A number of reasons exist for why a dog could start being hostile towards other dogs. Anxiety or worry are emotions developed by some dogs when approached by other dogs. Sometimes, the dogs are competing against each other to be the most domineering. Or, it could just be a territorial defense strategy being enacted by one dog against the other. If the dog is not taught proper socialization techniques as a puppy, the owner has essentially groomed the dog to be aggressive towards other dogs. Sexual aggression is another common reason for hostile behavior, whereas other dogs could just be exhibiting aggression out of an automatic defense of their owners.

Strategies to Curb Dog Aggression

One of the easiest ways to stop dog aggression is by making sure, when the dog is still a puppy, it's socialized with other animals. Introducing your puppy to stable and obedient dogs for playtime is crucial to preventing aggressive behavior. It's actually the way they can learn from an older animal what proper dog behavior is. Socialization teaches the dog that other animals are not a threat to him and there is no need to defend his master, his territory, or himself.

If a dog is starting to showing aggressive tendencies, it is important that you stop dog aggression immediately, each and every time it occurs. A dog should not be permitted to exhibit an aggressive tone without correction from the owner. While using a muzzle or head collar is effective while your dog is being trained to stop dog aggression, it is not the solution you want for the long run.

Stringent training is another effective way to stop dog aggression. The dog will be unable to concentrate on the distractions of the other animal because his focus will be solely on listening to and pleasing the owner. If the dog is trained from the beginning to focus on the owner, and that's where his attention is at all times, when there happens to be another dog around the owner can immediately give the command of "sit" or "down" to his dog. Dogs pick up on the slightest form of panic or anxiety exhibited by their owner, so the owner should be aware of the signals he may possibly be sending to the dog, no matter how insignificant those feelings may seem. This helps stop dog aggression, as the owner is basically the pack leader, and the dog will follow whatever cue is given by the owner. Once your dog has been trained to stay focused on you, you can work on training him to look to you for a treat, which serves as a distraction when there are other dogs around. The owner can readily stop dog aggression by placing a treat on the ground and commanding the dog to retrieve it; the dog will be more focused on his reward that attacking the other dog.

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