Steps and Tricks You Can Use That’ll Make The Walk Go Smoother

Do you get home from your hard day at work, say hi to your canine friend and then get the leash? Does your dog begin running around in circles, jumping up and down? You finally get the leash on them, get them outside and they’re dragging you out the door to reach the item they want to smell up close.

As you’re being dragged by your dog, you smile at your neighbors, knowing they are wondering who is walking who. You pull back on the dog’s leash to get him/her to slow down. However, your dog is just not listening. You have no way to slow him/her down to catch your breath and get him/her under control.

Believe it or not, this is how the majority of people are walking their dog at the very start of it. In the end, the walk turns to a chore. In the end, the dog does get the exercise he/she needs and you don’t want to take your dog out anymore. Thus, you may want to learn how to stop your dog pulling on the leash.

How To Stop Your Dog Pulling On The Leash: Why They Do It

Dogs have always pulled on their leash. Why? They’re not genetically bred to have a collar on their throat and have that leash attached to your arm. The reason they pull is because you’re holding them back. The first thing you need to learn when you want to know how to stop your dog pulling on the leash is to train them to know you’re not going to do any walking if they don’t slow down.

Believe it or not, most dogs have no idea they’re doing something wrong when they’re pulling on their leash. They’re not pulling on the leash to assert their dominance nor make you angry. They just love being outside so they can smell everything.

You must gain control over the situation. You need to control what your dog has access to and what they don’t. When you show your dog that their behavior will stop the walking, they’ll begin to understand that pulling on the leash is the last thing they need to do. Don’t yell or scold them, as it just confuses them.

How To Stop Your Dog Pulling On The Leash: Revamp The Walk

If you’re going to be effective at keeping your dog from pulling on the leash, then you need to begin working on it from the moment you pick up the leash. You may notice that your dog picks up rather rapidly on what you’re doing before going outside.

You want to be in control of this situation since what they do inside will cause them to react how they do outside. If your dog is excited and jumping around, you can be sure he/she will do that outside. Make sure your pup calms down before you go outside.

By waiting just five or 10 minutes, your dog’s energy can drain. Keep in mind that overexcited dogs can be very difficult to control. Don’t open the door until they are sitting down quietly and patiently.

Once you’re outside, you can let them do their business right off the bat but you must maintain control afterwards. Since dogs pull back when they’re on a leash, you cannot pull back yourself to teach them not to do it. Want to know how to stop your dog pulling on the leash? It’s easy! You stop walking. You don’t move until you have them sitting down either beside you or behind you.

It’ll take some time but eventually your dog will pick up on the fact that you don’t want him/her to pull on the leash when you stop walking. Anything more than you stopping the walk to get them to stop is going to complicate matters.

As you get them to stop, you should work your way up to have them walking beside or behind you. Be sure to bring some treats since you can make the entire process go smoothly when you reward them for their good behavior.

Need more help learning how to stop your dog pulling on the leash? Pick up Secrets to Dog Training, which is a detailed, step by step guide that can help you stop common dog problems like pulling on dog leashes. You’ll also get some photo examples, case studies and videos to help you get a real handle on your canine friend.

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Owning a dog can bring great joy to your life. Dogs provide you with company and allow you to relax. However, when they start digging in your backyard or lawn, it can get quite annoying. Because of the unpleasant sight and the damage they create, you need to find immediate solution to stop dog digging. Your pet does it for several reasons. By knowing the different probable causes of their action, you can have the problem solved. Here are the effective ways to help you.

Getting The Best Dog Training Tips is Fundamental if You Want to Have a Healthy Well Trained Dog.

Tip #1: Provide Attention

Some dogs dig in your garden to catch your attention. Because they too have feelings, they need to be caressed and loved. If you keep on ignoring your pets, the problem will persist. To stop a dog from digging, find time to play with them. Simple patting can assure them of your affection. Click the Links below to find out the correct way to apply this technique.

Tip #2: Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Like humans, dogs get bored at times. With their idle time, they tend to dig. To stop dog digging, provide mental and physical stimulation. Shift their energy to something positive. Provide them with lots of exercise. Bring them to the park or train them to follow simple commands.

