Dog Parks -Good or Bad?

Dog parks have become very popular with many people in the last few years. They’re a place where both dogs and their owners can go to socialize. But are they good or bad? They have both supporters and detractors.

On the plus side, dog parks provide an outlet for many dogs to burn off energy that might otherwise be spent in destructive behavior at home. When we advise people to make sure their dogs get plenty of exercise very often one of the places dogs get that exercise is at a dog park. They can run and play with other dogs. Dogs are usually separated to some extent by size. Some parks may only allow spayed and neutered dogs to play which reduces any problems with fighting for reproductive reasons. And dog parks allow dog owners to meet each other and discuss concerns about their dogs and other things. Dog parks have many positive aspects.

On the other side, there can be fights among dogs at dog parks, despite efforts to ensure only dogs with good manners come to parks. Any dog can play too rough or get into a fight under the right (or wrong) conditions. There can be injuries. Although many parks require dogs to show some proof of vaccination before allowing dogs to enter, dogs can still pass on illnesses to each other. Some people feel that dog parks are discriminatory, such as those that summarily exclude dogs of specific breeds when dogs have shown no sign of aggression. Other people feel that it’s unfair to deny park privileges to intact dogs, especially when female dogs are not in season.

Many people feel that there is too little supervision at dog parks which increases the likelihood of dogs getting hurt, either through rough play or by becoming involved in fights. Some owners do not watch their dogs very carefully or they allow small dogs to pick fights with large dogs, or large dogs to run over small dogs.

For these reasons it’s hard to say whether dog parks are good or bad. It is, however, important to consider all of these things when you are thinking of taking your own dog to a dog park. Is your dog friendly with other dogs? Is your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations? Does he have any kind of lingering virus that he might pass on to other dogs? Is he very small or very large or likely to be injured during play? Will he come to you when you call if there is any kind of trouble in the dog park? Will you be able to watch your dog carefully if you take him to the dog park?

Consider all of these questions before deciding if you want to take your dog to the dog park. Dog parks can be lots of fun for dogs but it’s up to you to look out for your dog and keep him safe wherever you take him, even when it’s supposed to be someplace fun.

Dog Crate Training

It will be an excellent use of your time to learn about dog crate training. Many dogs enjoy having a safe, secure place in the house so they can retreat when things get hectic. Crates are necessary if you ever intend to travel with your dog. Airlines demand them and even if you’re merely traveling by car, your dog will be much safer if he is secured in a crate. Crates can even be very helpful in house training a dog as well.

When you take on dog crate training you can start when he is a puppy, but even if you are crate training an adult dog, the process is the same and it’s not difficult.

You should begin by choosing an appropriate crate. Some people prefer wire crates which allows a dog to see everything that’s going on outside the crate. Other people prefer the closed-kennel model used for airline travel. These airline-style crates are preferred for traveling since they are hard plastic and offer more protection. Different dogs may like different crates, but many dogs like the closed-kennel type crate because it provides a den-like atmosphere. The dog can “hide” in the crate, which some dogs like to do.

As for size, you should get a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up in and lie down in. There are usually guidelines on the crate boxes that suggest crate sizes for breeds. You shouldn’t get a crate that is too small OR too large for your dog. They don’t enjoy being in a crate that is too big since it takes away the sense of security the crate gives them. Crates that are excessively large are also a hazard when your dog travels since he can be tossed around in it. The crate should be big enough and no more. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for your pet’s size and you should be all right.

Once you have your crate you should bring it home and set it up in your house. Keep the door open and let your dog explore it all he wants. You can even put some treats in the crate. Make it inviting for him. You can leave the crate out for a couple of days until he gets used to it. He may go inside on his own and try it out.

If your dog typically sleeps in the house (or in your bed)  you may wish to set the crate up in your bedroom, next to your bed. Or you can put the crate anywhere where your dog will be able to see you.

You can also place your dog’s food in the crate. Allow him to begin associating good things with the crate.

