Preventing Aggressive Dog Behavior: Tips for a Rescued Dog

In this Omaha dog training session, we helped Slim, a 4-year-old Boston Terrier with his aggressive dog behavior. Slim’s family contacted us because he has acted aggressively toward a family member.

Slim’s behavior shocked the family member he went after since she is a lifelong dog lover. Things began when Slim tried to escape through the front door. Another family member stopped him by blocking the door with their leg.

Tips for Handling Aggressive Dog Behavior

I sat down with the family to get more information on Slim and the dog problems. This gave me a chance to observe how the dog and humans interacted with one another. I began throwing treats on the floor to bring Slim closer. I wanted him to feel good before I tried to pet him.

Slim turned his head to the side when I reached out to touch him so I stopped. This is one of the ways dogs say no. Unfortunately many people don’t realize what that head turn means and continue to reach out and pet the dog.

I spent time going over dog consent and communication. This helps the guardians understand Slim’s body language better. It will get everyone on the same page.

While I talked with the humans, I tossed treats on the floor. This helped Slim practice moving toward the family member he nipped. Each toss brought him closer and closer until he was laying on the floor or resting on the couch next to her.

Teaching a Dog to Stop Being Aggressive

Stopping a dog from nipping or acting aggressive is a process. I shared several tips to help the dog feel more comfortable. These tips will also help the dog build a positive bond with the family member in the video below.

Teaching a dog to stop being aggressive toward people is often about better communication. It also involves removing any negative feelings the dog has about the person.

When a dog acts like this, it’s often because he thinks he’s the leader. This can happen when there are no clear rules, and the dog gets too much attention without having to ask for it. This confusion can make the dog feel like he has more authority than he really does.

I worked with the guardian to set some simple rules, like petting with a purpose. These new rules will help the dog see them as the leader. These rules also help the dog feel more relaxed and less anxious, especially when people move suddenly or get up without warning.

When working with a dog that is scared or aggressive toward some people, the goal is to build positive feelings. This can be done through slow exposure and positive reinforcement.

Instead of forcing interaction, start by walking the dog alongside the person to establish structure and control. Keep a safe distance at first, gradually reducing it as the dog becomes more comfortable.

Using treats can help. Reward the dog when it calmly looks at the person. Over time, make the interaction more complex, like when the person moves.

Leash training is also important; teach the dog to walk calmly on a leash to avoid pulling or lunging. For dogs reactive to movement, use treats to reward calm behavior when the person moves. Pairing the person’s scent with something the dog enjoys can also help create a positive association.

Additionally, teaching new tricks can build the dog’s confidence and strengthen the bond with its caregivers. With patience and consistency, a dog can learn to overcome fear and form positive relationships with people.

If the guardians use these dog behavior tips, Slim should stop being aggressive. They should also visit the person’s house weekly for a few weeks.

I made sure to share a number of dog behavior tips regarding rules and structure for Slim’s guardians to practice at home. This will help him think more like a follower. It will also lower his stress and the feeling of being in charge.

To help the family remember the dog training tips, we created a roadmap to success video. Check it out below.