How to handle aggressive dogs
Regardless of how well you bring up your puppy, the reality is that certain breeds are instinctively more aggressive than others. I am sure there are many of you out there who can identify with the problems of taking these dogs on walks, especially when they encounter other aggressive dogs on their outing. If you are under confident in how to handle such dogs, the situation can easily get out of control. Considering this, it is worth bearing in mind a few methods of handling these dogs effectively, thus significantly reducing the potential dangers of walking them.
As with pretty much any dog problem, in this case obedience training is absolutely crucial. If you and your dog have a close relationship and you have established a certain set of behavior commands, simply using one of these should at least alter your dog’s body language to a stance which is more passive, and perhaps the other dog will back down. It is also worth training your dog to divert his attention to you when you make a certain gesture or say a certain command. In this way you will be able to distract him for a time while another dog is nearby. Again, this is another obedience training method, and indeed I cannot stress enough just how important it is to establish this training continually and consistently right from the beginning of your dog-owner relationship.
Are there any other things which you should bear in mind when walking aggressive dogs? Definitely! Remember that if technically you are the leader of the pack, you hold the authority. Therefore your dog is going to react to any actions you make, and of course this includes any changes in your energy, emotions, breathing and feelings, as well as actions. Obviously then if you get anxious and become tense when another dog is approaching, your dog will mimic or follow on from this anxiety, and feel the need to defend both of you. This is a major factor in triggering aggressive dogs on walks, particularly because it is often done unconsciously. By the same token, it is of utmost importance that you reward your dog for calm and polite greetings with other dogs. This can be in the form of attention or treats, as your dog will benefit from both and understand that his behavior is pleasing to you.
For extreme cases, the use of a muzzle is also recommended, as it is a physical representation of the fact that you are displeased with the dog, and moreover will greatly reduce the risks of taking dangerous dogs out for walks. Yet I must reiterate the fact that what is key in addressing this problem is, once again, a diligently enforced obedience training routine. This really is the only way you can fully establish your authority and take control of your dog’s actions at all times. Of course with aggressive breeds this is more of a challenge, but it is still far from impossible.