Eventually you can close the door behind your dog when he goes into the crate, but only for a few minutes while you are within sight. Praise him and give him lots of treats when you let him out. You can gradually lengthen his stay in the crate. If the crate is next to your bed you can let him stay there in the crate for a short time while you are on the bed.

You can work on letting him stay in the crate while you go outside for a few minutes. Remember to praise your dog and reward him when you come back and let him out.

Gradually you can leave the house for a short trip and come back to see how he did. Your dog should be well on his way by now.

Just remember the basis for dog crate training is to proceed in a step-by-step fashion. Take things slowly and remember to praise your dog all along the way. The crate is a good place. It’s not a place of punishment and you shouldn’t leave your dog there unattended for an extended length of time. Dogs enjoy their crates but they shouldn’t be misused.

In all good conscious I had to tell you about this extraordinary guide called Dog Food Secrets by Andrew Lewis. After all having a healthy, happy dog has everything to do with proper nutrition and health care and goes right in line with excellent training. I highly recommend that you check out the review below.

Dog Food Secrets Review

Average User Rating:

After having a very scary experience with my own dog and spending a ton of money to have the vet tell me she thought it might be pancreatitus, I realized that I had to educate myself more on the dog foods that are on the market and figure out what I might be doing wrong when feeding my dog. Let me ask you a question, if I told you that for just pennies a day and some knowledge you could literally add 8 more years onto your dogs life and improve the quality of their health right now…. Would you educate yourself and learn how????!!!!

Of course you would. That is what Dog Food Secrets is all about. This book is literally a survival guide to a healthier, happier dog that lives up to 8.3 years longer than dogs whose owners feed their dogs commercial dog food. It is packed with home-made recipes that are specifically well-balanced and calorie controlled. It teaches you how to read commercial dog food labels so you will never again be fooled or be in the dark about some of the putrid ingredients that go into commercial dog food that we are all completely unaware of , but that will seriously compromise your dog’s health.

And this is not just about dog food but about your overall dog’s health. The circle of dog care as Andrew Lewis , the author, puts it. Discover the 2 step process for preventing and treating heart worm. Understand the 2 yearly tests your dog must have to detect the 4 different intestinal worms (and other Parasites) that may infect him. Learn about why 70% of dogs have preventable gum disease by age 4! As bonuses you also get a 23 Doggy Treats Recipe Book and more. There is also a check sheet of the top 10 ultra-healthy, all natural commercial dog foods in all of North America if you do not have the time to cook your dog food from scratch.

If you think 1 cent per day is a worthwhile investment in your dog’s life then:

Click here to check out Dog Food Secrets now!

Dog Digging Under The Fence

Dog digging can be a problem at any time but it’s especially challenging when your dog is digging under the fence. A dog digging under the fence is hard to stop. Many breeds, such as terriers, were bred to dig. And all dogs have an instinct to dig. Primitive breeds, in particular, love to dig. Yet if you don’t find a way to stop your dog digging under fences he can escape and be lost, injured or killed. So, what can you do to prevent your dog from digging under your fence?

One solution is to fill in the places where your dog digs along the fence with rocks or gravel. Most dogs won’t enjoy digging in such hard substances. Some people recommend filling in the holes your dog has dug with his own poop. Most dogs don’t like to touch or smell their own feces and will avoid holes filled in with it. You can also try sprinkling something unpleasant in the filled in holes, such as cayenne pepper.

Another solution is to fill in the holes along the fence line and cover the base of the fence with chicken wire. The wire holes in chicken wire are spaced rather close together and they are a little rough to the touch. Many dogs don’t like the feel of the wire on their paws when they try to dig against it. This may stop the digging.

Another way to stop your dog digging under the fence is to dig a trench along your fence line and pour concrete in it. The concrete will need to be poured several inches deep or else your dog will be able to dig under it.

As a last resort you can have your fence extended into the ground and buried another foot or so deep. That should stop the most determined diggers.

In extreme cases you may consider setting up an electric fence inside your normal fence. An electric wire does not carry a high voltage and only one strand of the wire is needed near the bottom of your fence to keep your dog away from the areas where he digs. An electric fence is probably not anyone’s first choice of containment for a dog but if the alternative is the dog escaping and being lost, injured or killed, it may be necessary in some cases.