Tip #3: Confine your Dog in a Kennel

If you cannot supervise your dog at all times, confine them in a kennel when you are not around. However, keep the place warm and comfortable. You need to do this until you are able to stop dog digging.

Tip # 4: Discourage them

An effective way to stop your dog from digging is to discourage them. You can do this by burying chicken wire or adding their feces in the area where they dig. The feeling of the wire in their paws and the smell of their stool discourages them from doing it.

Dog digging is a common problem for most pet owners. And often the tips above may not totally provide a solutions. Click the links below to find a way that will work guaranteed.

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Would you think me if I told you that there is such a thing as Dachshund anxiety problems? No? Dachshund Separation anxiety is more of an issuethan you may imagine. While it can be a trivial problem, Dachshund anxiety can be a major issue, changing your bond with your Dachshund. I used to believe I would have to give away my Dachshund; I now know differently

What Causes Dachshund Separation Anxiety?

Dachshunds are social dogs and depend on tight bonds with other family members. Dachshund separation anxiety can be triggered if they are left alone and consider they have been excluded from the family or conversely, if your Dachshund sees themselves as family leader and thinks you left without their consent. It is normally your lack of leadership that leads to Dachshund separation anxiety. It is vital that you prove you are the alpha member and will return to the group without fail. When your Dachshund sees that you are a good leader their separation anxiety will typically vanish.

A few Dachshunds become anxious when they believe you are going to abandon them . Something as straightforward as petting them as you walk out the door may be sufficient to generate Dachshund separation anxiety. Maintaining the precise identical schedule every day can exacerbate your Dachshund separation anxiety.

Dachshunds are wily dogs. If they get bored or have not enough exercise, they can become destructive as they are amusing themselves. This is not Dachshund separation anxiety.

How to End Dachshund Separation Anxiety

Four easy methods to reduce Dachshund anxiety:

1. Commence Slowly.
If your Dachshund anxiety centers around you leaving the home, you have tobegin by restricting the period of time you are away. Begin by leaving and right away coming back in. As their anxiety decreases you can leave your Dachshund for longer periods. Your Dachshund quickly learns that you will be returning and their anxiety reduces.

2. Mix Up Your Schedule.
Modify your routine if you see your Dachsund becoming anxious. Modify what time you get and as soon as you leave. Just minor changes in your every day routine can drastically lower your Dachshund separation anxiety.

3. Exercise.
Exercise your Dachshund properly, giving at least two 20 minute walks a day. A weary Dachshund will sleep. Don’t acknowledge your Dachshund as soon as you come home. Go about your usual business for 10 – 15 minutes. Only after that time should you pay attention to your Dachshund.

4. Do Not Strengthen Dachshund Separation Anxiety.
If you pat or even talk to your Dacshund as soon as you leave or return to the house can make Dachshund separation anxiety greatly worse. Take no notice of them for a few minutes as you abandon and as soon as you return, even if they bark or cry. Doing this breaks the association your Dachshund has made between receiving attention and you leaving or coming back

Doing What is Right For Your Dachshund

Some people think that this approach is cruel. This is false. Part of Dachshund ownership is making certain that your dog receives what it needs, be it food, exercise or medical treatment. This may not be what they want. The right way to reduce Dachshund separation anxiety is to show you are a solid group leader that will always return.. This is valuable both for your Dachshund and you.

If you have problems with Dachshund separation anxiety, barking, biting, digging or chewing visit http://www.dachshundtrainingtips.com to discover more about Dachshund puppy training and get great Dachshund training tips and a FREE e-book.

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One of the common topics that dog owners is concerned with is how to stop dog biting. There are many reasons why a dog would bite a human being or another animal. It may do so because it is scared and it is just acting out in defense. Some canines want to display dominance and they bite to show their aggression. Some dogs engage in what we call “play-biting” and the dogs are only trying to shower affection. Dog biting can inflict great pain to the other party, be it a dog or a human being, and you as the owner need to stop this behavior. Here are three tips that you can use to stop dog biting.

