How to Deal With an Aggressive Dog

The dog pack consists of you, your household, and your dogs. Now, the most aggressive dog usually means that he considers himself as the leader of his pack, so it means that you, his owner, are just a follower.

Dealing with an aggressive dog is difficult. However, if there's one thing that we tend to forget is that dogs respond well to leadership, so let them take the reign from you and they will dominate your life and household.

Signs of Aggressive Dog Behavior

It is easy to spot the signs of aggressive dog behavior. You will see much growling and snarling from him, especially if there are strangers and other dogs around him. You will also notice it if you give him food. If you look closely at the dog, you will see that his lips are curled.

Other signs include lunging at and mounting people and other dogs. The dog could also block your path and bite or snap at you if you try to take away his food or put a leash on him. The dog also oftentimes barks aggressively an excessively.

Dealing with an Aggressive Dog

You have to know that it will require you lots of patience and understanding as well as extreme caution in dealing with an aggressive dog. You will also have to change your attitude towards him, and let him see and feel that you are the leader of the pack, not him. For this reason, here are some tips on how you can effectively control an aggressive dog. 1. When you walk your dog, you have to make sure that he is walking next to you. If he walks in front of you or if he exhibits aggressive behavior, you can simply pull the leash or make him sit. It would be better if you make him lie down since this indicates submission. Aside from these, you have to walk with confidence. Walking with confidence will translate to him the feeling that you are the leader of the pack. 2. If the dog tends to become more aggressive during his meal times, then spitting on his food is one way of exercising control over him. Remember, the wolf pack leader or dog pack leader in the wild leaves their scent on the pack's food, meaning it is his. They can only eat the food when the leader sends them the signal to. If you spit on his food, you will show him that you are the more dominant individual in his pack.

Jennifer Danino is a freelance writer and the owner of several how-to blogs. She also writes for companies such as http://www.clermontanimalhospital.com a trusted Clermont veterinarian.