If your dog doesn’t require such extremes you could set up sprinklers to spray him when he digs at the fence. Some people use proximity collars which spray the dog with citronella when he approaches the fence. The dog wears a collar at all times but it is only triggered when he gets too close to the fence. The citronella is harmless but unpleasant when sprayed in the dog’s face. Most dogs respond by staying away from the fence (or whatever they are being trained to avoid), but there may be some dogs who persist.

A dog digging under the fence can be a serious problem because an escape puts him at risk. Dogs dig for the fun of it, or because they’re bored, or out of instinct. You can help the problem by making sure your dog has lots of toys and safe things to chew on, especially when he’s in the yard. Be sure your dog is getting lots of exercise. These things will help reduce his boredom and give him healthier outlets for his energy than digging.

Dog Chewing Problems

Dog chewing problems can drive owners to distraction. In many cases these chewing problems begin when a dog is a puppy. The puppy may never learn that there is a difference between appropriate and inappropriate things for chewing. Puppies explore the world with their mouth and with their teeth. For some puppies they don’t know when to stop. Other puppies (and later dogs) may even continue to chew things to seek attention. They can chew out of boredom or frustration. This can all be a real headache.

There are things you can do to help solve these problems. Using positive reinforcement with puppies, you can teach the puppy not to chew. If you have a puppy who tries to chew on something he shouldn’t, such as woodwork, or even on a shoe, be prepared for his behavior. When he starts to chew use a can or some kind of shaker with pennies in it to startle the puppy into stopping. When he stops say, “No Chew!” and praise him. Give him a treat. He won’t know what the praise and treat are for at first. Let him do it all again, repeating the shaker noise when he starts to chew to startle him into stopping. Again say, “No Chew!” and praise him. Give him a treat. You are teaching him that it’s good to not chew. That’s why he is being rewarded. If you continue this game a few times your puppy will catch on that this is the desired behavior. Eventually you will be able to transfer the “No Chew!” command to other things in the house and your puppy will understand the meaning.

With this lesson notice that you haven’t had to resort to punishing the puppy for doing something. Instead you are rewarding him for his positive behavior. That’s a much better lesson for your puppy to absorb. This lesson will also work with an adult dog.

You can help your puppy avoid dog chewing problems as an adult dog by keeping temptation out of his reach, too. Owners and their family members should try to keep tempting items, such as shoes, remotes, cellphones and other things in places where puppies can’t reach them. It may take some time before your puppy proves that he is reliably to be trusted around such items.

It also helps puppies and dogs that are new to a household stay out of trouble if you provide them with plenty of their own toys and safe things to chew on. It’s much better for them to play with their own things than with yours.

Dog chewing problems can also be minimized if you spend lots of time playing with your puppy or dog. Play and making sure that your puppy or dog is getting plenty of exercise will make your puppy or dog feel more like napping when you’re out of the house, and sleeping dogs are less likely to get into trouble.

Don’t forget that puppies will also go through a stage when they are cutting their permanent teeth between the ages of three and six months old (usually around four months). At this time, like babies, they want things to chew on, so make sure you provide them with lots of their own things that are acceptable for chewing.

Most dog owners have lost some prized possessions because of dog chewing problems. It can be a big problem. Fortunately, there are ways to it and even to prevent them from developing the behavior in the first place.

Dog Behavior Problems

Does your dog bark too much? Does he jump on people when he first meets them? Does he have occasional accidents in the house, pull your back out when you walk him on a leash, or chew your favorite shoes when you are not at home?
Sometimes your dog will do all of the above or just one of the above and then behave like a pretty good dog the rest of the time. The question is , are these dog behavior problems or is he just being a dog?

The reason why this question needs to be asked is because your dog can display these irritating habits and they aren’t necessarily “behavior” problems. Some of these will require some time and effort with training and other habits will be solved with very little training on your part. No matter what the magnitude of the situation is, it all starts with him understanding that you are the leader of the pack. You are the boss. Dogs are born into the world as pack animals and thus have an expectation that someone is in charge of the pack.

