If you have a dog that's aggressive toward other dogs, it can be tough to take them out in public. You never know when they might lash out, and you don't want them to hurt another dog or cause a scene. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help stop your dog from attacking other dogs.
Keep your dog on a leash in public
Keeping your dog on a leash in public is a great way to prevent them from attacking other dogs. Not only will it keep them safe, but it will also help you avoid any potential legal issues. Make sure to keep your dog under control at all times, and be sure to follow all local leash laws.
Avoid dog parks and other places where dogs congregate
If you live in an area with a lot of dog parks, it's important to be aware of the dangers that come with them. In particular, be aware of the potential for your dog to get into fights with other dogs.
One way to avoid this is to keep your dog on a leash when they're at the park. This way, they'll be less likely to get into a fight and more likely to stay safe. Additionally, make sure your dog is well-behaved when they're at the park - don't let them run around unsupervised, and make sure they're not jumping on other dogs or people.
Be aware of your dog's body language
If you ever find yourself feeling particularly anxious or threatened around other dogs, it's important to take proactive steps to ensure that your dog doesn't attack. While there is no guaranteed way to stop a dog from attacking another animal, following some simple tips can help minimize the chances of an altercation:
Keep your own body language confident and alert. If you're tense or seem agitated, your dog will likely interpret this as a sign that it should also be on high alert. Avoid projecting any feelings of insecurity or fear towards other dogs - this will only incite an attack. Always keep control of your dog at all times; if something feels too risky, don't do it!
Know when to back off. If there's appears to be imminent danger brewing between your dog and another canine, it may be best not intervene. Wait until the situation has calmed down before attempting anything; if things get out of hand, using traditional techniques like yelling and stomping can often disperse the pack rapidly.
Don't allow your dog to greet other dogs head-on
When your dog greets other dogs, it's important to keep an eye on their body language. If the other dog seems fearful or aggressive, make sure you ignore your own dog and instead calmly step in between them. If necessary, use a common command like "sit" or "stay" to get them to back away from each other.
Stop playing if your dog becomes too rough
If your dog is becoming too rough with other dogs, it's important to take a step back and reassess your situation. If you're the one who's initiating the play, make sure you're doing it in a way that's safe for all involved. If your dog is getting too rough, try to redirect them with a voice command or a physical cue like a pat on the back. If that doesn't work, it may be time to stop playing altogether.
Reward good behavior with treats and praise
If you're looking for ways to stop your dog from attacking other dogs, start by rewarding good behavior with treats and praise. This will help to reinforce positive behavior and discourage bad behavior. Additionally, make sure that your dog is properly socialized from a young age, so that he or she is not predisposed to attacking other animals.
Seek professional help if you can't seem to stop your dog's aggression
If you have tried everything you can think of to stop your dog from attacking other dogs and you are still struggling, it may be time to seek professional help. There are a number of things that can contribute to aggression in dogs, and if you can't seem to control it on your own, we may be able to help. We can provide training advice or help with behavior modification techniques. It all starts with a consultation. The Initial Consultation is recommended to help you decide if further services are required to meet your training goals or it may be all you need to get on the right track!
If your dog is displaying aggression towards other dogs, there are a few simple steps you can take to help stop the behavior. Keeping your dog on a leash in public, avoiding places where dogs congregate, and being aware of your dog's body language are all good ways to prevent aggression. If your dog does become aggressive, stop playing immediately and and get in touch for help if necessary. We are dog behaviourist & dog trainers, It's why we are and if you're reading this then you are on our website. Remember, rewarding good behavior with treats and praise is also a great way to discourage aggression.