How To Calm An Aggressive Dog – The Quick & Easy Way

If you want to learn ‘how to stop your dog being aggressive’ then I hear you. As do the thousands of other owners facing the exact same problem. 

Dogs might become aggressive for different reasons, but all those reasons have one thing in common – they’re dangerous. Not to mention embarrassing.

Even if the behavior is infrequent and mild, no one wants to be on the receiving end of an overly aggressive dog. And if that behavior isn’t so friendly… well, no one wants to be that person either.

Now for the good news. If your dog’s aggressive behavior has started to become just a little bit unpredictable, it can often be managed effectively before it escalates into anything more serious. 

The trick, as is with most things aggression related comes down to: 

a) establishing the root cause, 

b) early intervention, and 

c) consistency

But here’s the problem…

Hiring a trainer to help you deal with aggressive dog behavior can be very expensive, and to be honest, you don’t really need to.

I’ll explain how in a minute. First, let me talk about WHY your dog seems so aggressive…

Why Is My Dog So Aggressive?

See, the reason you are having so much difficulty with dog aggression is that you’ve been training them the outdated way.

It’s not your fault though. The fault really lies with all the bad dog training information that’s out there on the Internet and elsewhere.

Most people start training their dogs using verbal cues or commands like SIT, STAY, etc. Because that’s what they have been taught to do by numerous books on dog training and by all the videos they’ve seen on the Internet.

Here’s the problem – that’s exactly how NOT to train a dog!

Why?

Because the science of animal behavior says that starting your training using verbal cues sets your dog up for failure.

Dogs that are trained only using verbal cues never get trained properly. Or at least, the training doesn’t last long.

So what’s the best way to train a dog?

The science is very clear on this – dogs are best trained by using body language. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should never use verbal cues. What it means is that you should always START your dog’s training using body language. Later on, you can bring in a verbal cue to reinforce your dog’s training.

Let me give you an example of how this works…

One of the biggest mistakes most dog owners make is that they don’t give their dogs work to do.

And this is one of the many reasons that certain dogs (ie. service dogs) are so well-behaved.

Now, by “job” or “work”, I don’t mean that a service dog is always doing something physical in nature.

Instead, what I mean is that when you give a service dog the hand signal for the DOWN cue for instance, here’s how the service dog would have been trained to think:

“My owner has now given me the job of lying down. So I will remain lying down here in this exact spot until my owner tells me to do something else because the job that my owner wants me to do for her now is to lie down.”

So unlike most “normal” dogs who think of DOWN as just a trick that they have to perform for a few seconds after which they can do whatever they feel like, service dogs think of DOWN as a serious job that they have to do with commitment, dedication, and purpose until they get their next job from their owner.

As you can imagine, it’s a dramatically different mindset!

And this mindset is the reason service dogs are so well-behaved, and so many “normal” dogs (even if they know cues like DOWN or SIT) are not.

The good news is that you can train your dog to have the same mindset as a service dog as well.

And the best part is it’s not even that hard to accomplish.

That’s why instead of leaving you with this one quick tip and leaving you to figure out the rest. I want to give you something actionable that you can use RIGHT NOW to transform your dog’s behavior.

So with this in mind, I’d highly recommend taking a few minutes to check out the K9 Training Institute.

The K9 Training Institute runs a free online dog training workshop that goes into extensive detail on the best practices and techniques to stop unwanted behaviors like aggression.

It’s designed to help “normal” dogs like yours develop the same level of calmness, obedience, and impulse control as service dogs.

It’s presented by Dr. Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”).

The techniques described in the workshop have been a complete game changer for myself and thousands of other frustrated owners who implemented the techniques inside this free workshop.

This is because for the first time (at least that I know of) anyone has revealed the secret techniques used by the service dog training industry to train service dogs.

The best part?

These techniques work on ANY dog… regardless of age or breed.

From small breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas to large breeds like English Mastiffs and Great Danes.

Even puppies as young as 6 weeks old, and untrained adult dogs as old as 13 years, have been successfully trained using the techniques inside this free workshop.

It’s not a live workshop – it’s actually pre-recorded, which means that you can watch it as many times as you like.

However, while the workshop is free, I am not sure how long it’s going to stay that way, so I’d recommend checking it out while it’s still available.

So go ahead and click the link below, implement the techniques inside the free workshop, and get ready to watch your dog transform before your very eyes.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous, Scary Aggression Problem… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

The Root Cause Of Dog Aggression

In some ways, aggression is the most natural thing in the world.

Ultimately, it’s a form of expression.

While we express our negative emotions and thoughts by yelling or getting upset, dogs use other ways. 

They growl they bark, they snap… they communicate.

The problem is, it’s a style of communication that’s not always appreciated. It’s especially not appreciated when it’s allowed to go unchecked.