By teaching your dog basic obedience commands at the start, it establishes a line of communication with your dog. The relationship begins to be established and when he starts behaving in a way that is undesirable he already has a base-line for what is expected of him. When the behavior that he is displaying is not desirable, you can isolate it and communicate what you want from him based on the relationship that you have established.

Most dog behavior problems are not behavior problems at all, but relationship problems. They are the result of insufficient training at the outset and insufficient time spent with your dog.

Most of the dog behavior problems out there can be narrowed down to a combination of things:

• Your dog is bored or frustrated due to lack of exercise
• Your dog is mentally stagnated because he is not stimulated nor does he spend enough time with you
• Your dog is lonely and spends too much time by himself without enough human companionship
• Your dog has bad nutrition and health-related problems

There are solutions for some of these all too common problems.

Exercise

There is a common dog law:  “A tired dog is a happy dog”.

Dogs that get sufficient exercise and can expend their energy through running, playing with other dogs, training, and or doing agility or gaming , rarely display bad behavior. It’s simple, if a dog doesn’t get sufficient exercise then he will redirect that energy into behaviors that are less desirable.

Dogs even engage in behavior that is completely instinctual. Like digging for instance. I own a terrier for example, the word terrier comes from an ancient word “terra” meaning dirt, soil. Give you any clues? This dog was bred to dig in the ground. So when you go outside in your garden and the petunia bed is in shambles and your dog is happily wagging his tail and obviously proud of himself that he prevented the ground rodent that he smelled from getting into your petunias, how mad can you get?  So he is obviously not bored or crazy. Give him an outlet. Give him and area in the yard where he allowed to dig. Teach him it is okay to dig there. Or take him out and exercise him everyday.

Rather than trying to correct the behavior itself, the easier way is to address the need that brought about the behavior in the first place. The lack of adequate exercise is probably the predominant cause for bad behavior problems.

Companionship for Your Dog

Your dog needs not only your companionship, but the companionship of other dogs as much as possible. Dogs that are left alone will display unruly behavior more so than a dog that spends a lot of time with his owner or with another dog or dogs in the household. Dogs that spend a lot of time by themselves are more prone to run away, have food obsession issues, and be possessive about toys.

Socialization is a key element in your dog’s development and they are by instinct pack animals. Some solutions are to bring your dog to doggie daycare if you are going to be at work all day. There are so many of these available now all around the country, it is just a matter of finding the right one for your dog. He can meet other dogs there and engage in normal dog play and behavior instead of being stuck in the house all day by himself. You can join clubs where your dog can engage in club activities. There are now numerous dog parks available in urban areas where you can take your dog to get some much needed exercise and there he can meet other dogs and socialize.

Good Health For your Dog

Being aware of your dog’s overall health is paramount in knowing whether some of your dog’s behaviors are involuntary due to discomfort. If your dog is not feeling well he can become more timid or more aggressive.
If he goes the bathroom in the house, he may have eaten something bad. He may growl or snap because he has a muscular condition that makes him sore all the time. Discipline or training are not going to be the solution for this.

This requires an awareness of your dog’s body language and overall disposition. If there is a change, whether it be gradual or sudden, it should be cause for a look at your dog from a health stand-point instead of a behavior stand-point. A trip to your veterinarian for a check-up and a look at your dog’s eating habits should be the first step. It may be related to your dog’s breeding, nutrition, or overvaccination, or exposure to something in the outdoors. But it could be threatening to your dog and have nothing to do with behavior.

Good Nutrition for your Dog

If you yourself are a poor-eater, then chances are your dog is a poor-eater as well. Your are what you eat applies to dogs as well as it applies to people. When your dog is getting the proper nutrition, it will have a profound effect on his health , well-being, and behavior. There are a lot of dog foods out there on the market and it can be difficult to figure out what is best to feed your dog.

