{"id":3428,"date":"2021-11-05T15:16:18","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T19:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/?p=3428"},"modified":"2021-11-05T15:16:21","modified_gmt":"2021-11-05T19:16:21","slug":"how-to-socialize-an-aggressive-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/how-to-socialize-an-aggressive-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Socialize An Aggressive Dog (10 Pro Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p><strong>If you&#8217;re in search of how to socialize an aggressive dog, read on to discover pro tips to help your canine socialize with other dogs and humans.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Few things are more problematic to pet parents than an aggressive dog. These dogs are harder to train and control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>They also leave a bad impression on the minds of those who don&#8217;t own dogs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some dog breeds like the <a href=\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/american-pit-bull-terrier-facts-information\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3026\">American Pit Bull Terrier<\/a> have been branded ferocious because of their aggressive tendencies.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>In reality, even the most aggressive dog breeds, including <a href=\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/dogs-with-high-prey-drive\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3405\">dogs with high prey drive<\/a>, can be trained<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Most dog breeds are trainable once the owner has the skills to succeed in this.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The myth that all dogs are aggressive is unfounded and blinds us to the nanny good qualities of these canines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Having said this, the statistics are a cause for concern.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>A study done by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/preview\/mmwrhtml\/00047723.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Center for Disease Control<\/a> (CDC) has shown that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites result in medical care.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The study was done in 2019 when the US population was estimated at 328.2 million. Hence, 1 out of every 73 people in the US got bit by a dog in 2019.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>What do you do if you have a dog who&#8217;s prone to aggression?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It is up to you to curb this habit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While you may not completely erase this habit, you can reduce it, thereby preventing your beloved pet from turning into a societal menace.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Let&#8217;s look into different ways you can socialize an aggressive dog.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Socialize an Aggressive Dog?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Aggressive behavior in dogs can be unexpected and disturbing, both to the owners and strangers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It is saddening to see your lovely and friendly canine turn into a ferocious monster in less than a minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To properly understand aggression and how it can be curbed, you&#8217;d need an explanation of important concepts related to aggression.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>That way, you&#8217;d have more clarity over what might be going on with your dog and the rightful solution for it.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The first concept to explain is aggression itself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Aggression is a wide term that describes a set of undesirable\u2014and wild\u2014habits living beings manifest.<\/strong> In the case of dogs, these habits include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Biting<\/li><li>Incessant barking<\/li><li>Growling<\/li><li>Snapping<\/li><li>Scratching<\/li><li>Lunging<\/li><li>Chasing strangers<\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The preventive step to aggressiveness is socialization. Socialization is done by exposing a dog to different environments and strange people. It is done to get them used to novelty.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The best time to start socializing a dog is when he&#8217;s a pup. However, even adults can be socialized with some processes in mind.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Socialization may not curb all forms of aggression, however.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Hence, you should consult a vet or a dog consultant to determine the exact form of aggression your canine exhibits.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Socialization helps reduce fear-based aggression, which is the most common form.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Fear-based aggression tends to have triggers, which may be a single object (like men in a black suit or noise), or from various sources.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Dogs who get scared of many things have anxiety, and it is peculiar to some breeds. You must identify the trigger(s) of your dog.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>From the explanations, it is clear that <strong>an aggressive adult dog still has hopes of being socialized<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This involves using methods like desensitization and counterconditioning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>With the former, you gently expose your dog to triggers until he becomes less scared.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Counterconditioning means reducing the fearful effect of the trigger with a reward.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog with Other Dogs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The first thing to know about socializing an aggressive dog is that you should hire a professional trainer as it isn&#8217;t recommended that you tackle aggressive behaviors on your own.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>That said, you can take some steps to keep your dog calm and other people safe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some dog breeds have a predisposition towards aggression, especially against other dogs. Territorial dogs may not be so keen to accept strange pooches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you socialized them as pups, you may have better chances at curtailing this. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>However, it&#8217;s not too late to socialize an adult. Below are some tips to help you socialize an aggressive dog with other dogs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Take a trip to the dog park<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You&#8217;d need to be cautious when you&#8217;re with an aggressive dog at a dog park to prevent a fight from breaking out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>But a dog park is a good place for your dog to meet other dogs. It is a controlled environment, which allows you to supervise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Take your dog away if you sense the stimulation from being around other dogs is getting too much.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Don&#8217;t be harsh<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It is okay to rebuke an aggressive dog, but harsh treatments will further damage the dog&#8217;s psyche, especially if the aggression was induced by fear.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Regardless of how bad it is, do not resort to punishments and harshness.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Your reaction towards other dogs matter<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Aggressive dogs often come with good guarding traits of protectiveness towards their owners.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>They can sense a change in mood, and if you show fear when faced with another dog, yours will go on the offensive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Show calmness and confidence, and your dog will be relaxed.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Don&#8217;t let your dog be dominant<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You should know you&#8217;re the one in charge, not your dog. When it comes to other dogs, though, it is tempting to let your dog be the boss.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Let&#8217;s face it, if your dog does get into a fight, who would you want to win?