A dog owner is not just responsible for the health of the pet but its behavior as well.
If the dog is aggressive, you have a problem at hand.
The biggest concern is that you cannot be too sure about an animal’s temperament- one that is always docile can suddenly turn aggressive.
Even an otherwise gentle breed can show aggression at times.
Whether such behavior is a part of the pet’s personality or happens once in a while, you need to take it seriously and manage it effectively.
If you fail to deal with the issue, things can be dangerous for you and the people around you.
Here are some effective measures that can help.
Understand the reason for aggression
The first step toward resolving the problem is to figure out its reason. Some dogs are possessive about their space and owners, while others are simply aggressive by temperament.
Similarly, female dogs are protective of their young ones.
Yet others act in a certain way when they see children, strangers, other animals, or even vehicles. Sometimes, it could be related to pain and injury.
Knowing the trigger is extremely important because addressing it may be enough to modify the animal’s behavior.
Watch out for the warning signs
Even if your dog has always been gentle, you cannot be too sure about its personality.
It makes sense to keep an eye on a pattern of warning signs such as growling and snapping, raised fur, a rigid body, averting gaze, and cowering, and tail tucking.
If these traits aren’t a usual part of the pet’s behavior, take them as a clear indication that something is wrong.
Remember that apart from denoting aggression, these signs may also indicate fear or anxiety.
Take steps to curb the aggressive behavior
If dealing with pet aggression is something you wouldn’t prefer to do, choose the breed wisely.
While you may seek advice from an expert to pick a breed you can handle, getting advice is as easy as typing Perfect Dog For Me in Google search box.
But if the problem happens unexpectedly, the only solution is to take action.
Create a plan to deal with specific situations and triggers.
Consider having a professional trainer for guiding you about managing the animal.
Typically, they would recommend positive reinforcement for changing the dog’s behavior.
Further, you need to steer clear of punishment because it can make things only worse.
See your veterinarian
At times, aggression is attributed to medical problems, particularly if it isn’t a part of the normal personality of the animal.
There are several canine issues that can make the pet lethargic.
These include hypothyroidism and neurological problems such as epilepsy, encephalitis and brain tumors.
Painful injuries also result in problematic behavior.
Discuss your concerns with your vet and they will probably have a diagnosis and treatment plan for the dog.
Fortunately, proper treatment can help you resolve the issue sooner than you expect.
Animal aggression is something you shouldn’t overlook because it can have serious implications.
Rather, try to understand the real reason and eradicate it from the root to have a great relationship with your canine companion.