Here are a few ways to go about it:

• Stay away from foods that have corn , wheat, animal “by-products”, and for some dogs grain will be an issue.
• You can use a combination of a high-quality kibble mixed with raw foods.
• You can buy a dehydrated version of a natural dog food and add some meat to it.
• You can make your own dog food.

This will all depend on your commitment to your dog’s health, time, and your level of knowledge.

Mental Stimulation for your Dog

Your dog needs mental stimulation just as we humans do. Consistent training will provide mental stimulation for your dog. It does not need to be boring or super regulated. Always make it fun with a great reward at the end. Once the basics are mastered, teach your dog some tricks. This will keep his mind active and challenge him. When I have taken my dogs hiking, I have them carry a backpack. This gives them a sense of responsibility and a job. And I don’t have to carry their food or water!

Bad Behavior is in the Eye of the Beholder

There are different levels of dog behavior problems. More often than not, an owner will let some behavior slide but if their friends or others were to experience their dog, the behavior would be very disagreeable.
When you visit your friends and their untrained dogs jump all over you… Are you critical? Judgmental? Is it annoying when they scratch you? Your dog does not come when he is called. Which is not just annoying but dangerous to your dog’s life. He doesn’t just get on the furniture but he chews it all up when you are not around.

Dog lovers understand dogs and know that most behaviors can be changed with a little good training. Ten minutes a day, so many days a week. It is a small investment for the great dog you can have as a result. When you have a trained dog you have a dog that can integrate into society and bring places and who is happy and balanced.

You have some choices in all of this:

• You can tolerate the behavior
• You can train your dog in an effort to change the behavior
• You can find a new home for your dog
• You can take your dog for a one-way trip to the shelter or veterinarian.

The only dog behavior problems that you shouldn’t tolerate are those that endanger your safety or the safety of others, such as biting people or aggression. For most people, dog ownership is a compromise between tolerating and working with their dog. Some behaviors are objectionable but we can’t do anything about them. As long as the happiness of owning your dog outweighs the headaches, you can usually put up with dog behavior problems.

Dog Barking Collar

If your dog is a nuisance barker — a dog that has a chronic barking problem — he may drive not only you crazy but also your neighbors. He may bark at a falling leaf or something you can’t see. He may bark at sounds you can’t hear. You may not be able to find what triggers the barking. In cases like these you may need to consider a dog barking collar to solve the problem.

A dog barking collar is a collar that your dog wears at all times. The collar is powered by batteries. When your dog barks the collar emits a deterrent to stop his barking. The deterrent may be an electric shock or you may choose a collar that sprays your dog with lemon-scented spray or citronella, which the dog finds objectionable. The better collars are made so that they are triggered by the movement of your dog’s vocal chords and not by other sounds. Otherwise barking from another dog could trigger the collar.

You should make sure that a dog barking collar fits your dog properly. If not, the collar may not work effectively. You may not be able to use the collar while your dog is wearing another collar since the other collar may interfere with the one around your dog’s neck. It’s also not a good idea to attach a leash to the  barking collar since they are not made to hold up to a dog straining on them. Most dog barking collars are also waterproof so your dog can play in the water and get wet while wearing them.

If you choose to use a dog barking collar that emits an electric shock you should only use the lowest setting. See how your dog responds to the low setting. Many times being startled by the shock will make your dog stop barking and he will get the message after a couple of attempts that he’s not supposed to bark. You can increase the setting if necessary.

If you choose to use the lemon-scented spray or the citronella spray as a deterrent, these are considered harmless to dogs but they will be very unpleasant. They are sprayed in your dog’s face when he barks. Some dogs will continue to bark even though they are sprayed.

Keep in mind that there are times when you want your dog to bark. Dogs give us warnings that we need sometimes. You should consider if your dog’s barking is a serious enough problem for this solution. On the other hand, for chronic barkers, there are situations where their barking is creating such a problem between the owner and neighbors that the owner may be faced with getting rid of the dog or having him wear a dog barking collar.