Having the Best Dog Training Help is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

Making a Loud Noise When It Bites
Many owners like to give their dogs toys to play with. Little do they know that when they engage in a tussle with their dogs, they are actually encouraging it to bite. It gives them the false impression that it is okay to bite. Sometimes the dog may bite you when it is playing. When this happens, you need to make a loud noise. This will shock your dog and he will then realize that it is wrong to do so.

You can also use this technique on adult dogs. Growl loudly when your dog bites you. Then, send him away and act like a strict disciplinarian. Your dog will become fearful of this situation. You will need to execute this immediately after he bites you so that he knows that the behavior is unacceptable.

Use a Muzzle
Until you have successfully trained your pet, you should consider using a muzzle for safety reasons. If you have children in the house or if you are expecting guests, you need to muzzle your dog. A muzzle prevents a dog from biting. If you are bringing your dog outdoors, you should also keep a muzzle over its snout so as to prevent any dangerous attacks.

Eliminating Fear Biting
When learning about tips on how to stop dog biting, you should consider fear biting. Fear biting is a problem with most domestic canines. Most canines are amiable creatures, although their survival instincts kick in when they feel they are in a threatening situation. They bite in self defense. In order to eliminate fear biting, you need to raise your dog’s self-confidence.

Instead of locking your dog up in a cage, you should introduce him to new surroundings and environments. Bring him to parks where dog owners congregate, and allow him to play with other dogs. It is very important that you praise and reward your pet for his good and calm behavior. Conversely, if your dog behaves erratically in his new environment, take him away. Never reprimand or punish your dog when this happens. It will only aggravate matters.pet

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Before you examine the different ways on how to stop dog barking, you need to first understand that barking is a very natural behavior for dogs. They bark as a way to communicate with you. If you want to stop your dog from barking, you must first recognize the underlying cause as to why he is barking. Dogs bark for many reasons. They could be afraid of something or they are simply welcoming you home. They also bark as a form of deterrence to scare off uninvited guests. They are also more likely to bark when they are in unfamiliar territories.

Having the Best Dog Training Help is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

Constant barking can become a problem as it annoys the neighbors. You definitely do not want to be known as the resident who disturbs the peace! Many dog owners make the mistake of yelling at their barking dogs to quiet them down. Their efforts prove to be futile because the dogs will only perceive and hear the yelling as a form of barking, and they in turn get more agitated. Here are three easy steps that you can take to stop dog barking.

Entice Him with a Treat

The easiest way to get a dog to stop barking is to break off his attention from the perceived threat. Shift his focus onto you; he trusts you! To do this, you should have his favorite treat in close proximity. He will quiet down as he tries to sniff and examine the treat with his tongue. Praise him constantly for being silent and obedient. Repeat this step the next time he barks, and only feed him his treat five seconds after he has remained silent. Increase the duration each time and he will stop barking excessively. Always be consistent with your praises and rewards.

Check Out the Situation

Remember, a dog does not bark for no apparent reason. It is usually triggered by an event, such as someone ringing the doorbell. Rather than seeing his barking as annoying, you should know that he is only trying to protect you. Give him the assurance that you trust him by going up to the door and checking out the situation. Of course, you may already be expecting house guests, but do it nonetheless. Then, execute the Hush command or get him to sit down quietly. When he does that, be sure to praise him for his good behavior. Introduce the house guests to your dog gradually so that he doesn’t get stressed out. You may also get the visitors to feed him his favorite treats.

Allow Him to Socialize and Play Around

Keeping a dog in his cages for a prolonged duration is as good as torturing him. They become bored and they store excess energy, which are released through barking. Dogs love to scamper around, so be sure to let him out several times a day. Allowing your dog to socialize reduces the chances of him barking excessively because he is used to having strangers and foreign objects around him.
These are three excellent tips on how to stop dog barking. While you may never be able to get your dog to stop barking, you can get it to stop barking excessively. Carrying out these trainings will require much time and effort on your part.

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Who Else Wants to Know How to Stop Dog Flatulence Fast!

If you ever had the unfortunate experience to be in the presence of dog with gas, you know that it’s enough to knock you over. How did something so nasty and foul get inside your dog? I don’t know which is worst the silent squeeze or the noisy kind but in my book either one will momentarily stop you from breathing and cause you to bolt for some fresh air. The only problem with this is that your dog may think you are in a playing mood and follow you out the door, or It could be that the dog is looking for some relief as well.

