There are several reasons why dogs behave more aggressively than others. Unfortunately dog aggression towards other dogs is quite common. There could be a dominant issue between you and your pet. Something may have happened to your dog when he or she was a pup. There may have been an attack from another dog. The reasons are somewhat endless and in most cases you will never know what that was. It is however in your best interests to correct the problem before it does become much worse or even fatal.
At the age of six weeks a puppy can quite quickly develop dog aggression towards other dogs. This age is of course very important because this is when it is best to undergo professional dog training. This is also the best age to socialize your puppy with other dogs. In fact the perfect time to socialize your puppy is between the age of 6-14 weeks. In most cases you can extend this period if you wish. This tends to be the case with owners who purchase an older dog.
Tips To Decrease Dog Aggression towards Other Dogs
Make sure your puppy is between 8 – 10 weeks of age upon purchase. It is very important that your puppy has spent adequate time with their mother not to mention the rest of the litter. At this time it is also advisable that you do not use harsh discipline techniques. If your punishment methods are too severe you may create aggressive behavior in your dog over time.
Before the age of 14 weeks make sure your dog has been to a dog training school. This ensures that your puppy has gained social skills with other dogs. This way it will also be a lot less stressful when you are walking or exercising your dog.
Bear in mind that particular breeds show dog aggression towards other dogs more so than others. Some breeds are going to be more aggressive than others and in some ways you are best to avoid these breeds. Dogs that have not been spayed are more likely to be aggressive than others. upon purchase of your puppy make sure he or she has been neutered.
Make sure your dog has healthy living conditions. This will include clean bedding and the possibility social activities with you and others. Regularly cleaned feeding areas as well as bowls. Aggressive tendencies such as biting can be a form of dominance over time. It is vital that you maintain full dominance throughout your dog or puppy’s life, especially through adolescence. Dog aggression towards other dogs can start so early in life that many owners do not realize this very important fact
An important note to mention is that after the age of 14 months if your dog still demonstrates aggressive behavior you need to find professional help as soon as possible. At this age a dog has reached its sexual maturity and in any case aggression should have stopped. There are many good books online about this as well as local dog training schools to advise owners of additional training methods that can and may help your dog aggression towards other dogs become a thing of the past.