Crate Training a New Puppy

There are many good reasons to crate train a new puppy.  A crate can provide a safe and secure place in your home for your new puppy.  Many people leave the door to a crate open at all times so their dog can go in and out at will.  Lots of dogs like sleeping in crates with a comfortable blanket or pad and a favorite toy.  Crates can simulate a den-like atmosphere — warm, dark and cozy.  Many dogs derive comfort from sleeping in a crate.

Crate training a new puppy can also help in house training. Dogs will not usually soil their sleeping area so using a crate to confine your puppy for short periods of time will encourage him not to go to the bathroom inside, but instead to go when you take him outside.

Crates are also an absolute necessity if you ever plan to travel by air with your dog.  They’re also recommended for traveling in cars, trucks and vans.  A dog traveling in a crate is far more protected if you should have an accident than one who is riding loose in a vehicle.  In fact, loose dogs can cause accidents.

Crate training a new puppy isn’t difficult.  You should begin by placing the crate where it will be noticed.  You can put a pad or blanket inside along with some toys and safe things to chew on.  Your puppy will probably be curious about it.  Let him nose around it and examine it all he wants.  You can leave it sitting out for him so he can get used to it and see that there is nothing scary about it.  If he wants to go in and out of it that’s great.  Some puppies will curl up inside.  Let them.  You can give them treats or place treats inside the crate so they associate it with good things.

Once your puppy has gotten used to the crate itself you can offer your puppy a bowl of food in the crate one day.  Leave the door open.  You can do this for a couple of days.  If your puppy handles this well you can close the door for short periods of time.

Gradually you will close the door while your puppy is in the crate, staying in the room with him.  He may bark and protest, but if he has toys and safe things to chew on, he will relax.  You can let him out after a few minutes and give him a nice reward.

Eventually you can progress to leaving your puppy crated, with the door closed, while you leave the house for a little while.  Make sure you praise your puppy and reward him when you return.

Keep in mind that your new puppy is a youngster and he can’t go too long in a crate without needing to go to the bathroom.  Consider his needs and don’t leave him crated for more time than he can tolerate.  A good rule of thumb is one hour for every month of age, give or take an hour.

Crates are not meant to be places where dogs are out of sight, out of mind.  They are safe places for dogs where they can relax.  Crate training a new puppy is not hard to do and it is something that will be useful for your puppy to learn for many reasons.  Follow the tips above and you and your new puppy shouldn’t have any problems.

Biting Puppies

Puppies who bite are cute at first. They are wonderful when you first bring them  home. All is going well. They can become the stars of their  puppy kindergarten class. They can doing great with their housebreaking. There’s just one problem. Some puppies just won’t stop biting! What do you do?

Biting puppies have sharp little teeth. In nature they don’t have many ways to defend themselves at this age so their little teeth are very sharp. Their sharp little teeth also tell their mothers that it’s time to stop nursing because they can eat real food. Hopefully not your hand.

Puppies play bite with their brothers and sisters because they are preparing to be grown up dogs who might have to defend themselves. They are getting ready to be predators, if they were still wolf-like animals. However, biting puppies can become a problem when they are brought home and continue to treat you like their litter mates.

A puppy’s mother and litter mates would eventually teach the other puppies “bite inhibition.” This means, basically, that they would put them in their place. They would teach them  when they could and couldn’t bite somebody, and how much force to use. You’ll notice that when dogs play and wrestle that nobody gets hurt. Dogs have to learn how to play that way. When puppies are taken into a  home by their new owner, it becomes the new owner’s  job to teach him the rules. They have to finish teaching him “bite inhibition” so he won’t continue to bite you or play too rough.

So as you see biting puppies are truly treating you like you’re a littermate.  They are  biting you and rough housing with you the same way they would with one of their brothers or sisters. What a compliment! But, it produces problems in a relationship. As puppies get older they will bite harder and their play can become dangerous. For these reasons, and for the simple fact that biting puppies hurt, they have to be taught not to bite.

The most effective way to handle  biting puppies is to cease all play with them when they  bite. If on the floor together, get up and leave. Ignore them for at least five minutes. Every time puppies bite someone’s  hand (or anything else) , all activity should be stopped with them completely. A “no” sound can be added when they bite as well. Some people growl. The activity should be stopped and the puppies should be ignored  for a few minutes.

