Congratulations on your new furry friend! Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience that comes with a lot of responsibility. If you’ve adopted an aggressive dog, there are some special considerations you’ll need to consider to make sure they’re happy and healthy. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Get to know their triggers
Any dog can have aggression issues, but it’s essential to be extra careful with an adopted dog since you don’t know its history. Understanding their triggers and what sets them off is necessary to avoid accidents. If they’re afraid of men, introduce them to as many friendly men as possible, so they can get used to them. If they have a problem with other dogs, try walking them at times when there aren’t a lot of other dogs around. And if they have food aggression issues, never reach your hand into their food bowl while they’re eating. You can help your adopted dog overcome their aggression issues with patience and understanding.
Be consistent with training and commands
Dogs respond best to consistent training and commands. If you’re not consistent with your expectations, your dog will become confused, and their aggression may worsen. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page regarding commands and expectations, and be patient while your dog learns what is expected of them.
Avoid punitive measures
Punitive measures, such as scolding or hitting, will only aggravate your dog’s aggression and damage the trust between the two of you. If your dog does something you disapprove of, try to redirect their behavior instead of punishing them for it. For example, if they start to growl at another dog, distract them with a treat or toy so they focus on something positive instead.
Socialize them early and often
One of the most important things you can do when you have an aggressive adopted dog is to make them socialize early and frequently. This means introducing them to as many people, places, and experiences as possible. The goal is to help them learn that the world is a safe and friendly place. This can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that your dog is not born knowing how to interact with other dogs or people.
You can help your dog overcome their fears and build confidence with patience and consistent training. The key is to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the exposures. If you do this, you’ll give your dog a great chance to learn how to be a happy and well-adjusted family member.
Set clear rules and boundaries from the beginning
When you adopt a dog, it’s essential to set clear rules and boundaries from the beginning. This will help your new dog understand what is expected of them and establish a hierarchy within the family. If you have an adopted dog that is aggressive, it is even more crucial to be consistent with your commands and discipline. Establishing yourself as the alpha from the start will help to prevent behavioral issues down the road. Remember that every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and remain calm when training your new dog; you will eventually see results.
Employ the help of a dog board and train service
When you’ve done everything you can, but your adopted dog is still aggressive, it might be best to employ the help of a dog board and train service. This service provides a safe place for your dog to stay while they receive professional training. The staff at a board and train service will be able to work with your dog on its specific behavioral issues and can provide you with tips on how to best manage your dog’s aggression.
In addition, board and train services often provide additional amenities, such as daily walks and playtime, that can help to tire out your dog and reduce their aggression. A dog board and train service is worth the investment if it means being able to keep your aggressive adopted dog and provide them with the best possible care.
Adopting an aggressive dog can be a daunting task, but with patience and the right training methods, it is definitely possible to see results. Outlined in this blog post are the tips for caring for your newly-adopted aggressive dog. Get to know their triggers, be consistent with commands, avoid punitive measures, socialize them often, set clear rules and boundaries from the beginning, and employ the help of a professional trainer if needed. With time and effort, you can successfully manage your adopted dog’s aggression and create a loving home for them.