How do I get my dog to be less aggressive when it comes to people?

Question

The first time he bit someone, the kid almost had it coming. It was dark and the stupid kid grabbed my dog's back leg. That was maybe three years ago, when my dog was maybe a year old. Since then he's nipped a couple little kids (for no reason), went after my boyfriend and barks angrily at everyone but a handful of people. I'm afraid to let him anywhere near most people. I just don't get it.

Answer 1

you probably didn't socialize your dog properly when he was a puppy. so that could be a reason why he bites, nips or barks at people. it could be a certain smell or it could be a sound that they make that could make him become aggressive towards them.

I think that some basic obedience is needed here. you can take your dog to your vet and tell him about his aggressive behavior and your vet should give you a couple of numbers of some animal behaviorist.

good luck!

Answer 2

This dog was never socialized nor obedience trained. Little wonder that it now has behavior problems. A dog should never ever bite at anyone for any reason except if that person is causing it extreme pain. I would be afraid to allow your dog around anyone period. Your concern is well founded. You will not find an answer out here to magically turn this dog around and make it the perfect pet. It is you that needs the help. Help in socializing and training this dog and you will best get that from a good obedience school. I've adopted and turned around dogs with behavior much worse than you dog is displaying. One of my dogs that I adopted, actually rescued because if I did not take him he was headed for euthanasia, was not allowed in public because he bit everyone. Today he can be out with toddlers that pull and hit him and thinks that is just fine. By the way, he is a 12 pound dachshund.

Answer 3

What breed is your dog and how old is he?

Aggressive dogs that bite are a liability -- ticking time bombs waiting to explode. A dog that nips a children without provocation and "goes after" people has an unstable temperament -- a dangerous dog if you will. You need help from a professional trainer and/or behaviorist. Dealing with aggression issues over the Internet is not the best idea because you wouldn't want anyone to give you the wrong advice. In the mean time I suggest you muzzle him at all times while you are out in public. The next time he bites someone hard you will not only find yourself battling a hefty lawsuit but the chances are your dog will be put to sleep. Please seek advice from a professional.

Answer 4

You aren't going to like this answer, but once a dog begins biting, the only cure is to have them put down. The fact that you think a child has it coming when the dog bit it shows you don't have a true idea of good dog behavior. That should have been the first sign that you have and aggressive dog.

Aggressive dogs practically never get better, they escalate until someone really gets hurt--and then the decision of what to do with the dog most often gets taken out of the owners hands.

Rarely, behavior modification has worked but a dog with deep seated aggression cannot be turned around. Please talk with a dog professional and be absolutely truthful with them. Better yet, got to Uncle Mattie.com. He is a well known dog expert and his stance on aggressive/biting dogs is well respected.

Under no circumstances should you have your dog around babies or small children.

Answer 5

Make sure he is leashed and by your side when he is around people.

Get your friends in on the training. Having friends come to the house treats in hand. Have your dog on a slip lead sitting next to you. When they come in the door, make the dog sit, and have the friends will give him the treat.

This will teach him if I sit quietly when people come over, I will get treats.

Do this with everyone he come in contact with. This type on consitent positive reinforcement is the key.

If this doesn't work seek a professional trainer. He need positive reinforcement training and socialization to become a better canine citizen.

Answer 6

You need to get a handle on this dog, now. Are you the alpha, or the leader in the house? If you are, the dog will feel less inclined to be the protector of the house hold, you should be the main protector. You need to rev up the training, and you need to socialise the dog better. Start by doing all the training all over again, right from sit and stay, to teaching him new tricks, and you need to make sure you are the one in control when you walk him, he goes out the door either beside or behind you, he stays on a very short leash and at your side, not pulling or stopping, at your pace and beside you. I know this can be hard if its a large dog and your not so large, but get a choke chain and use that, keep the lead tight but not choking him and if he tries to pull away, give the chain a little yank, not enough to hurt him, but enough to make him pay attention, and always accompany the yanks with a soft but stern 'no'. Then, when people come around, put the laesh on him and make him lie down in a corner quietly, with plenty of treats on hand to get him to pay attention to you, not your guests. When he is calm, give him a treat and ask your guest to come a step closer to him, but not within biting distance. If he growls or does anything you dont want, give the chain a yank, again accompanied by a soft 'no', make him stay still and ignore him for 5 mins, but keep talking to your visitor as if nothing has happened, then when he is good and isnt worried give him a treat, then wait 5 mins and ask your visitor again to take another step closer. It doesnt all need to be done in one persons visit, just push it as far as you can, be strong, think strong when the dog is around other people. You should be able to get it to the point where a visitor that the dog used to snap at, can touch the dog on the head, but when that does happen, dont get over excited, just give the dog a treat accompanied by a soft 'good boy'. You will need to be able to do this with everyone who comes around, it may make for some weird visits, but it will work. Your dog needs to learn that its not up to him to be the protector of the house and you, but only be backup if needed. Also, take him out of the house more and walk him in areas where there are more strange people, but get a grip on walking him first, at your side and at your pace. This is the technique i use with my foster dogs that are a little worried about strangers, and i work with large dogs, weigh 130lbs, so if i can do it, so can you, you just need to be confident, dont accept any crap, and if he tries to force the issue while walking, make him sit, lie down and roll him over, onto his back with your hand on his chest to reinforce the alpha position. Rolling him over is a great way to make him the submissive dog to your position. Good luck and i hope this helps, but failing that, get professional help, even if its just advice and a training regime from a behaviourlist in your area.

Answer 7

Because that kid messed with your dog I am guessing he is scared! That is why he nips now! My dog hates it when people hold sticks or anything like that becauseone time a person hit him with a stick! He is also being very protective because he is afraid you wil get pulled on!
It could also be that he didnt meet the person that was near him! They also do that a lot! My dog will freak if he doesnt meet a person!

Answer 8

Scold himvery sternly untill he gets the point. My dog used to do the nipping at little kids and after a little of very stern scolding she stoped. That should do the trick. hope i ehlped you. Oh and if that doesn't help ask your vet or a friend that has a dog that behaves well. hope this helped a little.

Answer 9

Tell the dog bad if its being aggressive to people its has met.If the dog is not listening put it in your downstairs,or put it in a room that the people will not go in like:In your room.But if there is not anything that it could eat so it won't hurt or kill it.

Answer 10

Get in control. The only reason he acts like that is because he knows he can get away with it. Stop it before it happens.