Puppies want attention and they want to please. They may not understand what they did wrong. But they have been effectively called out when the behavior became too rough. Play can resumed  a few minutes later, but if the puppy biting starts again, stop it immediately. They will learn what they are doing wrong. This is the same thing that other  puppies or their mother would do. They will not play with puppies that are too rough. They get up and leave, just as was mentioned here.  If  playtime with the  puppies is stopped this way a few times over a couple of days they should stop the play biting behavior.

This is a good way to handle  biting puppies who are play biting. For adult dogs who are biting you may need to do other things to deal with that problem, including working with a professional trainer. But biting puppies are a common problem. Most puppies will play bite. It’s fun for them and they don’t know all the rules yet. For a puppy, play biting with people is merely an extension of playing and biting with their litter mates. It’s not hard to teach them not to bite and the lesson should stick. It doesn’t mean they will grow up to bite people as adult dogs. You just need to stop the behavior when they are young puppies.

Aggressive dog behavior in a pet is a serious problem. Fortunately, dogs are not born aggressive. There are many steps on the way before a dog becomes aggressive, so there are many opportunities to mold a puppy’s personality and to deal with any potential problems.

There are also lots of signs when there is a developing problem, so you should be able to see if you have a problem in the making and take appropriate action. Aggressive dog behavior can stem from abuse and/or a lack of proper socialization as a puppy. That’s why a good early start in life is so important.

Ideally, you should look for a puppy that has had good early experiences with humans and who has already received some socialization. Although adopting abused and neglected puppies and dogs is popular for many reasons, owners should be aware that these puppies and dogs may need special treatment and training as they grow up to overcome possible problems stemming from their early life. If they don’t receive the proper training and socialization as they mature, they can develop behavioral problems, including aggression.

It’s a myth that aggression is confined to Bully breeds or breeds used for police work. There’s a big difference between dogs bred for protection, which are kept under control, and aggressive dog, which is out of control. Tiny toy breeds can certainly become aggressive dogs, as well as other breeds. People don’t usually think of toy breeds and smaller dogs as being aggressive because of their size. When they bite they may not do as much damage as a larger dog. But any dog can develop problems with aggression, whether it’s a Chihuahua or the sweetest mixed breed.

Aggressive dog behavior may begin in your home with your dog growling at you when you take a toy from him, or if you take his food away. Many dogs guard resources from other dogs, but it is unacceptable for your dog to growl at you. Your dog may growl or snap if you try to make him move from the sofa. These are all signs that you may have the start of a problem. It’s a short step from these growls and snaps to your dog actually biting you or someone else. Your dog may begin to assert himself more and more in your home, trying to intimidate you and other family members. In situations like these, where your dog is showing dominance, your dog has taken over the home and put himself at the head of the family.

If you have reason to fear that your dog may bite you, you should contact a professional dog trainer to help you work on your dog’s problems.

There are other kinds of aggression. Some dogs may act aggressively out of fear, or a mother with pups may act aggressively toward people coming near them. Many dogs may act aggressively to protect their territory — if someone comes to the door or even steps on to the property most dogs will make a big, frightening display of barking. Some take things farther. A dog may act aggressively toward another dog in the household when he is actually upset with you.

Some kinds of aggression are quite understandable. Other kinds of aggression are less forgivable. The dog who bites the vet giving him a shot or the dog who attacks a child in the neighborhood are hardly acceptable. If your dog is displaying aggressive dog behavior, even the beginnings of it, it’s a good idea to consult a good dog trainer or a canine behavior therapist. The problem almost always escalates as the dog has more success in getting his way.

Sometimes there is a bad match between a dog’s personality and an owner’s. A dog may be too dominant for a particular owner, but he could be a great dog for someone else. Or, the dog may need a lot of re-training. Whatever the case, aggressive dog behavior should be taken seriously from the earliest signs in order to avoid later tragedies. Don’t kid yourself that your dog would never bite someone. All dogs can bite under the right — or wrong — circumstances.