And therein lies the problem.

The occasional growl or bark from your dog might be annoying, but depending on the circumstances, it’s not necessarily dangerous.

But a dog that’s allowed to get away with could soon flip the script and eventually decide to go on the offensive. And that’s when the real problems start.

Even a dog that never acts on certain aggressive behavior needs to be taught to stop. After all, a playful nip is one thing: a full-force bite is quite another.  

The point here is that ALL aggressive behaviors need to be treated as equal.

Basically, it all needs to be discouraged.

That said, treating your dog as an individual by figuring out the root cause of their behavior is going to be crucial in determining the right modification technique.

A dog who becomes aggressive because they’re scared, for example, may need to be treated quite differently from a dog who becomes aggressive because they’re protective.

Before jumping to the solution, take a moment to consider what could be motivating your dog’s behavior.

Some of the most common reasons include:

They Want to Play 

Puppies and dogs don’t want to be cuddled all day long. They want to play.

So if you do anything to suggest a game (stroke them, clap your knees as though initiating a game, etc.), up goes the energy and excitement.

And with this comes unpredictability and in some cases, unwanted aggression.

You need to keep in mind that what often starts as play can soon escalate into an unsafe level of aggression depending on your dog’s nature.

And once that fight or flight response kicks in, you’ll be hard pushed to dial things down and regain control of the situation.

They Haven’t Been Socialized 

Sometimes, aggression could be a sign that they’ve not been properly socialized.

If dogs aren’t exposed to a wide variety of people, pets, and situations from an early age. They can become anxious or fearful around anything unfamiliar. 

Unfortunately, fear and anxiety can often translate into displays of aggression.

The problem is particularly apparent in pups who’ve experienced abuse or traumas in the past. As well as dogs who’ve spent most of their lives being passed from one temporary home to another.

Once dogs like this find a ‘safe-haven,’ they may feel the need to defend it against threats.

They’re Possessive 

All dogs are possessive to an extent (as are humans, when you think about it) but left unchecked, it can quickly develop into a problem.

While some puppies can get super possessive about high-value items like toys or food. Others can get possessive about people. 

If your dog thinks they ‘own’ you. They may become aggressive or display other undesirable behaviors at anyone who gets in between you and them. 

It’s in Their Genes 

Herding breeds like Corgis, Collies, and German Shepherds have a higher risk of aggression than other breeds.

The reason is simple enough. As working dogs, their function was to herd sheep and cattle. Nipping and biting at the heels of the animals was the easiest way of getting them to move.

That instinct is still there… even though it’s a lot less useful than they think it is.  

It’s a Habit 

It’s not uncommon for some owners to give in and just accept that aggression is part and parcel of being a dog.

Eventually, they come to the conclusion that growling, barking, and other aggressive behavior is just part of the game.

Some owners may even be encouraging the behavior unknowingly.

To make matters worse, an untrained dog often can’t tell the difference between what is and isn’t acceptable.

This is a huge problem, especially with larger, powerful breeds such as Rotties, Dobermans, German Shepherds to name a few.

This is also where the techniques discussed inside the K9 Training Institute free online dog training workshop really come in handy.

Not only will you learn how to stop unwanted aggression, but you’ll also discover simple, highly effective calming exercises to keep your dog’s emotions in check.

So if you haven’t had a chance to register for the workshop, now would be the time…

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous, Scary Aggression Problem… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

How to Spot the Signs of Aggression

Many types of aggression can be passed off as a general warning.

But some types aren’t. 

For instance, if a dog happens to nip or bite out of fear and frustration and it isn’t managed appropriately. This same nip can easily escalate into aggression. 

Worse still, recognizing the difference between a playful nip and one that’s intended as a ‘warning’ isn’t always easy. 

That said, there are a few telltale signs that give the game away.  

When a dog is showing aggression, they tend to adopt a stiff, rigid posture. They may tense their muzzle and curl their lips to expose their teeth.

However, dogs who simply want to play will have a loose, relaxed posture.

Both may growl. But whereas a low-pitched, guttural growl is a sign of aggression, a high-pitched, sharp bark is a sign of play. 

How to Stop Your Dog Being Aggressive

Before you can dial down your dog’s aggression, you need to identify the root cause.

Although any kind of aggression should be discouraged, different motivations need different treatment.

Consider factors like your dog’s age, whether the aggression is generalized or happens only around guests, and whether your dog displays any other fearful or aggressive behaviors.

When it comes to training, you need to think about the big picture. It might be frustrating when your dog starts demonstrating undesirable behaviors. But the problem is still the aggression, not the person or thing that’s causing it.

If you want to address the problem, you need to address the problem, period. 

For instance, trying to stop your dog from being aggressive on walks isn’t going to work if you let them get away with it at home.

