Fear

Fear is not understood and is usually diagnosed wrongly. When an animal is scared, he tends to get aggressive. Naturally, the family cannot see the problem. Fear aggression does not display itself as fear. The dog usually does not look or act fearful, so the dog’s family does not realize the behavioral patterns taking place.

The chief cause is bad socialization. Many dogs that are fear aggressive were not properly socialized when they were young. Others may have been socialized but may have experienced a traumatic situation. Many people purposely do not socialize their dog in the hope of making him a watchdog. This is a grave error. They usually produce a dog that displays many of the characteristics they were hoping for, with one catch: their dog is unpredictable. An unsocialized dog will react aggressively to a new person or situation, but his aggression is based on fear, not confidence.

A lot of this kind of fear aggression is exhibited with other dogs. These dogs will growl, snap, and pounce on other strange dogs when they meet. Fear-aggressive dogs usually behave more aggressively when they are on a lead, but can show aggression off lead as well. A traumatic event to a dog is not necessarily traumatic to a person; therefore it can be easily overlooked or may even be completely unknown to the dog’s family.

The trick to being successful at this exercise is to take your dog out of the situation before he shows any sign of aggression. If he growls or snaps then pull him away, and say, “no” in a non-emotional tone and do not give him a food treat. Then immediately let him say hello to a dog that he likes. Again, praise him with a food treat. Some dogs don’t begin meeting strange dogs by sniffing. They may need to say ‘hello’ at a distance. But if no aggression is displayed, they are successful and should be rewarded. In order to shape this difficult, new behavior, your dog needs to succeed as many times as possible.

Because you are the leader and your dog needs to trust you, you need to become very aware of the other dogs around and what they’re doing at your dog’s level. Don’t allow other dogs to put their face in your dog’s face. Even on a ‘hello’ command, don’t hold the lead so tight that the two dogs can only sniff noses. Proper doggie etiquette is to sniff backsides, so that they are side-by-side when greeting. An intentional face-to-face greeting among dogs usually is a ploy for dominance and at worst will result in a fight. Unfortunately, many people get their dogs to meet face to face and this can sometimes begin the dominance game.

Tell people that your dog is friendly but needs his space. They should ask permission (as everyone should for every dog) before they allow their dog to say hello to yours. Remember, even if the other dog seems fine to you, if your dog perceives a threat, he will react instinctively with aggression. He needs to learn to trust that you, on the other end of the lead, won’t let him get attacked with nowhere to run, or even make him stand close to a dog she detests. Your behavior is very important and you need to make sure that you are not unintentionally making matters worse. For instance, if you get tense and tighten your grip on the lead when you see another dog, your dog will also be tense and will probably take your tightened grip as a sign for aggression.

Dogs Roaming

As a responsible owner, do not let your dog roam. Roaming endangers your dog’s life, safety and health. A roaming dog is potentially dangerous and can threaten children and be a public nuisance. It is your responsibility to assure that your dog cannot escape from your property.

No dog is perfect so do not expect your dog to always be able to resist the temptation of following children, visiting other dogs or chasing cats. Dogs that are isolated or confined for long periods of time become bored and restless. They may try to escape to find entertainment elsewhere. The escape act itself may be a form of entertainment. Many dogs escape just for the fun and challenge of it. Schedule daily exercise, play and training sessions with your dog.

A good, hardy play session especially with other dogs will tire your dog and give him the exercise he needs. A happy, well-exercised dog will contentedly sleep the day away while you are not home.

Make your property impossible to escape from. Provide your dog with an out-door run or fenced-in area. Be sure the fence is tall enough to prevent jumping or climbing. If your dog is digging under the fence, continue the fence underground by hammering metal stakes into the ground every couple of feet. If you don’t want to build a fence, buy a dog run.

Dogs cannot resist the call of nature. If an unneutered male dog smells a female dog in heat, he will do whatever possible to get to her, no matter what the cost. Do not torment your dog, get him neutered, or get her spayed.

If you expect your dog to stay on his own property, be sure he enjoys it there and does not regard it as a prison. Spend time playing with your dog here. Make this a fun place to be; give him special treats and chew toys here. Provide a digging pit. Get him a playmate. If you don’t want another dog, invite his favorite buddy over to spend the day with him.

Some dogs try to escape because they are frightened. Observe your dog while he is confined.

Is there something that is scaring him? Sometimes loud construction noises or teasing passersby can make your dog nervous. Again, the solution is in making your dog feel secure, content and relaxed in this area. Spend time with him there and help him build his confidence about being alone. Provide him a secure hiding place in his area in the form of a doghouse or crate.