You can try but you will not be able to sugar coat this action by your dog with your company. Oh yeah, it may be funny the first time but it soon wears thin especially if you are having dinner. By the way, have you ever noticed that after a dog breaks wind he’ll gently get up and leave the room? So what can you do to stop the dog from cutting the big one? The following will help address and provide solutions to solve dog flatulence. First we need to find out what is creating the gas.

What Creates the Gas?

Well good news! You can bet your dog is not too happy about this either. Gas issues are normally associated to a dietary imbalance that can be addressed and dealt with quickly, providing relief for both you and the dog. The breakdown of food by bacteria in their stomachs can be the main cause. It may also be caused by worms and or parasites. To start with, we just need to find out what the heck the dog is eating to create this turbulence of dog flatulence.

Stopping Dog Gas

You can’t train your dog not to pass gas or politely excuse itself, but there are measures you can take to ward off the gas attacks. The following solutions are easy and quick to administer.

Twelve Action Steps to End Dog Flatulence

1) Stop feeding the dog table food immediately.

2) This means no salsa and chips as well. No human snacks.

3) It’s not cool to give your dog a sip of beer once in a while either.

4) The kids may think that giving the dog ice cream is cool. Let the dog sleep in their room for a couple of nights. This will change their minds quickly.

5) No treats unless they are low in fat and of high quality dog treats, in addition no cheese, beans, hot dogs and scraps. Some people use table scrapes as treats to teach their dog new tricks. What is that all about?

6) It may be time to change your dog’s food with a more nutritious platter. Remember to introduce any new food gradually, a one to four ratio the first day and increase the amount every two days after that. You don’t want to upset that boiler any more than it is.

7) Give the dog a cup of papaya juice. It works wonders to settle the dog’s stomach and they love it.

8) Yogurt has similar qualities and dogs love it as well. Only do this until the wind dies down. Should be rather quick.

9) If you feed your dog once a day try feeding your dog less but more often. Dog’s in a hurry to eat will shallow air in the process. This causes air to get trapped in their intestines and stomach.

10) You can also try to improve their digestion by offering them a pro-biotic. Some foods come with pro or pre-biotics. Check with your local pet store for more information.

11) Visually check your dogs stood for tiny white worms or parasites. If you see any of these get your dog to the vet for the proper treatment.

12) Cooked plain white rice or pasta with some plain boiled chicken can provide relief from gastrointestinal upset.

The following is a list of items your dog should never eat. If you think your dog ate something toxic, contact the Animal Poison Control Center immediately. The call could save your dog’s life.

Here is the list; Chocolate, candy and gum, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, fruit pits and seeds, onions, avocado, fat scraps, coffee, tea and other coffined products, milk and dairy products, raw eggs, mushrooms, salt, sugar and sugary food and drinks, human medicine, nutmeg, other spices and alcohol. It’s good idea to make your food pantry dog proof.

Dog flatulence is rarely a serious problem. However, in severe cases of dog flatulence, it is recommended to confer with your vet to rule out any possible medical problems. With a mild to medium problem, the above suggestions will put you on the right track to dramatically reduce and end the unsuspected gaseous attacks.

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Dogs love to bark. To non dog lovers, barking is a form of nuisance. You may have at one point in time received complaints from your neighbors about your dog’s barking. It can be very worrisome. Before you embark on dog barking training, it is important to understand why dogs bark. Dogs bark for the very same reason human beings talk. They are trying to communicate. When you have nothing to say, you remain quiet. When dogs bark, they are trying to get your attention. As you spend more time with your dog, you will learn more about the different barking sounds and what he is trying to tell you.

Having the Best Dog Training Tips is Important If You Want A Well Trained Dog.

