How to behave in front of an aggressive dog?
Table of Contents
Aggression in dogs: how to understand this phenomenon?
It's not always simple to comprehend why an animal is becoming hostile, whether it's your dog or a dog you encounter while out on a walk. However, behaviorists have identified numerous types of canine aggressiveness that might shed light on the root of the problem.
Competitiveness: The dog may become aggressive when given access
to resources. Access to his food, his bed, his room, his toys, or even his
master's favors are all examples of what it can be.
Pain: A dog who is hurt or in pain could become hostile. It is
typically used as a form of deterrence to keep people away.
Irritation: When aroused or stressed, whether voluntarily or not,
the dog may become aggressive. The dog may become irritated by youngsters
who want to play with him or by a master who insists on touching the
animal despite the animal's objections.
Fear: An anxious dog may become combative. Since this type of
violence tends to be quick and unpredictable, it can be challenging to
regulate (following a sudden noise, fireworks, thunderstorm, etc.). Due to
his sense of helplessness and vulnerability, which he is unable to manage,
an abandoned dog who is left to his own devices may become hostile toward
anyone who come into contact with him.
Predation: Although not the only ones, hunting dogs are the most
affected. When they pursue moving objects or toys or animal prey, these
dogs might become aggressive.
Maternal protection: A female dog that has recently given birth to
puppies is typically fiercely protective of them, sometimes even to the
point of attacking people who approach them..
Territoriality: Guard dogs may be violent toward any intruder that
enters their domain due to their strong guard and defense instincts.
Understand the animal and learn to communicate with it
Dogs are not drawn to fighting. Instead, they would rather stay away from
them. As a result, when a certain level of stress arises, they frequently
use obvious signs to diffuse the situation. In fact, the animal may begin
to growl, lick its snout quickly and frequently, curl its lips up as if to
smile, or bark. On the other hand, it may yawn, try to flee, withdraw,
etc.
Understanding these canine-specific signals in advance of adopting a dog
will help you read them more accurately later on. It is your
responsibility as the master to determine that your pet needs peace and
respect it if it starts to back away when you insist on touching it. If
you don't, your dog may get aggressive until you eventually get the
message.
Although canine language is widespread, it should be emphasized that not
all canines are born with the ability to speak it. Therefore, it's crucial
to make sure the animal gets socialized with adult dogs from an early age,
especially if it was weaned or separated from its mother and siblings at a
young age. It is advised to keep your pet in regular touch with other
well-behaved dogs through various activities throughout his lifetime
(agility, etc.). As a result, the animal learns from its peers and
ingrains positive behavior much more readily.
Preventing aggression in your dog: how to do it?
For a master, it can be confusing to have to deal with the aggression of
his own animal. Anyway, it is possible to adopt certain habits that can
help prevent aggressive behavior in the doggie
Explain the situation to the children
You must instill a respect for dogs in your children from an early age.
Toddlers are naturally drawn to these "large stuffed animals," yet kids
can be a major cause of stress for the animal, driving it to become
hostile towards them despite themselves.
Even the gentlest of dogs can suddenly become aggressive if a small child
starts yelling or crying to startle him, if he pulls his tail, hair or
ears to play, if he disturbs him while sleeps or eats. Simply put, never
leave kids alone with a dog because mishaps might happen, and instill
respect for animals in them as early as possible.
Likewise, teach your children not to approach a stray dog or an animal
they don't know. Young children are not suspicious, especially if they
already have a stuffed animal at home, but any animal, even one that is
leashed, has the potential to react suddenly and violently to anyone it
comes into contact with.
How to behave when your dog is aggressive?
If it is your own animal that is showing aggression, you will have to
adopt the right behavior to prevent the situation from happening
again.
How to behave in front of an unknown aggressive dog?
If you cross paths with an aggressive dog, his behavior may be different
depending on your situation:
if you are alone, in pairs or in a group, because an aggressive dog
attacks more easily a single and tense person;
if you have a young child with you, because he may try to approach the
animal or on the contrary to flee, thus arousing the hunting instinct of
the doggie;
if you have another dog with you, because the aggressive animal will tend
to impose itself as dominant.
Thought should be given to the fact that not all dogs, especially those
who are stray or alone, are hostile. It's crucial to be cautious, but not
to worry, because some dogs may just be lost or interested.
But then, how to behave in front of an aggressive dog? Here are our tips.
don't provoke him
If the animal is alone, do not try to provoke it by playing the dominant.
Always keep your distance. If he is in the company of his master, do not
try to touch him, because he can have an aggressive reaction.
Also, if you venture onto private land or a private road, the animal can
be trained to stand guard.
Observe his attitude to recognize the signs of aggression
A dominating dog will typically stand straight up, hold up its ears, and
fixate on you. He exudes confidence in himself. If he's hostile, he'll use
intimidation tactics including growling, barking, and flashing his
teeth.
An anxious or terrified animal will have its ears down and appear rather
prostrate. He may use force to defend himself, including growling and then
attempting to bite you to frighten you. However, a more aggressive
response is also conceivable.
Adopt the right behavior
Here are our tips for avoiding conflict.
- Never spook the dog! Avoid being combative, acting in a domineering manner, displaying your fear by showing him your teeth (since he will interpret your showing him your fangs as a sign of provocation), staring at him, or failing to meet his eyes.
- Avoid jerky motions and keep your arms close to your body.
- Don't turn away from the dog.
- Avoid shouting at him and refrain from attempting to speak softly.
- Don't express your panic, and remain composed.
- Move silently away from the dog and take necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.
If the dog attacks, make an effort to defend yourself with anything you
have on you or can locate nearby. Even though the dog's eyes, snout, or
neck are sensitive, the object must be there primarily to deter and stop
the dog from biting you.
Roll into a ball if you fall to the ground to protect your face, neck,
and neck.
Tags:
Raising of Dogs