If you have a dog that barks when other dogs come near or even just starts to bark at the oddest things, then you may be thinking about how to get your dog to not be aggressive with other dogs. Most people think of hostile dog training as being unpleasant, and many people do get upset by this behavior. There are many good ways to deal with the problem if you are willing to put in some effort to train your dog properly. You should make sure you understand the behavior you are trying to correct before you start dog training.
One of the more common behavioral reasons that dog owners seek professional help is a dog’s aggression towards other dogs. Aggressive dog training can range from simple training tricks like growling to techniques that actually create a hostile environment between dogs. The most extreme form of aggressive dog training is known as dog fighting, and this can be very dangerous for both dogs and their owners. It’s also the easiest kind of aggressive dog training to carry out, as all you really need is some good live-in dog crate to keep the aggressive dog away from you or your family.
Another common reason for dog training is that dogs don’t want to be left alone in a crate while you are away. Sometimes the problem is that you are always there for your dog, constantly bringing him food and water, and he learns that if he barks when you are gone he gets your attention. He doesn’t want to be left alone so he learns to bark when you’re not there to punish him. Dogs that are used to consistent training will generally growl less often when left alone.
Other people attempt to solve the problem by offering treats or praise when the dog exhibits acceptable behavior. While this may work temporarily, in the long run the dog is likely to develop an attitude of resentment because he doesn’t understand why he receives so little attention and feels he is being punished when he responds to your attention by barking. It is usually necessary to treat aggression with positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your dog with praise or treats when he behaves in a desired way. Your dog will learn that he receives positive reinforcement when he behaves in a desirable manner.
Some problems occur when owners try to implement leash training without using positive reinforcement. Leash training should be approached from several angles: safety, freedom, socialization and control. Safety is always the first concern of any dog owner, and most of these problems will be solved by using a harness and leash that are secure. Dogs that are properly trained to walk with you on a leash are very safe to be around. When they have leash training under control, these dogs can be returned to their owners safely.
Freedom and control are important concepts for dog owners. You can teach your dog how to behave properly and not to snap at other dogs with a treat or by playing “break-the-string” (Dunbar!) using the leather strap over his nose. When you use the leather strap, be sure to give your dog breaks as he pulls hard on the strap. He should be allowed to pull without any pressure from you as he learns proper dog obedience training.
Positive reinforcement works on a concept called the Law of reciprocity. When a dog exhibits aggression toward other dogs, the response is negative reinforcement. If your dog is exhibiting aggression toward other dogs, a dog trainer can teach him a number of things to do, such as not to be aggressive with other dogs. Your dog can learn to be submissive to his master. Or he can learn to play nice with other dogs.
The concept is simple, if you repeat the behavior enough, he will learn it. For example, if your dog is constantly jumping on people and trying to take their treats, you could try giving him a treat every time he jumps on someone. After awhile, he will know that when he jumps on people he gets a treat. Then every time he jumps on a human he will be given another treat.
