Train your Dogs Responses
All dogs have many different triggers that can cause a fear response. Unfamiliar dogs and people are common triggers. Loud noises can also be very problematic for fearful dogs. Fireworks are especially terrifying, trucks, motorbikes and excessively noisy cars can also be problematic.
Retraining your dogs response is vital for your dogs mental health and to help reduce stress and stressful situations.
~ O V E R C O M I N G F E A R S ~
While dog aggression can never be fully “cured,” there are many ways to help manage the condition and help your dog overcome their fears. While their fear and aggression may never fully go away, the fears and behaviours can be reduced with proper training.
~ R I T U A L S O F B E H A V I O U R ~
Set up Rituals of Behavior, these are a series of actions and behaviours your dog can practice any time she is in a situation that might make her uncomfortable. For example, if your dog fears guests coming into your home, have a ritual you can all follow any time someone new comes over.
An example of a Ritual of Behaviour for you;
When a guest is at the door, do the following:
Get your dog’s leash and take her outside so she can see the guest standing there.
Have your guest stand with a bag that you have previously placed by the front door. The bag should contain your dog’s favourite chew, toy or bone and be a regular source for these favourite things
At no time should the guest attempt to engage with your dog
Come back inside your home and take your dog through some action cues like sit and drop as your guest comes in.
Have your guest take the chew, toy or treat out and place it on the floor a safe distance away from your dog who must still be on leash if there is any likelihood she will aggress.
Let your dog chew on the treat or toy if they want too
Chat with your guest while your dog is chewing and when it is appropriate take your dog to a safe zone for some quiet time. The safe zone should be in a separate room behind a baby gate or in the dog’s crate with the door closed.
Practice this ritual with friends and neighbours that are willing to help, and your dog will soon associate the bell ringing and a guest entering with good things.
Once your dog is no longer fearful you can start having guests come into the home without having to take your dog outside. A guest can still enter with the bag in her hand, but this will make the greeting ritual less time consuming.
Ask your guests to give your dog space and limited attention.
You can make up any ritual if it is something your dog enjoys. The secret to success with this one is to keep your dog thinking and working, which will keep her below her stress threshold, and give her space, while also keeping situations safe, enjoyable and improvements are made.
~ B O T T O M L I N E ~
Though fear aggression is a serious issue which can take a considerable amount of time and effort to address, it is possible to manage the behavior. Be sure to avoid punishment-based training techniques, and instead help your dog become more confident and secure using the power of positive training and techniques such as effective 'rituals of behavior.'
Attend local dog training schools for a controlled environment to provide safe and positive stimulation.
Provide consistent training and developmental opportunities for puppies and adult dogs through their growth and adult hood for a well-rounded, well-behaved loved family dog!