Aggressive Behavior In dogs Toward Humans

In Part one of our Dog Aggressive behavior article we discussed some of the reasons dogs sometimes become aggressive towards other dogs

The most common reason for aggressive behavior toward humans is fear. This usually begins as a puppy, but can become a problem with adult dogs as well if they are mistreated or have some kind of traumatic experience involving a human. A dog’s instinct is to snap and bite if it feels threatened or trapped. If your dog starts to act aggressively toward strangers, the reason is probably because he is afraid of them.

Sometimes this type of aggression can be directed at all humans, or at only a specific type of person. Keep an eye on your dog and take mental notes of which types of people he is most likely to be aggressive around. It may be only men, or even just large men or men with moustaches. You need to know what triggers your dog’s fear. Once you do, you will be able to start fixing the problem.

The technique for correcting aggressive behavior for humans involves a gradual process of desensitization.

Have a trusted friend help. This should be someone who will trigger an aggressive reaction. With your dog on leash (you may want to consider a muzzle if your dog is likely to bite), have your friend come within a reasonable distance. When the dog starts to react, urge him to stay calm. Tell him to sit or lie down, and give him a treat. Don’t be stingy with the treats. You want your dog to associate strangers with something good.

Be patient and aware of your dog’s mood at all times. Don’t push him too far. Your friend should stay at a distance until the dog is calm. Once your dog has settled, have your friend move closer. Again, encourage your dog to stay calm by giving him treats and telling him to lie down. Gradually repeat this process until your friend can successfully approach the dog.

You will want to repeat this exercise until your dog has learned to be unafraid of strangers. Have a variety of people help. You will, eventually, need to alter the location of each introduction. Your dog should begin to see meeting new people as a positive experience. He needs to have this attitude in multiple situations and places, not just within the home. Aggressive behavior dog training takes time, patience and consistency but don’t give up. Your dog can be successfully reconditioned.

Make sure you monitor your dog’s exposure to strangers as long as he remains fearful and aggressive. He should be introduced to people only on your terms, and under your control. This will help him overcome his fear while ensuring the safety of others. If you know your dog behaves aggressively toward strangers, don’t leave him around other people unattended. You may also want to consider getting a professional trainer to help as you try to change the behavior.

Socialization To Prevent Aggression

A well socialized dog is not likely to become aggressive. Socialization is, for this reason, extremely important. Dog obedience training as a puppy goes a long way towards eliminating the possibility of aggressive tendencies developing and really is the best approach when figuring out how to manage aggressive dogs. Socialization is much easier with a puppy, but it can also be successful with an adult dog provided gradual sensitization is followed.

To socialize your dog, you will need to take him into a variety of situations and introduce him to as many other dogs and people as you can. Puppy classes or adult obedience training can help with this. Here, your dog will be interacting with both humans and other dogs. You will also want to take your dog for walks. Vary the location of these walks. Parks, trails, and dog parks can be good places for your dog to meet others.

Make sure these meetings are always positive experiences. Prevent fights, and keep treats on hand to reward your dog for good behavior. If at all possible, he should never have a negative experience with strangers or other dogs. If he enjoys these encounters, he will never learn to be fearful.

Aggressive behavior in dogs can be a real problem. But as dogs socialize, they gain confidence in themselves and their surroundings. They learn how to approach new situations. They will be less wary of strange dogs, and they will learn to trust humans. If you want to prevent your dog from behaving aggressively, proper socialization is the absolute best option. 

For more dog aggression issue information, we recommend you consider this dog training reference.

Back to top of Aggressive Behavior in Dogs