Dogs have unique personalities and their moods vary ranging from joyful, playful to scared and aggressive. As a dog owner, you will always wish and work towards having a well-trained dog. However, often and when least expected, your dog may display risk-seeking behaviors. Even though aggression is not a welcomed behavior, it is common and quite dangerous. While you may want to use the best retractable dog leash for large dogs to train your dog, there are other important tips to employ. These tips will help you to manage the dog and to enhance its safety as well as that of your family members and friends.
To employ the best measures to prevent risk behaviors, you need to know the signs and symptoms that dog’s exhibit. This can be a one time or a sequence of increasingly intense risk-seeking behaviors. Your dog may;
Become rigid and still.
Bark uncontrollably.
Charge towards you, a friend or any person around.
Mouthing and muzzle punching.
Showing teeth and growling.
Snarling and snapping.
Quick nips and bites that may cause a bruise.
Bites leading to wounds.
Shaking.
There are also different types of risk-seeking behaviors that you need to understand. They include: territorial, protective, possession, fear, defensive, social, frustration elicited, redirected, pain elicited, sex-related and predatory risk-seeking behaviors or aggression. Therefore, you need to carefully analyze the reasons behind a certain aggressive behavior in your dog to prevent and manage it efficiently.
Work with your vet
A dog can display a risk-seeking behavior due to an underlying medical condition. Painful conditions such as thyroid abnormality, canine aggression, and orthopedic issues can lead to irritability and aggression in dogs.
Dogs under medication can also be aggressive and susceptible to different situations. Therefore, it is vital to have a pet to examine the dog, and if a medical problem is identified, the dog should get treatment immediately. This gives the dog a better chance to recover and improve its behavior.
Professional behavior expert
It is equally important to seek the help of a professional behavior expert. Risk seeking behaviors are dangerous and can lead to detrimental effects. Think of it, even the best behavior experts get bitten time and again. This means leaving an untreated dog poses a serious risk to you and your loved ones.
A professional will evaluate the dog’s behavior to determine whether it is a defensive behavior or fear driven. The professional will also monitor the dog over a period of time and recommend the most ideal behavior modification plan that matches the needs of your dog.
A professional dog behaviorist will help you to understand the best ways to calm your dog, help it to relax, and stay safe around other dogs and people. This is why it is always important that you seek professional help at the first sign of a risk-seeking behavior.
Create a safe environment
Safety is paramount as you try to prevent and manage aggression in dogs. If the dog is aggressive towards children, strangers or other dogs, it is wise to keep it muzzled outdoors but in a comfortable and safe place.
Use the best retractable dog leash whenever you take your dog out in public or for a walk. This is because the dog can get frustrated, and try to run away. Your safety and that of the people around you as well as that of the dog is paramount. Exercise, play and walk the dog in a secure place such as the garden area with little or no interference from strangers. This is because, in such an environment, it is easy to calm and bond with the dog until the desired behavior is achieved.
Secure the dog
If the behavior of your dog is defensive, as a result of fear or due to an underlying medical condition, it is important to secure the dog. This can be in a kennel, a safe room or in the garden where the dog can relax and enjoy a quiet environment. Feed and play soothing music or provide toys that can distract the dog and keep it calm.
Choose a companion wisely for your dog
When choosing a companion for your dog, consider its breed and gender. Have a male and a female dog of different breeds to prevent aggression.
With these tips, the most important advice is that you seek professional help at the first sign of risk-seeking behavior. This will help you to treat and prevent safety and health risks for you, your family and your dog.
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