Training Your Dog: The Right Play Can Reduce Aggressive Behavior
Teaching your dog not to be aggressive is easiest when he is a puppy. Although any dog can bite, scratch or harm someone teaching your dog to be calmer and less aggressive should reduce the likelihood of your dog causing an injury. If your dog is aggressive, he may growl, snarl, lunge, bite or exhibit other signs of aggression. Ignoring your dog’ behavior will make it more difficult to change later. Furthermore, dog owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions. Depending on where you live and the laws, you could be sued, lose your dog, or have insurance problem if your dog harms someone.
If your dog seems aggressive, take him to the vet to make sure that he is comfortable. Sometimes a dog that is in agony can act aggressively. If you are unable to train your dog alone, hire a trainer who can help teach your dog to be less aggressive. However, even if you use a trainer, he will not be with you constantly when you play with your dog, so you need to choose the right games.
When you play with your dog, choose games carefully. Games like tug-of-war that encourage your dog to be territorial and rough can facilitate aggressive behavior. Choose activities that involve fetching without rough play or games like hide and seek. When your dog does act aggressively during play admonish him. He will learn to follow commands as he plays. When your dog plays well, be encouraging and praise him. Appropriate games will keep your dog active, healthy and help promote a non-aggressive temperament.
Essenti offers a wide variety of flying discs, balls and other toys that are perfect for teaching your dog to play without encouraging aggressiveness. Our toys are durable plastic and wash easily. Browse our selection of floating rubber pet toys by Sum-Plast.