Top 3 Dog Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them – Part 2
In the first part of this 3-part how-to, we pointed out that some canine behaviors are ingrained, while others are learned. We also highlight successful ways to control excessive barking. In part 2 we will discuss effective techniques to stop biting.
Canine behavior problems: biting
According to the US Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, about 1,000,000 people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Most of the victims are children between 5 and 8 years old; in most cases, biting dogs were household pets.
Dogs bite for a variety of reasons. Dogs may bite or display threatening behavior when they are angry, frightened, agitated, overexcited, or when challenged or seeking protection.
The first thing to do when confronted with biting dogs is to discern “why” the dog behaved aggressively. If the dog was being teased or felt threatened, the problem may not be with the dog. Instead, the blame may fall on whoever or whatever made fun of him or made him feel threatened.
Some dogs bite or bite their handler’s hands when the handler tries to take something from them. According to Barbara Woodhouse, internationally renowned dog trainer, dog behavior expert, and author of Barbara Woodhouse’s Encyclopedia of Dogs and Puppiesthe best cure for such aggressive behavior is “return violence with violence.”
Effective ways to stop dog biting
When the dog tries to bite, the handler must act quickly by suspending the dog by the front legs with the choke chain; at the same time, scold in a violent tone of voice, “No dick!The dog should be allowed to return to its front legs only after it shows signs of discomfort (usually within 10 seconds). dim ounce; pet him and praise him.
This process must be repeated every time the dog tries to bite; he should be forced to respect your authority. While this type correction may sound cruel, it’s not. Curing the dog of biting using this means is much kinder than having the dog sentenced to death in the gas chamber for the wounds inflicted on someone who bit.
Inexperienced handlers may have difficulty correcting their dog in this way; if that is the case, the help of an expert dog trainer should be sought.
Prevention of aggressive behavior in dogs that leads to biting
Some dogs are so naturally protective of their owner that they will attack anyone who comes near them, without being given a command. This can be quite dangerous. Allowing a dog to lunge at people could lead to other aggressive behaviors, such as biting.
One of the best methods to prevent this type of aggressive behavior in dogs is to take them through crowds, muzzled if necessary. Have people touch him (gagged) and scold him if he tries to attack.
Another effective method is to have someone who trains dogs remove it from you and really shake it (with your choke chain) when it shows signs of ruthless behavior. He must be defeated and then praised for submitting.
What about puppies that bite?
Puppies are known to bite and nip during play. One mistake people often make with biting puppies is letting them get away with it. Handlers often think such behavior is cute and believe the pup will outgrow it naturally without intervention. The reality is that those “innocent” nips and bites can become a learned bad habit, hard to break once the pup is older.
Caregivers should address nipping and biting early on, rather than waiting until the puppy has grown and the problem is more difficult to correct. Puppies are not like children; They are growing dogs. And dogs need training and an understanding but firm and consistent hand to teach them what is acceptable and what is not. Correction methods for biting young puppies are different than those for adult dogs.
How to Manage Aggressive Behavior in Puppies
When a puppy bites hard enough to hurt you, it should be firmly corrected. Tell “no dick!” in a firm tone. If that doesn’t work, use what’s called “the extortion method,” which is similar to what the bitch does to her pup to keep order in the litter. Shake the puppy by grasping the loose skin on its neck on either side below the ears. Repeat “no dick!”
Correction of aggressive behavior in puppies older than 12 weeks is done as follows: grab the puppy by the neck with both hands and lift it by the front legs, if necessary. Have the puppy look you directly in the face and repeat “no dick!” If you sound angry enough, the puppy will understand.
This correction method must be consistent. If you allow a puppy to bite once, but get angry and correct it the next time, the puppy will become confused and not learn effectively.
Puppies are especially prone to biting or biting children who play with them for too long or are too rough with them. When a puppy shows signs of being tired of being “mauled” during play, it’s time to let the puppy rest. Put the puppy in its crate or playpen and tell others to leave it alone and rest.
Do not under any circumstances pat a puppy or dog on the nose to discipline it; this is cruel, more ineffective. And always give lots of love and praise for submissive behavior after the correction has been administered.
At Savvy Dog Lover, we care about you and your pet. In part 3 of this 3 part tutorial we discussed the jumping problem. Read part 3, “How to stop dogs and puppies from jumping on people” on [http://www.savvy-dog-lovers.com/category/dog-care-articles.com]
©2006 Lori S Anton
Savvy Dog Lover Publisher
