What is Fear Aggression in Dogs & How Can You Help Them?
If you find that your dog is unable to run away when confronted with something scary, they may feel intimidated and choose to fight back. This behaviour is often referred to as fear aggression. Training aggressive dogs requires you to understand their behaviour, so you can come up with the right ways to manage it. Read on to learn more about fear aggression in dogs.
Signs of Fear Aggression in Dogs
According to the top trainers for aggressive dogs, fear aggressive dogs show the following signs:
- Cowering
- Retreating posture
- Ears pinned to their heads
- Mouths open and panting while baring their teeth
- Squinting their eyes
- Submissive nature
Dealing with Triggers of Fear Aggression in Dogs
Fear aggression in your pet could be because of a lack of proper socialization. It helps to know that the ideal age for socializing a puppy is between 3 weeks to 20 weeks. This is because they tend to experience very little fear at this age. Exposing them to new situations, including new dogs, people, places, sounds, objects, and more when they are young, will make them less likely to develop fear aggression as they grow.
Even if your pup is around 4-5 months old, you can still socialize them. You can do so by adopting different walking routes, introducing them to new people and dogs, and teaching them to stay alone. Also, do not punish them for being scared of anything.
Socializing an adult dog can be quite challenging. You need to manage their fears individually. This is why it helps to seek a professional trainer for aggressive dogs to ensure your dog overcomes their fears.
Tips to Deal with Fear Aggression in Dogs
According to expert trainers for aggressive dogs, there are many ways to help manage fear aggression to help your dog overcome their anxiety, including the following:
- Observe your dog’s behaviour, figure out what induces fear in them, and be sure to keep them away from the triggers.
- If your dog gets easily startled, try to avoid surprises and help them adjust to a routine.
- Allow your dog to interact with the things they are scared of in a controlled manner. Show them that they don’t have to be afraid and reward them for good behaviour.
- Keep yourself calm in the presence of the things that scare your dog to help them deal with their fear.
- Practice obedience training so that they learn to look for your cues in different situations.
- Work with a reputable trainer for aggressive dogs to help reduce their fear and anxiety.
We Offer Comprehensive Programs for Training Aggressive Dogs
At Alpha Paws, we are dedicated to helping you establish a beautiful and long-lasting relationship with your dog. We have qualified dog trainers in Toronto and the GTA to help you deal with fear aggression in your pet. We will work to understand their behaviour and come up with efficient ways to help them overcome their fear.
To speak with our trainers for aggressive dogs and learn more about the services we offer, reach out to us by calling 905-830-9500 or toll-free 1-877-868-7297. You could also fill out our online form if you have any questions for us. We’ll be happy to help you!
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