FROM AGGRO TO HERO

In this article we're going to walk through the 10 systematic steps to keeping your pooch from being aggressive with other dogs. It takes work in the short term, but man oh man, does it save you hassles in the long run. Being able to take your dog out to socialise, run, play, and burn off its excess energy without causing drama!!! WHAT A WIN!!! Right, let's begin.

1. Leadership and pack structure

As with any discipline, it all starts in the home. Long before you take your dog out for a walk or to engage with other doggos, the battle for harmony begins with you and your private little dog pack behind closed doors.

If your dog feels that they are the alpha in your pack, then they won’t listen to you when it matters most. Similarly, if you haven’t spent time creating a definitive pack structure where your pooch knows its place, it can feel unsafe and unsure of how to behave when the sh*t hits the fan, so to speak. When your dog encounters other dogs, they’re likely overreacting because they fear for their safety, the safety of their pack members, or feel the need to let the newcomer know that this is not their turf. So, if you instil in your dog a general sense of ease about its position in the pack, it will feel less obliged to take on the role of ‘over-protector’ when a 'threat' is present.

Also, lead by example, nervous energy is contagious. Nervous people often have nervous pets. It’s weird, but the whole “dogs look like their owners” thing might have a tiny bit of truth when it comes to dogs emulating their owners’ vibes. So, the calmer and more confident you are at home and when you’re walking your dog, the calmer and more confident your dog will be.

2. Stages and Phases

Training your dog, especially when dealing with something as emotionally charged as fighting or aggression, is like assembling IKEA furniture, it has stages, phases, and possibly some tears. You need to recognize which phase your dog is in and adjust your approach accordingly. Skipping ahead too soon is like trying to build that bookshelf without putting the screws in first. It's a necessary step, but too soon, and your books look ridiculous. 

That being said, dogs are basically people pleasers in fur coats, they can bounce back from almost anything as long as they think they're doing the right thing for you and its fam. Don’t stress too much about past misbehaviors. What makes them so darn lovable is their desire to make you happy. If you take the time to do the training, they'll get there. Don't be deterred if you need to stay at a certain stage for a little while to build up the base.

3. Anchor Attention-Grabbing Command Words

Attention-grabbing command words are like the magic words, they hold real power the doggo kind. Something like “here,” “wait,” or even just your dog’s name can do the trick. There are three key points to remember about these words. First, they teach your dog the fine art of listening, even when they’d rather be doing anything else. Second, they help your dog switch focus from whatever’s caught their eye (be it a squirrel, a fellow dog, or that suspicious-looking leaf) back to you. Third, they give your dog the comfort of knowing you’re in charge, which means they can be a little more friendly to would-be opponents.

Pro tip: A clicker is your magic wand. It reinforces those command words and helps keep the peace, so you don’t have to channel your inner drill sergeant. You know that one song that reminds you of your ex every time it plays. Like, every, single, time. Well, it's like that, except positive. 

4. Take Precautions

Only you know if your little warrior is ready to enter the battlefield of social interactions. If you think they might still be in “attack first, ask questions later” mode, consider getting them a muzzle or something similar. Trust me, the last thing you want is to find yourself in a real-life dog parent fight club, with you and another dog parent throwing down over whose fur baby drew blood. 

In the early stages, keep your dog on a leash, even if your ultimate goal is to let them run free and frolic with other dogs. It’s just good manners to ensure other dog owners don’t have to stress out over your dog’s behavior. And hey, you’ll know when it’s time to let them roam like the free spirit they are.

5. Control and Calmness

I know, I know... it sounds like a no-brainer, but body language is EVERYTHING. Studies have shown that a dog walked by a confident owner is like a Zen master, while the same dog with a nervous owner is more like a caffeine-fueled toddler. So, even if you’re not feeling it, fake it ‘til you make it, your dog will pick up on your vibe.

6. Layering Interactions

Similar to weight training where there is term called TUT (Time Under Tension), a school of thought where its not SO important how you structure your reps or the weight that you add on each time, but rather placing importance on the net result of how much time the muscle spends under tension that matters. So think about your dogs training in a similar fashion. Go through the exercise dozens of times, and let each repetition do its work. More often, more times, as many as you can. Every layer counts.

7. Engage, Disengage

Armed with your attention-commanding words, some treats, and your trusty clicker (or a gentle stick tap for the more dramatic types), it’s time to get to work. If you have dog-owning friends or neighbors, get them involved in your training sessions. It’s like having a spotter at the gym, they’re there to help, and their dog can act as a training buddy.

Start by bringing your dog close enough to another dog to get their attention. Depending on your dog’s comfort and aggression levels, you might need to start at a distance. Use your command words (and clicker or stick) to draw their focus back to you. When they succeed, calmly reward them with praise and a treat or two. Aim to keep their attention for 3-5 seconds, and don’t be surprised if you need to work up to it.

If your dog is too focused on the other dog, try making a sharp, jarring hiss sound while giving them a gentle nip on the ribs with your fingertips. A gentle tap on the flank with a stick and a well-timed sound will do the trick just as well if you're worried about getting your face too close while your dog is tense. The goal is to break their “tunnel vision” and bring their attention back to you.

Repeat this process often, remember to layer this experience over and over. It's such a powerful tool.

8. Stop, Start

When near another dog, keep your dog on their toes, literally. Walk in one direction, then suddenly change course. Just when your dog thinks they’ve figured you out, mix it up again. Go back and forth, left and right, round in circles, stop and start, like you’re playing a game of “Simon Says.” The goal is to keep your dog guessing, which keeps them focused on you. But remember, keep it calm and cool, you’re aiming for “mysterious leader,” not “chaotic whirlwind.” 

Think of this as an action version of "Engage, disengage". A kinetic focus game that has them feeling like that potential threat isn't actually as important as listening to the most important human in the whole world... you :)

9. Walking Parallel

There’s nothing like a little team spirit to bring out the best in everyone, even dogs. Walking in parallel with other dogs creates a sense of camaraderie, like you’re all on the same mission. If possible, position yourself between the dogs to create a physical and mental barrier. It’s like walking with a buddy, you’re in it together, even if the dogs aren’t quite sure what “it” is yet.

10. Monitor the Energy Levels

Dogs get aggressive when they’re stressed, simple as that. Stress can come from various sources, but it’s important to recognize when your dog is reaching their limit. Signs of stress include whining, panting, obsessive behavior, and more. If your dog is stressed, they’re not going to learn much, so it’s best to take a step back. Maybe start from a greater distance or revisit an earlier stage of training.

Sometimes, we avoid taking our dogs out because of their bad behavior, but then they get so wound up from being cooped in the house that when we finally do take them out, they’re like a kid on a sugar high. The trick is to take them out regularly but under control, so being outside doesn’t feel overwhelming. Layer the interactions and start small.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, make it fun for you too! If you dread these training sessions, you won’t stick to them. So, treat yourself after a successful session. Whether it’s a treat, a favorite activity, or just some well-deserved relaxation, make sure you end each session on a high note. After all, a happy owner means a happy dog!

At Hoddogs, we’re all about making life with dogs (especially in the city) as fun and stress-free as possible. Follow us for unique tools, tips, toys, and gear that’ll make your dog’s life better. Sending you and your fur babies lots of love!