How To Train Your Dog Not To Bite Strangers

 

Introduction

We've all heard that a dog is "man's best friend," but not so much in the case of an aggressive dog! When stranger approaches, most dogs will bark to warn you; this is a natural part of their role as a member of your "pack," and most pet owners understand that it is part of their responsibility as your pet and companion. Some dogs, on the other hand, take this protective, warning behavior too far, displaying aggression , acting aggressively toward strangers, and even assaulting strangers Unless you live in a remote area or are a hermit, your dog may come into contact with strangers on a regular basis, whether on walks, in public, or when servicemen and delivery people reach your house. If your dog attacks friends, you'll have a serious problem on your hands! It's not only dangerous, but it's also inconvenient Most jurisdictions have laws prohibiting the ownership of violent dogs, and a dog that attacks strangers can be apprehended and euthanized if it becomes a problem. Getting a dog's violent behavior toward strangers under control is a crucial safety problem for both others and your dog.

Click here for Complete Puppy trining Book

Why do dogs become violent when they meet strangers? Sometimes it's because the dog is trying to defend his territory, which may include your premises, your house and yard, and you. This will lead to hostile reactions from strangers approaching you on walks, at home, or away from home. Because they are nervous and scared, most dogs are hostile toward strangers. These dogs interpret the stranger as a threat to themselves or you, and are looking to protect themselves by attacking the source of their fear, a stranger. Observing your dog's body language will help you figure out which type of aggression they're displaying. A scared dog may take a submissive posture, tucking its tail, crouching or otherwise avoiding contact with the stranger, then abruptly lash out at an ankle or from behind. 

A territorial, dominant dog may take a dominant posture, lunging at visitors, making eye contact and barking Before beginning aggressive dog training, owners should rule out medical conditions that may be contributing to violence, such as endocrine conditions or medical conditions that cause pain. The best way to handle stranger violence is to avoid it by socializing your dog from a young age, exposing your dog to a variety of scenarios and people in a secure, regulated environment, and teaching him that strangers do not pose a threat to you or him. If an older dog is aggressive toward strangers or has assaulted someone, immediate training and work is needed to prevent someone from being harmed. If you have little experience training dogs, you may need to hire a professional trainer, as this behavior must be stopped for everyone's safety. Desensitizing your dog to the presence of strangers and maintaining control and leadership of your dog so that you can direct your dog to respond in a quiet, welcoming way when a stranger is present are all part of the training to curb violence.

Click here for Complete Puppy trining Book

Getting started

Commenced many trainers who work with aggressive dogs use a head halter, which allows the handler to direct the dog's attention and exert authority and leadership over the dog without wounding or hurting the dog. You'll need a short lead if you're using a head halter, as a dog wearing a head halter with a long lead would suffer a neck injury if they run and are abruptly stopped on a long tether It's also possible to use a well-fitting collar that won't slide off the dog's head. This type of training should be done in a controlled environment; having an uninvited stranger approach you during a training session can cause you to lose focus. You'll need to gain firm control, so make sure you have a strategy in place before beginning a training session, Keep your dog, as well as everyone else, safe. If you ever feel overwhelmed, seek the assistance of a professional who will assist you in training your dog and guiding you through practice sessions at home.

                                            The Establish Leadership Method

1.     Take authority

Assume command. Conduct training exercises with your dog to demonstrate your dominance over him so that he does not perceive himself as the pack's dominant leader. This establishes that your dog is not the ultimate authority in a perceived threatening situation. Use a head halter or another suitable collar to teach your dog to heel and follow you on a leash. Avoid using a flexi leash, which is ineffective for controlling your dog.

2.       Have assistant approach

 Arrange for a bizarre assistant to approach you while walking your dog once you've formed a leader relationship. Maintain a quiet attitude and focus on the positive. If possible, use a head halter and collar.

3.       Exert control

When your dog becomes violent in the presence of a stranger, immediately jerk the leash to the side or upward. This redirects your dog if he is wearing a head collar. With your leg, tap your puppy on the side. You are not hitting your dog; rather, you are redirecting him and telling him who is in charge of "the pack."

4.       Proceed

Allow the stranger to pass safely while you tell your dog that you are the leader and continue on your way without responding. Make your dog obey your commands..

5.       Practice

Repeat the process, keeping the stranger at a safe distance while signaling your dog to follow you without responding. Over the course of days and weeks, this process will need to be repeated many times with various assistants. When you're with your dog, don't get restless or violent When approached by a stranger, firmly distract him by redirecting him and ordering him to follow you. Your dog will eventually learn to follow your lead and will quietly walk past strangers without responding.

  The Desensitizing Method

1.     Use an assistant

Engage an assistant to help desensitize your dog to the presence of strangers in a monitored environment, such as your house, where the dog is less afraid.

2.    Click here for Complete Puppy trining Book

Prepare dog

To help control your dog's movements and deter him from assaulting your assistant, put him on a leash with a head halter or a well-fitting collar..

3  Approaches

Allow your stranger to approach your dog slowly. Have your assistant come to a halt and wait until the dog shows signs of anxiety or violence.

4.     Reward calm

Wait until the dog has calmed down. Instead of petting him or rewarding him for his fear, talk to him gently and firmly until he relaxes. Reward him with warmth or treats whenever he is relaxed.

5.     Approach closer

Allow your assistant to approach you more closely. The assistant should approach from the side, not directly facing the dog, as this is perceived as threatening by the dog. Stop and repeat the previous step if the dog shows signs of aggression or fear again.

6.     Repeat and vary

Rep until the dog tolerates the stranger's presence without becoming aggressive or fearful. For several weeks, you'll continue to do this with various assistants on a daily or weekly basis. Your dog will eventually learn to tolerate strangers and remain quiet.

                        The Alternate Behavior Method

 

Click here for Complete Puppy trining Book

1.     Teach 'down-stay'

Teach your dog to obey a 'down-stay' command in your own house, away from strangers. Repeat the 'down-stay' command with your puppy. Your dog should lie down and remain still for a few seconds before being rewarded with a treat. Gradually extend the time and change the frequency with which a treat is given instead of praise and affection as a reward.

2.     Practices

To stop unwelcome behavior, start using the 'down-stay' command. Gradually extend the time your dog is able to maintain this behavior. Working time will range from 30 seconds to four or five minutes.

3.     Practices outside

When there are distractions, teach your dog to follow the command. Begin the exercise outdoors with your dog on a leash. When outside, give the 'down-stay' command and treats in response to distractions like squirrels or other dogs. Reward your dog for responding to your command with a 'down-stay' stance.

4.     Have assistant approach

While outdoors, have an assistant approach you and your dog. Provide the 'down-stay' command when your dog orients to the stranger, and make your assistant wait until the dog adopts the 'down-stay' stance and relaxes. Reward your canine companion.

5.     Come closer

Have the assistant approach closer; if your dog breaks position, repeat the command; have the assistant wait; wait until the dog obeys and relaxes; repeat until the dog tolerates the presence of the stranger; and repeat until the dog tolerates the presence of the stranger.

6.     Repeat

To determine behavior, this exercise will need to be performed several times weekly and for several weeks with various assistants. Outside, you can use a head halter to protect your assistant, keep your dog under control, and avoid any mishaps if an unexpected stranger approaches.

Click here for Complete Puppy trining Book