Uncovering Triggers for Fear Aggression in Dogs

Let me ask you a simple question.  Do you knowto the side instead.
the triggers for fear aggression in dogs?  If not,Someone who's just walking down the street fast
then you need to read this article to learn moreor very slowly can be scary, too, especially if
about this type of canine aggression.they appear to be coming right at your dog. 
Fear Aggression In DogsAnything out of the ordinary can be unsettling for
This is one of the most frustrating types of doghim.
behavior problems.  Your dog may not hate allOdd movements like somebody waving their
strangers; just certain ones.  He may hate allarms around, or jumping up and down, will also
men, or just men wearing hats, or men withget a fearful dog's attention.  And a stranger
beards.  He may absolutely detest kids underwho smells of cigars, or beer, or something
five, but older children are fine.  He may be fineunfamiliar to your dog can scare him, too.
with strangers outside the home, or he may barkSometimes it's not something as obvious as any
at anyone who walks by the house. of these things. You'll need to spend some time
You can use dog behavior modification techniqueswatching your dog and making notes of which
to desensitize your dog to strangers.  But intrigger, or combination of triggers cause him to
order to do so, you need to identify exactly whatdisplay fear-based aggression towards strangers.
it is about a stranger that's scaring him.Dog Behavior Modification Can Help
Common Triggers For Canine Aggression InPunishing a dog who displays canine aggression
Fearful Dogstowards strangers doesn't work.  Dogs learn by
Men often seem more threatening to a nervousassociating things.  So punishing a dog who's
dog than women do.  They're bigger, their voicesalready aggressive towards strangers only serves
are deeper and louder, they may have beards orto teach the dog that strangers really are bad. 
moustaches, they may wear hats.  Men have aHe gets the idea that if a stranger shows up, he
more direct way about them.  They make eyegets punished, so he gets even more aggressive
contact more directly, too.  Sometimes a mantowards new people.
may remind your dog of someone who scaredWhat you need to do is to desensitize your dog
him or abused him in the past.to strangers.  You do this by associating
Children are often enough to send a nervous dogstrangers with good things, like tasty treats. 
over the edge.  Their voices are high-pitched, andThis is a long, slow training process that can't be
they move quickly and unexpectedly.  They'rerushed.
sometimes attached to scary things likeA good dog training course can be worth its
skateboards and roller blades.  Small children mayweight in gold when working with a fearful dog. 
come with noisy toys, which can be terrifying toWhen looking at courses, you'll want to choose
a dog who's nervous to start with. one that has lots of good testimonials from dog
Kids also have a tendency to grab dogs with noowners who have used the course material.  It's
warning and hug them.  This can be dangerousalso important to find a course that includes a
with an unfamiliar dog.  Most dogs don't like to befree consultation with an experienced dog
hugged anyway.  Teach your children never totrainer.  Another essential feature you'll
hug a dog, especially one they don't know.appreciate is a dog owner forum where you can
Any dog finds it threatening if someone makesask questions, and talk to other dog owners who
prolonged eye contact with him.  This is especiallyhave solved the same problem with their dogs.
true with a nervous, fearful dog.  Avoid looking aThis is the easiest way you'll find to to deal with
strange dog directly in the eye.  Look down orfear aggression in dogs.