A dog barks for many reasons. He may be trying to deter potential threats who have set foot in the house. In this case, the barking is loud to scare off the strangers. He may be caught up in excitement, and the sound of the barks is upbeat. It may even be some sort of a fanfare to welcome you home. Some dogs bark when they are bored, as a way to keep themselves entertained. Most people can tolerate a few seconds of dog barking, but when it becomes incessant, it can be very annoying. As a dog owner, you must know how to control your dog when it is barking.
Distract Him

When your dog goes berserk at the arrival of a house guest, you will have to get him to stop barking if not your guest will be intimidated. One of the best ways to stop a dog from barking is to distract him. You can grab his attention by whistling or clapping loudly. You may also instruct him to be quiet by yelling the usual command you have been using. Once his attention turns to you, shift his focus to a toy. You will need to do more than just getting him to be quiet. Get him to perform basic commands such as sitting so that his focus is off the “intruders” and on you.

Make Sure Your Dog Stays Active

As mentioned, some dogs bark because they are bored. They also bark to release pent-up energy. You can avoid unnecessary barking by not leaving your dog alone for a long duration. Be sure to play with him whenever you can find the time. Bring him out for a walk or exercise. Not only will he remain healthy, his barking will reduce.

Do Not Encourage Barking

Most dogs know that they will get attention from their owners when they bark. This is the same as a crying baby who demands attention from their parents. When they bark, their owners may scurry and bring them their meals. If you want your dog to stop barking, you may want to turn a deaf ear to it. Do not give him any attention; do not cuddle or scold him. Completely ignore your dog. He will soon know that his barking will yield no results.

These three steps are effective in helping you get started with your dog barking training. There are other techniques that you can use to stop your dog from barking incessantly.

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Are you frustrated with those of the yellow spots and the little “presents” on the carpet from your new puppy? Potty exercise a child needs months of groundwork and serenity. Potty training a new puppy requires the same thought and patience. Just like you might read a report on potty guidance, there are a extensive series of options to help you out with absolute dog training including dog potty training.

Just as with a child, dog potty training requires steadiness and firmness. Your dog sees you as a chief. If you hesitate from day-to-day with your orders, benefits and punishments; your new puppy will be confused and the dog potty training process will become irritating for you and your dog. Set rules for your puppy during dog potty training. Check out books like the “Complete 7 Day Potty Training Guide” as a one-stop, inexpensive book option to help guide the dog potty training process with different techniques, timing, clean-up, and needed equipment and supplies.

While a child may operate out when they are tired, a dog also has behavioral and personality responses to things in their lives. Take a look at when they act badly. Is it because they miss you when they are gone? Do loud noises scare them? If you see a pattern of behavior, you can move on to complete dog training to cut down on and eliminate the behavioral issues based on responses.

While housebreaking your puppy can be troublesome, looking at the complete dog training methods can help you get a good handle on your dog’s behaviors from the start. After you master potty training with your puppy, it is time to move on to all the dog training while the dog is still receptive to training methods. Moving on to eliminate chewing, jumping on your furniture or repetitive barking can help make your family with a new puppy more enjoyable.

For complete dog training after dog potty training achievement, the Do It Yourself: Complete Dog Training Program is a comprehensive and complete dog training system that you can do at home without the costly, time-consuming needs of obedience school or a personal dog trainer. Starting out with ways to let your dog know that you are masters of the house begins the process. Continuing on, the e-book helps dog owners correct voice tone and learn more about why their dog acts the way he does. Finding this complete dog training method can help bring order to your home with a pet.

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Some dogs act like they were born to chew and get a great deal of enjoyment out of chewing on things; other dogs seem indifferent about chewing and rarely do it unless they get bored.

Destructive chewing in dogs might be a phrase that sounds redundant to you. You’d be right, of course, because by its nature, all chewing is destructive. Your dog’s jaws are strong and full of sharp teeth, and just about anything she chews will quickly start showing evidence of damage. So, when I mention “destructive chewing in dogs,” what I’m really referring to is inappropriate chewing. You know the type I mean – destructive chewing in dogs that is inappropriately directed toward your personal possessions and household items instead of your dog’s toys and chews.

Most Dogs Chew for One of Three Reasons:

1. Almost all dogs are born with an urge to chew. Chewing keeps them entertained, helps them pass the time and prevents boredom from setting in. Basically, they enjoy chewing, so they do it. And some things taste good when they’re chewed.

2. Chewing provides an emotional outlet for bored, lonely or anxious dogs. The repetitive act of chewing can soothe the nerves of some distressed dogs. Think of chewing as the canine equivalent of human comfort food.

