How to Address Agression, Biting and Snarling

1.  If you have a child, it is VERY IMPORTANT to always supervise when a dog is present. Dogs are animals and can always be unpredictable, there is always human accountability when a dog bites

2.  Children NOT old enough to understand (3 and under) may be taught no when walking up to a dog head on, or touching or pulling a dog roughly

3.  Children old enough to understand (4 and up) may be taught to always ask before petting a dog. Always left the dog sniff their hand first. NEVER approach a dog head on (do it from his side, BUT also where it can see the child and not from behind) Get down to the dogs level and let it approach you.

 

4.  IF BITTEN (child or adult) please go to the nearest urgent care or emergency department because dogs do have different bacteria than us and bites can cause infection and may cause deeper damage than anticipated. Please consult physician advice for care. 

If a dog growls or snarls, realistically you should just take a step back and give him or her their space. IF you truly feel comfortable and have the confidence that the dog is not TRULY aggressive and just fearful, then you may try the techniques below to address this issue.

IF your dog snarls, growls or tries to bite when you are nearby or when guarding food or toys here are some things to be proactive:

• Establish who alpha is. (aggression may stem from your dog not sure if he/she can trust you, or not be aware who alpha is so they may try to claim alpha) 

• When letting dog outside - make them sit and stay while you open the door and pause, walk out first, or teach a "release"command when YOU say they can go
• Make them sit and hold before running to their food dish (you can also have a "release" command when YOU say they can eat)
• If you have multiple pets, establish dominance in the order you want. I have 2 dogs, one foster dog and a cat. I made our cat (Splint) the 2nd in line because he was most vulnerable in size and teeth size (lol) so if the dogs respect the cat, he would be safe. Then our PJ (eldest),  Joey (adopted foster), and lastly foster dog. 
• We always feed, greet, and whatever action that needs individual address in this order Splint, PJ, Joey and foster dog. (establish a chain of command)
• IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN: put your children into the chain! When you come home and the dogs run to you at the door, keep walking and ignore them until you've greet your children, THEN the dogs. 
• Have your children feed the dogs to create that bond that YOUR CHILD are the alpha providing food for the dogs

1. When playing with toys, the second they thrash the toy left and right (same gesture if they were killing pray) have a command to stop this behavior like a simple "no." This discourages aggressive behavior and encourages play, but not "kill"
2. If there is a special toy or item the dog guards aggressively, you can CAREFULLY try to take the toy away (or replace with another toy) and set it where they cannot reach. This will let them know aggression will not be tolerated and when they are good,then they will be rewarded
3. Once a toy/treat gets taken away, wait 5 to 10 minutes and then give it back to the dog. Then proceed to walk near the dog when it is playing, if the growling continues take the toy away again. ** Repeat this in small intervals and perhaps daily until the dog gets it 
4. Don't let a dog take a toy or food away in their own secret "corner" because it allows them to make this area "theirs" to guard which may enable aggressive behavior
5. If there are things they are especially protective about, certain bones or toys, just avoid buying them to create scenarios for aggression
6. When teaching toy handling or fetch, practice reaching into dogs mouth to get toy with command if necessary "let go", "drop it", and most importantly positively reward when they DO let it go! "Good job!" "Good boy/girl!" lots of petting, treats, or hugs and kisses.
7. When a dog gets overly excited don't encourage by more excitement. Ignore until they are calm before petting or rewarding. Excitement can turn into aggression quickly if not trained to see he signs.

** ONLY adults should attempt this and even adults should be VERY careful when attempting.

 Can you think of anything else or other suggestions? Please comment!