Top 3 Canine Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them – Part 2

In the first part of this 3-part tutorial, we noted 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 the ages of 5 and 8; in most cases, the biting dogs were household pets.

Dogs bite for a variety of reasons. Dogs can bite or display threatening behavior when they are angry, scared, agitated, overexcited, or when challenged or seeking protection.

The first thing to do when dealing with biting dogs is to discern “why” the dog behaved aggressively. If the dog was teased or felt threatened, the problem may not be with the dog. Instead, the blame may be on whoever has upset you or made you feel threatened.

Some dogs bite or chew on their handler’s hands when the handler tries to take something away from them. According to Barbara Woodhouse, internationally renowned dog trainer, canine behavior expert and author of Barbara Woodhouse’s Encyclopedia of Dogs and Puppies, the best cure for such aggressive behavior is “return violence with violence. “

Effective ways to stop biting dogs

When the dog tries to bite, the handler must act quickly by suspending the dog from its front legs with its choke chain; at the same time, he scolds in a violent tone of voice, “It does not bite!”The dog should be allowed to return to its front legs only after it shows signs of discomfort (usually within 10 seconds). Once submitted; caress it and praise it.

This process must be repeated each time the dog tries to bite; he must be obliged to respect his authority. While this type of correction may seem cruel, it is not. Curing the dog from being bitten using this means is much kinder than having the dog sentenced to death in the gas chamber due to injuries inflicted on someone he bit.

Inexperienced handlers may find it difficult to correct 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 approaches, without being given a command. This can be quite dangerous. Allowing a dog to pounce on people could very well lead to other aggressive behaviors, such as biting.

One of the best methods to prevent this type of aggressive behavior in dogs is to lead the dog through crowds, muzzled if necessary. Get people to muzzle him and scold him loudly if he tries to attack.

Another effective method is to get someone who trains dogs to snatch it from you and actually shake it (with their choke chain) when it shows signs of ruthless behavior. Must be defeated and then praised for submission.

What about puppies that bite?

Puppies are known to bite and nip during play. One mistake people often make with puppies they bite is letting them get away with it. Caregivers often think such behavior is cute and believe that the puppy will grow naturally without intervention. The reality is that such “innocent” biting and nipping can become a learned bad habit, difficult to break once the puppy is older.

Caregivers should address nipping and biting early on, rather than waiting until the puppy is 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 young puppies that bite are different than methods for adult dogs.

How to handle aggressive behavior in puppies

When a puppy bites hard enough to hurt it, it must be firmly corrected. Tell “It does not bite! “in a firm tone. If that doesn’t work, use what’s called the” shakedown method, “which is similar to what the mother does to her puppy to maintain order in the litter. Shake the puppy by grabbing it by the fur loose from your neck on both sides below your ears. Repeat “It does not bite! “

The correction of aggressive behavior in puppies older than 12 weeks is carried out as follows: grab the puppy by the nape with both hands and lift him by the front legs, if necessary. Have the puppy look directly at your face and repeat “It does not bite! “If you sound angry enough, the puppy will understand.

This correction method must be consistent. If you allow a puppy to bite once, but become angry and correct the next, the puppy will become confused and not learn effectively.

Puppies are especially prone to biting or pinching children who play with them for too long a period or who are too rough with them. When a puppy shows signs of being tired of being “mutilated” during play, it’s time to let him rest. Store the puppy in his box or pen and instruct others to leave him alone and rest.

Under no circumstances hit a puppy or dog on the nose to discipline him; this is cruel as well as ineffective. And always give lots of love and praise for submissive behavior after 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 jump problem. Read part 3, “How to prevent dogs and puppies from jumping on people” in [http://www.savvy-dog-lovers.com/category/dog-care-articles.com]

© 2006 Lori S. Anton

Savvy Dog Lover Editor