3. Chewing lets dogs work off excess energy. Basically, it gives them something to do.

How to Prevent or Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs

Dogs are intelligent, and by putting in a little time and effort you can teach your dog not to chew your personal possessions. Here are some tips to prevent or stop destructive chewing in dogs:

1. Take control by dog-proofing your home. Don’t tempt your dog, even if she’s a model of good behavior.

Remember, dogs don’t have hands, so they investigate everything using their mouths. Dog-proofing your home involves making your personal possessions inaccessible to your dog. You’ll need to take into account your dog’s size and physical abilities while you’re putting things out of her reach. If your dog is large or capable of jumping up onto things, you’ll need to move more of your possessions than you would if you have a short dog that’s not very agile.

Typically, dogs are tempted to chew on objects like shoes, clothing, eyeglasses, books, garbage, cell phones, remote controls and the like. You should also put all food out of reach. For example, don’t leave any snacks lying out on tables or kitchen countertops. Put all food into containers or back into the pantry. You should also rinse any dirty dishes to remove scraps of food before placing them in or near the sink. You’d be surprised by what your dog can reach when some food is up for grabs!

2. Prevent your dog from experiencing the enjoyment of chewing on inappropriate items. The more times your dog manages to chew on a table leg, shoe or some other “illegal” object, the more times she’ll want to do it again. Preventing her from chewing your possessions makes it much easier for your dog to learn what you expect from her. Until you’re certain your dog understands what is permitted and what is not, you should keep her in a dog crate or another dog-proofed location in your home when you’re not available to supervise her behavior.

3. Make it easy for your dog to learn. Setting clear boundaries between what’s acceptable for her to chew (her toys) and what is unacceptable (your possessions and household items) makes it easier for your dog to learn. For example, if you let your dog chew on some of your old shoes or socks, you’ll be setting her up for failure. How can she tell the difference between old socks and new?

4. Give your dog appealing alternatives to chew. You can’t blame your dog for chewing on your stuff if you haven’t given her alternatives that appeal to her but are also more acceptable to you. Keep in mind that although most dogs need to chew, a puppy or dog that is under three years of age will probably want to chew even more than an older, more mature dog. Go shopping and buy a fair number of chews and toys for your dog, then let her play with them two or three at a time. If you rotate your dog’s toys and chews once or twice a week, they’ll keep her entertained.

5. Supervise your dog. Although you might be able to confine her in the yard or in her crate, that’s not much fun for either of you. You got a dog to be able to interact with her, right? Otherwise, you could have gotten some fish. And, your dog will never learn what you want her to do (and not do) if you keep her confined in a dog-proof area all day long. In order to learn she has to be able to explore the boundaries you’ve set. That’s the only way she can learn the difference between what’s appropriate to chew and what’s not.

6. Catch her in the act. Whenever you catch your dog chewing on an inappropriate object, stop her by clapping your hands or making some other startling noise. As soon as she stops chewing, give your dog a chew toy and praise her as she takes it. This strategy will teach her that she’ll be praised when she chews her toys but she’ll get in trouble if she chews on anything else.

Be Realistic and Have a Positive Attitude

When you want to stop or prevent destructive chewing in dogs, making sure your expectations are realistic is one of the most important things you can do. No one’s perfect, so there will probably be at least one occasion where your dog chews on something she shouldn’t. This is particularly likely to happen while she’s still learning her boundaries.

Destructive chewing in dogs takes time to eliminate, so it will be a while before your dog can be trusted to leave your stuff alone. And, even after she learns the “chewing rules,” she might chew on something inappropriate if you leave her alone too long or she feels abandoned or neglected.

Spending time with your dog will help her learn faster. Remember to keep your things safely out of her reach until she understands the rules.

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If you’ve ever seen dogs being aggressive toward each other, you know just how disturbing dog-on-dog aggression can be. Aggression between dogs can take the form of growling, snarling, snapping, posturing and even outright fights which could cause significant injuries for the dogs. It can also be difficult for the owners to safely break up.