&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The problem with indulging dominant behavior is that it fuels aggression.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Your dog sees it as okay to take on other dogs and go deeper into aggressiveness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Stop him from bossing around other dogs, even if you&#8217;re itching for a fight. Dog safety first.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Use positive reinforcements<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This is often used in what is known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/pethelpful.com\/dogs\/Dog-Behavior-Modification-Open-Bar-and-Closed-Bar-Method\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"broken_link\">open bar<\/a> technique.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here, you employ encouraging words and treats when your dog is approaching another dog, right till you&#8217;re out of sight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This can be during random moments or staged with another pet parent. Both desensitization and counterconditioning come into play.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Socialize an Aggressive Dog with Humans<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are some similar steps to apply with humans, as the aggressive act tends to manifest in the same way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>However, while an aggressive dog may end up in a fight with other dogs, he could cause more damages to humans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Another who has been chased or bit by a dog will know how traumatic it is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The safety of both dog and human is vital when socializing a dog to warm up to strangers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here are some tips you could begin with, to socialize your dog with humans, before a professional takes over:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Identify triggers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The aggressive dog may have one or more triggers. Find out as many as you can, so it won&#8217;t be a surprise when your dog reacts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Desensitization is also easier when you know what trips your dog.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>For example, does your dog get nervous only when Uncle Bob comes in his red, flowery shirt? Then, the color red may be a trigger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Control your dog in the face of a stranger<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>To do this, you need to have established your authority with your dog. The method used here is often known as the Establish Leadership method.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once your place as the leader of the pack is known, this tip will be valid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You also need a leash that you can jerk when your dog becomes aggressive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This method can be staged, for you and your dog to get used to it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Get an assistant to act like a stranger, then practice controlling your dog when he&#8217;s in an aggressive state.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Use commands<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Closely related to the second tip, you can teach your dog some commands and train him to respond to them, even in the face of distraction. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Stay&#8217; and &#8216;down, boy&#8217; are good examples.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Teach these orders in a calm place, then take your dog to a distracting environment and practice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Take safety measures<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>While you or the professional trainer works on the dog, reduce cases of aggression with some pragmatic steps.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Get a muzzle when out with your dog and keep him away from guests at home. Let neighbors know what you&#8217;re facing so they&#8217;ll be aware.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Use a leash when outdoors and build a good fence to prevent your dog from bolting out of the yard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Many aggressive dogs are Houdinis.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Take care of your dog<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Undesirable habits brew when a dog isn&#8217;t well taken care of. A bored, hungry, or untrained dog is more likely to exhibit strange behaviors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You need to meet a dog&#8217;s basic needs, even that of an aggressive dog.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Give him sufficient exercise, a rich diet, quality training, and proper grooming. Also, observe for any symptoms of illness or injuries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Some dogs get aggressive when in pain.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1636122108878\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can an aggressive dog be cured?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Many factors can lead to aggression in dogs. You can reduce aggressive tendencies with socialization and keeping your dog away from situations or people that trigger the aggression.<\/p>\n<p>However, you may not completely cure the aggression.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1636122141965\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can aggressive dogs be tamed?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It is difficult to train an aggressive dog, and sometimes you may need to hire the services of a professional trainer to make things work.<\/p>\n<p>Having said that, taming an aggressive dog is possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1636122168366\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is it ever too late to socialize a dog?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Socializing an adult dog can be difficult because he may be unwilling to change. However, it is possible with the right skills.<\/p>\n<p>It is never too late to socialize a dog if you missed it during childhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1636122191229\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What makes a dog suddenly become aggressive?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Most times, aggressive behavior comes with some telltale signs like a dog&#8217;s body getting stiff. That said, sometimes a dog may act out without warning.<\/p>\n<p>In such cases, an injury or an illness may be the cause. Look out for signs of pain and distress.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1636122250291\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do you respond to an aggressive dog?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>When faced with an aggressive dog, you mustn&#8217;t panic. You can&#8217;t outrun a dog, and panicking will worsen the problem.<\/p>\n<p>Against every flight instinct, stay calm. Take slow steps backward, use a cool voice, and try not to look directly into the dog&#8217;s eyes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wrap pUp<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Hopefully, our tips on how to socialize an aggressive dog will prove helpful to you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Whatever may be the reason, being with an aggressive dog is not the end of the world. It may be frightening and embarrassing, but it can be controlled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Hire the services of a professional trainer and take proactive steps to keep your dog and other people safe.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>An aggressive dog can still live a normal, friendly life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong>You May Also Like:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/dogs-with-low-prey-drive\/\">Dogs With Low Prey Drive<\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re in search of how to socialize an aggressive dog, read on to discover pro tips to help your canine socialize with other dogs and humans. Few things are &#8230; <a title=\"How To Socialize An Aggressive Dog (10 Pro Tips)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/puplore.com\/how-to-socialize-an-aggressive-dog\/\" aria-label=\"More on How To Socialize An Aggressive Dog (10 Pro Tips)\">Continue Reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3430,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3428"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3428\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puplore.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}