Dealing with aggressive dog behavior

Aggressive dog behavior can be seen in any dog, but serious problems may occur if the owner unwittingly encourages aggression.

Providing opportunities early in life for your puppy to socialize with all family members young and old, strangers...

...a variety of animals, will help reduce aggressive dog behavior. Also giving them as many life experiences as possible will help. 

If your dog shows some of these behaviors

then he has tendencies of aggression

 

• Snaps or growls at you when you try to take toys or food away

• Growls or barks at you or other people or animals

• Snarls showing its teeth to people           
  

• When strangers approach hides or cringes           

• When delivery men come he runs barking to the door           
  

• Chases cars and bikes or other moving things           
  

• Nips and chases other dogs

It is a good idea to consult your vet to check if there is any health problem that may cause your dachshund to show signs of aggressive dog behavior.

If your dog is in pain he may bite, some dachshunds have problems with back pain; also take care when touching an injured or ill dog.

There are several different types of aggression

 

Dominance aggression

This type of aggression is usually shown against the owner and family, your dog is challenging your authority. You need to establish your dominance over the dog, tone of voice low and commanding, body posture controlling, expression steady and determined so he knows exactly who is in charge.

 

Sex related aggression

Male to male aggression is the most common. But if you have your dachshund neutered and for a male spayed for a female then this type of aggression will not be an issue.

 

Fearful aggression

Dogs that bite strangers out of fear do so because they were not socialized as young puppies. These dogs when young ran away and hid when they felt threatened. 

Never push a fearful dog into situations where he cannot cope, give him time to settle himself, tell strangers not to pat him until he accepts them.

Predatory aggression

All dogs like to chase but some breeds like terriers, hounds and of course dachshunds are genetically primed to chase and the chase is such fun.

Attend obedience training so you have your dog under control when out and satisfy the natural desire to chase by playing games like fetch and chase me.

Territorial aggression

As your dog matures he becomes confident on what he feels is his own territory, such as your home or even your car, he may become very territorial. If you have socialized you dog with strangers in these areas from a young pup, he will not see strangers as a threat, so will accept them as nothing to worry about.

Possessive aggression

Be aware of puppy’s who tend to guard toys or food, act to curb this behavior early, prevention is better than trying to cure this problem. Encourage your pup to take food gently from your hand, so he becomes used to you being near.

Train your dog to eat while you touch him and even take the bowl away. Put your hand in the bowl and offer a tasty treat, add more food to the bowl so your dog is rewarded by having you there. Your dog learns to enjoy you being with him at meal time and not feel threatened.

Some helpful suggestions

• Re-establish dominance, so your dog respects you

• Do not punish your dog harshly

• Older dogs with poor hearing and vision will sometimes bite or snap, out of fear when startled so ensure you let them know when you or anyone is around them

• Consult your vet as to any health issues that may contribute to the problem

• Ensure your puppy is spayed or neutered

• Attend puppy classes even if you are not keen on training to help socialize your dog

• Avoid any situations that may lead to aggression

• Don’t isolate your dog ensure he has plenty of social experiences

• Don’t encourage your dog to get over excited

• Enroll your dog in obedience training class

Suggestions for persistent aggressive dog behavior

If you think your dog could bite, it would be best to keep the dog contained or use a muzzle to ensure peoples safety until you get professional help.

The best idea is to consult a dog behaviorist who specializes in aggressive dog behavior. Your dog will be assessed and possible causes and triggers found of the behavior. Then a training and management program will be drawn up to help you overcome the problem.

Books & more - assist in overcoming aggressive dog behavior

Other pages of interest

Dog behaviour training - stop problems before they start

Dog chewing problem - what you can do

How to stop nuisance barking - learn some easy steps

Dog separation anxiety - patience & consistence leads to success

Return from aggressive dog behavior to home page

The information given on this site,is compiled from our
knowledge and research and is designed to supplement
not replace your vets or other professionals advice.

Copyright 2019 All rights reserved
www.dachshund-owner-guide.com

Solo Build It!