Dog aggression towards other dogs is troubling, but unfortunately it isn’t all that uncommon. There’s a good chance you’ve seen it, whether your own dog was involved or it was someone else’s. You might not know what causes it, however.

Dog-on-dog aggression is almost always the result of inadequate socialization while a dog is young. Socialization is the process by which a dog learns how to appropriately communicate and interact with others. It provides the key to preventing her from being aggressive toward other dogs throughout her life.

The socialization process involves exposing your dog to as many other dogs as possible. It’s important to let her meet, mingle, play with and just be around a large number of dogs of all sizes and ages. This exposure to other dogs is what teaches your dog the difference between neutral or positive interactions and behaviors that are truly threatening. Without a proper understanding of this difference, it’s easy for your dog to misinterpret another dog’s behavior.

For example, that other dog might simply want to play, but she won’t see it that way. Instead, she might think she’s being threatened, and she’ll respond to this perceived threat by becoming aggressive. Think of socialization as how your dog learns to communicate and interact appropriately with others.

Puppyhood, especially between ten and sixteen weeks of age, is the most important period in your dog’s entire life as far as socialization is concerned. A dog that isn’t thoroughly socialized during this critical period is a prime candidate for becoming overly fearful or behaving aggressively when she encounters other dogs later in life.

Typically, one of two things will happen when an unfamiliar dog approaches one that’s been poorly socialized. Because the poorly-socialized one hasn’t had enough exposure, she might be frightened by any new dog she meets. Or, she might react to encountering an unfamiliar canine by displaying aggressive behavior. A dog that hasn’t been thoroughly socialized doesn’t understand how to “talk” or behave with others. She also doesn’t understand what those other dogs are “saying” to her. Dog-on-dog aggression is often the result of this miscommunication.

If your dog has a tendency to behave aggressively toward other dogs, there are some things you can do to help prevent potential trouble. In fact, the actions you take when your dog meets up with another dog can significantly affect whether the outcome will be positive or not.

1. Keep her under tight control whenever she leaves the house. This means that at a minimum, you’ll need to keep her on a short leash. Avoid using the type of leash that spools out to get longer and winds up when you want it shorter. Using a short leash will let you react to potential trouble quicker and your dog will already be close to you. With a longer leash you might have to haul your dog back to you if an unfamiliar dog appears out of the blue.

2. Train your dog to heel. Once she becomes proficient, she will walk calmly by your side with the leash slack, not taut. This might not sound terribly important, but a taut leash can inadvertently communicate tension to your dog – and that tension is exactly what you want to avoid when another dog comes by.

3. Watch your body language when another dog comes near. Stay calm and relaxed, because she will take her cues on how to behave from you. If you tense up whenever another dog approaches, she will sense it and she’ll tense up too.

4. If your dog starts misbehaving when she sees a dog nearby, direct her attention toward you and give her something else to think about. For example, you could ask her to sit calmly and look at you for a few minutes until the “danger” she perceives has left the area. Afterward, give her plenty of praise and a treat for remaining calm despite the presence of the other dog.

Intervening to Stop Dog Aggression towards Other Dogs

If a fight does break out, don’t try to get between the dogs. Dogs’ teeth are sharp and when a dog is in a fight, she’s just as likely to bite you as the other dog that’s involved. Instead, try the following techniques:

1. Shout “stop it” using a loud, angry tone. Shouting might startle the dogs into stopping or backing away enough to let you grab one. Once one dog backs away, the other one probably will too, because she’ll think the threat has been defused. Take your dog by the collar as soon as one of them backs off.

2. Throw a tarp or blanket over the dogs if shouting doesn’t stop them. They’ll probably be so confused that they’ll stop fighting. You can also try using a hose to spray them with water. The longer you spray, the more likely it is that the fight will end. Be ready to grab her as soon as the fight breaks up.

3. Spray the dogs with a solution they hate. Most dogs detest lemon juice that’s been diluted with water, and spraying them might be enough to stop the fight. Commercially-available citronella sprays work the same way.

4. As a last resort, grab the back legs of one of them and try to drag her away from the other dog. Dragging her away in an arc will make it more difficult for her to turn and bite you.

Remember, no matter how you end the fight, you need to remove your dog from the area as quickly as possible.