usually, something is causing your dog’s aggression.
As mentioned, it could be due to past abuse. It could also be because of the way you treat your dog – you could be encouraging their aggression without even noticing. Your dog may also be in pain and using aggression as a way to communicate that to you.
The best thing to do is to get your dog to a vet, since they may be able to determine the cause. On top of that, taking your dog to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner.
Neuter your dog
Dogs can be incredibly aggressive if they are not neutered. Females on heat may show signs of aggression, and male dogs that aren’t neutered will also be more likely to be aggressive.
That’s just one of many reasons to neuter your pets – even if your dog isn’t aggressive, neutering them is more often than not the right thing to do. You can learn more about spaying and neutering your dog here.
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Exercise them
Dogs need an outlet for their energy, otherwise, it can manifest into negative behavior, which includes signs of aggression. If your dog is being aggressive, it may be their way of telling you that they need more stimulation.
So, make a point of exercising your dog every day. You don’t need to run ten blocks with them, but a quick walk may do wonders. If you’re busy and don’t have time for that, consider hiring a dog walker, or doing some of these other activities.
