Dangerous dog behavior, specifically dog aggression, is one of the biggest reasons why dogs are sent to shelters, dumped on the side of the road, or euthanized. It’s tragic and heartbreaking, but it happens every day. Why? Because people truly don’t believe that there is hope to stop the aggressive dog behavior, and they feel keeping an aggressive dog will put themselves, their families and other people in danger. Understandable, of course.
That being said, I also know that dog aggression is an issue that can be fixed. According to Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan, owner of the dog taining website, TheOnlineDogTrainer, “With a little time and training, any aggressive dog can be given a second chance at living a safe, happy and healthy life.”
Dangerous Dog Training
Doggy Dan has developed a dog training program called, The Dog Calming Code, specifically for aggressive dogs. It’s super effective, easy to follow and inexpensive (it’s only $37…seriously). I’ll tell you more about this, but first let’s address your safety concerns.
Dangerous Dog Aggression Examples
Some examples of dangerous dog aggression might be:
- The dog is aggressive toward children
- The dog is aggressive toward other household pets
- The dog is aggressive toward you or other people
- The dog is being aggressive toward other dogs
Aggressive Dog Behavior Problems
According to Doggy Dan, “There are many different reasons why a dog may be aggressive. They may have a fear of something happening. Their aggression may be linked to some previous abuse. Or they may feel threatened by somebody or simply have a serious lack of confidence.” Considering which type of aggression your dog is exhibiting may shed some light on why the dog is being aggressive. Here are some exampes of the different types of dog aggression from the ASPCA.
- Fear Aggression
- Food Aggression
- Dominant Dog Aggression
- Territorial Aggression
- Protective Aggression
- Possessive Aggression
- Defensive Aggression
- Social Aggression
- Pain Related Aggression
- Frustration Aggression
- Sex/Mating Related Aggression
- Predatory Aggression
- Aggression Due to a Medical Issue
What are the Signs of an Aggressive Dog?
Here are some things a dog might do if they think they need to be aggressive. You read that right – the only reason dogs are aggressive is because they think they need to be. You’ll learn more about that in Doggy Dan’s training, but here are some common signs of dog aggression:
- Growling
- Showing teeth
- Snarling (showing teeth and growling)
- Snapping, nipping or biting of any kind or severity
- Becoming very still and rigid
- Guttural barking that sounds threatening
- Lunging forward or charging at the person with no contact
- Mouthing, as if to move or control a person, without applying significant pressure
How Do You Stop a Dog from Being Aggressive?
The first step to addressing your dog’s aggression is to establish yourself as pack leader with your dog. Once your dog sees you as pack leader, they’ll be far more likely to listen to you, obey you, and no longer feel the need to be aggressive. Doggy Dan’s training addresses all dog aggression, regardless of the cause, by teaching you very easy and effective steps to get your dog to see you as the pack leader.
How The Dog Calming Code Works
The training consists of 5 easy steps to do with your dog that immediately teach your dog that you are the pack leader. This is the easiest, fastest, most effective way to gain control of your dog. Stepping up as pack leader for your dog is truly the most important step to training any dog, especially a dangerously aggressive dog.
1. Sets Up a New, Healthy Relationship Between You and Your Dog. Setting up a healthy relationship with your dog is one of the most important things you can do as a dog owner. When you get this right, EVERYTHING ELSE FALLS INTO PLACE.
2. Makes Training Your Dog Easier. Once you’ve got The Dog Calming Code in place and a solid relationship set up, you’ll find your dog is LISTENING to you, wanting to FOLLOW your lead and TAKE DIRECTION.
3. The Dog Calming Code is Totally Instinctive to Dogs. This is dog training that actually MAKES SENSE TO YOUR DOG! You’ll be able to communicate with your dog in a way that they will immediately understand. You’ll be speaking your dog’s language, which is the easiest, most effective way of training your dog and stopping dog aggression.
4. The Dog Calming Code Builds Tolerance. Your dog will not be reacting when something alarming suddenly occurs, like a child playing, a squirrel running, another dog approaching, or a friend coming over for a visit. These things will be far less likely to set your dog off.
5. The result of The Dog Calming Code is a Calm Dog. Soon after putting The Dog Calming Code in place, you’ll notice that your dog is generally far calmer. That’s because your dog is now focused, watching and listening to YOU. They’ll be able to switch off, not be so alert and anxious, and be much calmer and HAPPIER about life.
More About Dog Aggression
Here are several articles and tutorials created by Doggy Dan specifically regarding dog aggression. Reading these will help you get a better understanding about why dogs are aggressive and how to stop a dog from being aggressive. The first one has a video of Doggy Dan talking about the science behind why dogs are aggressive and what actually happens in their brain when they’re aggressive. Watch it. You’ll be shocked.
Misconceptions About Dog Aggression
Rescue Dog Series Putting an End to Aggressive Behaviors
More information about dog aggression from the ASPCA.
Surrendering an Aggressive Dog
If, after using Doggy Dan’s training techniques or consulting a professional dog trainer and behavioral specialist in your area, the behavior isn’t changing, you may have to reevaluate your situation. It’s your responsibility to do what’s best for your family and your dog. If you’re in a situation where you feel someone may get hurt, you need to take that into consideration and consider surrendering or rehoming the dog.
Shelters That Take Aggressive Dogs
If you decide to surrender an aggressive dog, you could contact the following people for advice on how and where to surrender your dog, specifically to find out if there are shelters that take aggressive dogs:
- Your veterinarian
- Your local shelter or SPCA
- The shelter or breeder you got the dog from
- Pet specialists, dog behavior specialists or dog trainers in your area (Google or ask your vet’s office)
Euthanizing an Aggressive Dog
Putting down an aggressive dog should an absolute last resort. Please try your best to find a new, appropriate home for your dog. Put the word out to family and friends to get help locating a shelter or owner that is appropriate for the dog. You might put something on Facebook, Twittter, Instagram – wherever you post on social media. Go through your contact list on your phone and also in your email and send out a group text/email letting people know about your situation and asking for referrals for appropriate homes or shelters.
I’m stressing the word, “appropriate” because you want to make sure whoever takes your dog is aware of the aggression and is qualified and willing to handle it. Be as transparent and precise as you can about what behaviors the dog is exhibiting.
Again, make decisions that are right (and safe) for you and your family. Do your best to get the aggression solved or find a suitable home for your dog. But don’t beat yourself up if you’re forced to make a difficult decision.
Who is Dogg
y Dan?
Doggy Dan is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, and the creator of the dog training website, TheOnlineDogTrainer.com. The site has more than 300 videos where you get to see Doggy Dan working with dogs and their owners. He offers a $1 three-day trial to the website and a monthly membership for $37. It’s been my #1 recommendation for dog training for more than seven years because it is effective and affordable.
I Donate to Animal Charities
Thank you for visiting my website. I donate 10% of my earnings on this website to animal charities. You can see a list of the charities I donate to here. If you like this website, please share it with your friends – every purchase helps animals! Debra
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or dog training or behavior specialist.
Hi Debra,
Thank you for the informative information. As an animal lover, I am against euthanizing animals.
I’ve seen some very aggressive dogs, and most of the time it’s because the owner trained them this way or the dog was abused.
It’s good to know there’s another option, through training. Dogs are smart and can be retrained with the right program.
I’m glad to see there is a program that can help.