Top 5 Aggressive Puppy Warning Signs
Getting a puppy is always exciting. There are general behavioral displays in perfectly normal puppies, although there may be exceptional warning signs of aggression in some puppies.
Statistics of Dog Bites
According to a CDC report, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Dog bites are a result of dog aggression that was not curtailed at an early stage. Being able to identify the aggressive behavior of a puppy is essential, as this helps to prevent dog bites.
There are some warning signs from your puppy that points to aggressive behavior, yours is to be sensitive and take corrective measures professionally or personally.
5 AGGRESSIVE PUPPY WARNING SIGNS
- Overprotection - This is when your puppy is overprotective of his immediate environment, always aggressive towards any potential intruder. When your puppy displays such behavior, it is a sign of aggression that needs proactive measures to keep him in check.
- Excessive Barking - If you have a puppy that barks excessively without a good reason, know that you are likely to have an aggressive dog. It’s natural for dogs to bark when attacked, threatened, or even when a stranger approaches, but when it is excessive, and you cannot find a good reason for such actions, you need to seek expert advice.
- Over possessiveness - It’s natural for dogs to be possessive, but when they are over-possessive, it’s a sign of aggression. If you serve your puppy his meal, and he snarls at you at the pretense of taking away the food, it is not a good sign. You need to take immediate action.
- Dominance - When your puppy sees himself at the top of the family hierarchy, it’s a warning signal that requires quick and effective action. This behavioral display can lead to domineering behavior which, when challenged, results in aggression.
- Defensiveness - This is a result of fear. When a dog feels threatened, he or she may growl defensively. This can be a sign of possible future aggression.
Whenever you spot a warning sign of aggression in your puppy, it’s time for you to introduce some measures.
Tуре оf Training
The two main types of training suited to aggressive puppies are either socialization and obedience training. Each technique is aimed at a specific type of behavior in aggressive puppies.
-
Socialization is a method of training that introduces a puppy to other dogs and strangers. It is aimed at putting a puppy at ease wіth the unfamiliar without feeling threatened, and without the need to defend itself out of fear, or anxiety.
- Obеdіеnсе training is aimed at getting a puppy to 'know its place' within the family unit by teaching it to obey commands from its owners. This type of training is best suited to correcting defensive, gender, or dominant aggressive behavior.
Tips for Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Puppies
Breed Requirements
Choose the breed that suits your lifestyle the best and understand the breed requirements and specifics.
Exercise Requirements
In today's fast-paced world, our dogs receive less exercise. However, they are fed high-protein food that helps keep both mental and physical energy levels high. The excess energy often turns into unwanted behavior such as digging, destroying things, or chewing on furniture. In the worst cases, it can turn into aggression. Make sure you provide your pup with enough physical and mental exercise. Gradually increase the levels of physical activity and let your puppy burn off the excess energy. Get a dog tracker to help you keep track of the activity and the progress you make.
Socialize Right from the Beginning
It's never too early to start with the socializing process. Every puppy is different, and many factors go into play. In any case, do not lose control and help your puppy to get self-confidence. Here are some tips on how to help a fearful dog.
Use Positive Training Methods
First, try to determine the reason why your puppy is aggressive (territorial, possessive, protective, fearful, unsocialized, defensive reasons, or pain) and adjust the dog training accordingly. Ask a dog trainer for help if your puppy is showing aggressive signs.
Understand Your Dog
Learn to understand your dog's emotions by observing their body language. If you have kids, teach them the basic dos and don'ts.
An aggressive puppy may deny you the benefits of owning a puppy such as a companionship. Paying proper attention to the early warning signs will go a long way toward managing your puppy effectively.
Buddy Pack
2x Smart Bowl size M (1L / 33.5oz),
1x Activity tracker & accessories
