Being a Good Pet Owner – Aggressive Dogs

As many of you know, we work with lots of different types of dogs with many different behavioral issues. One of the most common issues we work with is dogs that have aggression whether it is towards people or other dogs. Part of dealing with a dog that has aggression is to be aware of the issue and to do everything you can to protect yourself and others. We always tell our clients that you cannot “fix” aggression, but you can work to control the impulses. But just like people, dogs are not always predictable and as dog owners we are not always as attentive or as quick as we want to be and that is why we must learn to be responsible with our aggressive dogs. In addition to training, it is important for pet owners that have aggressive dogs to protect themselves and others from harm. With this being said here are some important training tools you should have in your repertoire.

A basket muzzle

Everyone who has a dog that may be aggressive should own a well fitted muzzle. It is time to ignore what other people think about your dog wearing a muzzle and remember that it is much worse to deal with someone after they or their dog has been injured by your pet. The muzzle should be open enough that your pup can pant and have water and fitted perfectly to their face. Have your pup wear that muzzle and be proud that you are being a responsible pet owner.

A buckle collar or harness

Dogs that have aggression have a tendency to react faster than we can and we want to make sure that we have the right tools to keep others safe from harm. More times than not a dog or person will be harmed when a dog slips a collar. Remember to have a buckle collar or harness. Other collars will have the plastic snap mechanism that can break or a tightening device that can loosen up over time.

A buckle collar that is properly fitted should not be able to get past your pups ears and you want it tight enough to only get two fingers under the collar. If your pup has a tendency to slip a collar it may be better to buy a harness. A properly fitted harness makes sure that there is no way that your pup can just pop out and get away from you, and the harness should be a snug fit around your pups torso.

Suggested Products

Muzzle – http://www.petco.com/product/119470/The-Company-of-Animals-Baskerville-Ultra-Muzzle-for-Dogs.aspx

Collar – http://www.petco.com/product/111915/Petco-Comfort-Black-Collar-for-Dogs.aspx

Harness – http://www.ruffwear.com/Web-Master-Harness_2?sc=2&category=1131

It is much easier to have these tools and add them to your routine then to wait until after it is already too late. We can’t control other people and their dogs, but we can do our best as dog owners to keep ourselves and our pet out of trouble and by adding these two items we are being responsible dog owners and doing our part to keep everyone safe.