Dog Obedience Training Tips

For pet owners, having a new puppy that shows signs of aggression can be very disconcerting. There is hope however, since when you understand the various growth periods that dogs go through, along with the things that can lead to canine aggression, this behavior can be thwarted before any real damage is done.

For puppies, they need socialization starting at three weeks of age until fourteen weeks old. The best time to get your new puppy is when they are between the ages of seven and eight weeks. This will allow them the right amount of time in which to get used to their new home. They need to be handled with gentle care between weeks eight and ten, and not be rashly disciplined or handled roughly.

If a puppy has been raised in a kennel, without frequent human interaction, they may be overly shy and fearful of humans, especially if they are not sold by the time they are 14 weeks old. Many times, if a puppy is older than 15 weeks without socialization, they never really warm up to people, and may stay scared of people, most especially when they are in situations that are stressful for them.

Dogs generally become more protective and start to bark at strangers around the age of six to fourteen months. It is extremely crucial that the dog knows all people that are in contact with the family at this time, so they do not view them as strangers.

While there are several things that can ultimately influence aggression is dogs, the chief role is played by genetic and hereditary factors. Dogs that are more protective, like Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Akitas, are expected to have a more aggressive temperament than Labradors or Golden Retrievers, and even Terriers have an aggressive streak, since they were originally bred to kill small game.

Other things that can cause aggression is dogs is- the lack of socialization, harsh punishments, being attacked or scared by an aggressive dog, too much praise that isn’t earned by owners, not having enough human contact, or being teased and tormented by children.

The main way to avoid a dog from becoming aggressive is to never let them forget that you are the dominant species. Dogs that are fully aware of their rank in social status will always be great members of the family.

To stop problems from forming in the first place, the right dog breed and owners need to be together. If you are a mild mannered dog owner, having an Akita or Rottweiler is not suited to you.

Early socialization must be done, with the puppy being handled in a gentle manner. Adults and children should hand feed the puppy, and teach them never to grab or lung for food. They shoudn’t ever be allowed to chase children or joggers, mount legs, jump up on people, or growl for any reason. They shouldn’t ever be played with in a rough or aggressive manner. Never punish a dog physically for aggressive behavior. They should be denied any rewards for aggression,  stopped from doing it again, and then taught the proper way to act.

If a puppy bites at or jumps up on children, children must holler OFF!, cross their arms and turn away from the animal. Since puppies love to play, when they are denied such, they will learn that they have to play in a calmer manner. Puppies also have to learn that people that come to the house have to be accepted as well. After the puppy gets all of their vaccinations, they should be introduced to dogs that are not aggressive, so they know that people and other dogs are friendly.