Aggressive Dogs Bronx NY

With the exception of people purposely breeding for aggressive temperament (i.e., people who breed dogs to fight), a dangerous or aggressive dog is MADE not born. Although puppies, as they are maturing, can exhibit an aggressive behavior or two, it is the training (rather - the lack of it) that creates a dangerous dog. Without an owner taking the time and committing himself to properly training his dog, even the most well-meaning owner can end up with an uncontrollable pet.

Owners must take their puppies/dogs to an obedience class, not only for the obedience training but for the important socialization that a well-behaved puppy needs. Training through organized classes is the key to your pet becoming a well mannered and socialized member of society. The addition of reading a good obedience training book, or dog behavior book, and/or a private obedience instructor can also help with training your puppy or dog.

Here are a few tips to get your puppy off on the right foot until you can start an obedience class:

1.  Do not free feed your puppy. Your puppy should receive his meals at the same time every day. He should be allowed to eat for 15-20 minutes, regardless if he is done or not. The mere act of you putting down and picking up the food shows your puppy that you are the boss and therefore, are dominant to him. You should also have your puppy sit a few seconds before he is allowed to eat his food. Have your puppy sit, then give him a release word, "okay" or whatever word works for you. Having your puppy sit and wait also helps to establish that you are the boss.

2.  Since most of you will not be doing any police/attack training, NEVER play aggressive/violent tug-of-war games or "sic-em" games with your puppy

3.  Do not allow your puppy to nip at people's (especially children) heels or clothing. This behavior is characteristic in the herding breeds, but do not allow it. While it may be funny to see a 12 week old puppy chasing you or your children around the yard, remember that 10 pound puppy will soon be an 85 pound dog and then it won't be so funny when he runs down your kids. You are responsible for what manners you do and do not teach your puppy.

4.  Do not encourage or reinforce aggression in your puppy by petting or "comforting" him when is growling or snarling at a person (even strangers). Correct the dog with a firm "NO" and a sharp tug on his collar. Do NOT try to reassure or comfort him if he acts this way. To a puppy these types of sounds resemble littermates whining which to a canine means there is something to worry about. Do not reinforce bad behavior by coddling your puppy.

5.  It is never a good idea to allow your puppy to look down on you during in-home play. That reinforces unwanted and undesirable dominance behavior in your puppy. Do not let your puppy stand over you on the sofa or over your children when playing on the floor. To a canine the higher position he is in means that he is more alpha than you. Think of how wolves are with showing dominant and submissive behavior, they stand over or put their heads over the back of a submissive member of the pack. You want to make sure you are the alpha.

None of these tips are for the lifetime of your dog. These are tips to use during your puppy's first year or so, while he is maturing and becoming an adult. Once your puppy grows up and you have established that you are the boss (alpha), you and your dog will have a wonderful relationship and you should not have to worry about aggressive behavior.

For more information, please read "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" by The Monks of New Skete. You should also consult a professional trainer for assistance.

In our litigious society, many locales do not give a dog a "free" bite or second chance. One bite and the dog is put down. Lawmakers in Colorado and the rest of the country are seeking more restrictive and effective legal means to deal with the growing number of dog attacks. Denver already has a ban on "pit bull" dogs. Usually by the time the dog bites a stranger, usually he has already bitten someone in his own "family".

Dog attacks are tragedies and usually they are preventable. Just as human beings can be physically or emotionally scarred for life, the attacking dog is usually a victim of either owner abuse or inattention (not being shown the proper manners for living with people and proper socialization). Every day, thousands of dogs lose their lives because their owners were unwilling or unable to train them and insure that their dogs were happy, safe pets.

People in Denver (Colorado) and some other places have already lost the right to own the breed of their choice because of the irresponsible actions of a minority of owners (i.e., owners of dogs that they have trained to fight). How many more breeds are going to be outlawed because of a few irresponsible owners?