 |
|||||
|
|
|||||
Coping With Aggressive Puppies |
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
Sponsors |
|||||
|
|
|
If you feel your puppy is showing aggressive traits the first question to be answered is what constitutes the aggression and the second is why? If any of these behaviors are more than an isolated incident then your puppy is showing aggressive behavior. 1. Growling at you or a family member Types of Aggression In order to effectively correct aggressive behavior in a puppy the type of aggression or its cause should be understood. Puppies show aggression in terms of defensiveness, their territorial, they want to dominate, their gender aggression or aggression as a result of fear or anxiety. If a puppy is showing aggression when a family member touches his food or toys this is an example of territorial aggression. Dominant behavior comes from a puppy seeing themselves at the top of the hierarchy in a family. Defensive aggression is often sparked by fear or anxiety when they feel threatened while gender aggression can be related to dominant aggression. Type of Training The two main types of training suited to aggressive puppies is either socialization or obedience training. Each set of techniques is aimed at a specific type of behavior in aggressive puppies. Socialization is a method of training that introduces a puppy to other dogs and to strangers. It is aimed at putting a puppy at ease with the unfamiliar without feeling threatened and without the need to defend itself out of fear or anxiety. Obedience training is aimed at getting a puppy to 'know its place' within the family unit by teaching it to obey commands from its owners. This type of training is best suited to correcting defensive, gender or dominant aggressive behavior. Teaching the Owner Aggressive behavior in a puppy as mentioned is caused by a number of reasons. While genetics play a part in certain dog breeds, aggression is more often a result of environment. First, the way a dog is treated within the family unit often has a bearing on its behavior. If a puppy is ill treated, teased or punished excessively it will built up defensive mechanisms. Shouting in particular prompts a puppy to respond in kind which can lead to excessive barking and then punishment. Most bites are prompted by fear. In order to prevent negative behavior in a puppy an owner should consider the way they treat it. Children should be taught not to tease or ill treat a puppy. Adult owners should also adjust their behavior and voice commands so that a puppy does not feel threatened. Punishment should never be physical. The best way to treat a puppy is by being loving, fun and playful yet consistently firm but gentle way. An owner needs to establish non negotiable commands in order to put himself/herself as the leader. Puppies that are not allowed to assume an alpha position are less likely to become aggressive. Correcting aggressive puppies calls for understanding the root of the problem. The answer to this will go a long way to selecting the appropriate solution. However proper handling of a new puppy plays a large part in preventing aggressiveness. About the Author: Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Leland
|
|||
 |
|||||