Remember, dogs respond to consistency. So be mindful to keep working on discouraging negative behaviors (whether they’re aggressive or not) and encouraging positive ones.   

Avoid Provocative Games

Dogs can often become aggressive due to boredom or stress, so finding a new outlet for their energy is crucial.  

Avoid playing games that encourage aggressive behaviors (roughhousing, etc). And stick to games that allow your dog to let off some steam without engaging in any undesirable behaviors. 

Dial Back Aggressive Play

If your dog has a habit of becoming aggressive during play, you need to set boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable.

To make things easier, avoid doing things that initiate aggression. Patting the sides of their face, playful nudges, or again, ‘roughhousing’ will just perpetuate the idea that aggression is part of the game.  

If they do end up getting riled you while you’re playing, avoid escalating the situation. End the game and take a few minutes to let your dog calm down and relax.

It may seem obvious, but it’s a sure-fire way to dial down the emotion.

Get Them Checked Out 

If your dog has only recently started demonstrating aggressive behavior, and if it’s accompanied by any other out-of-character behavior, something might be wrong.

If you’ve any reason to suspect a health issue could be to blame for their behavior, get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Win Your Dogs Mind

Here’s one of the most important lessons that can be summed up in a few simple words…

…” It’s about winning your dog’s mind first”

See, dogs come in all shapes and sizes.

Some are naturally mild-mannered and calm…

…Some can be a little overbearing at times.

…And some are just downright Crazy with a capital “C”

But the one thing they all have in common is they respect the pack leader.

Now, if you’re one of the lucky few, your dog may already see you as the pack leader.

Other times, it may a little time and effort to steer them in the right direction.

And if you’re one of the very unlucky ones (as many are), getting your dog to calm down is about as easy as getting a toddler to take a nap after 6 cans of Redbull.

But no matter what your situation, getting your dog on the path to success will always come down to the same thing…

…Winning their mind.

Flashback to when I was a young inexperienced puppy parent.

It was one of the most stressful times of my life.

And here’s the thing…

It wasn’t that I was applying the wrong training techniques to my pup’s routine.

Far from it…

It was because I was missing the critical step of winning his mind first.

Once I got my head around this, everything instantly fell into place.

This is also why it’s a HUGE MISTAKE to train your dog without first getting to grips with this one core principle.

And it’s effortless once your know how to do it.

Anyway, if you want to hit the ground running and discover how to quickly win your dog’s mind and stop all those frustrating problems that have been driving you insane, check out the free online dog training workshop from the K9 Training Institute.

Not only will you discover how to win your dog’s mind. But you’ll also learn how to teach your dog to control the natural impulses that trigger unwanted aggression.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous, Scary Aggression Problem… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

Here’s What You’ll Learn Inside This Free Workshop

In the free workshop, you’ll discover:

– The secret methods that service dog trainers use to housebreak dogs

So that your dog never has accidents inside your house ever again.

– How service dogs are trained to never bark out of excitement

Contrary to what many people believe, you CAN’T stop a dog from letting you know that someone has come to your front door – they are simply hard wired for it. Instead, find out the “QUIET WAY” that you can teach your dog so that it still gets to alert you to strangers – without barking even once.

– Why service dogs behave so well when walking on the leash without pulling

So that you can leash train your dog just like a service dog.

– How service dogs are trained to ALWAYS come when called

So that your dog too will come back to you the moment you say its name in the dog park or anywhere else (no matter what it might have been doing at that time).

– How the pros train their dogs to stop jumping on people

So that your dog learns to calmly greet people who come over to your house.

– The secret methods that service dog trainers use to train their dogs to tune out distractions

So that your dog stays calm and doesn’t react at all when passing by other dogs.

– How service dog trainers train their dogs mainly using body language

So that you can get your dog’s attention in public situations without having to raise your voice or use verbal commands.

– How service dogs do more than follow commands – they read their human partners in demonstrable and extraordinary ways

And how your dog can too!

– Why the training techniques that work on service dogs also work on dog breeds that are typically not thought of as service dogs

This means that these techniques will work on your dog even if it’s a breed – like a Chihuahua, Rottweiler, Akita, etc. – that is usually not considered a breed suitable for being a service dog.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Finally Stop Your Dog’s Dangerous, Scary Aggression Problem… Using The Same Secrets The Pro’s Use To Train Service Dogs!

What Others Are Saying About The Free Workshop

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day, a dog that demonstrates the odd bout of aggression isn’t uncommon. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok to let it continue. 

The sooner your dog learns that aggression isn’t acceptable, the better it will be for everyone.

Not only does it decrease the risk of those mild aggressive traits turning into something more serious down the line. But it also makes it way less embarrassing around others.

Find the root cause and apply the solution. That might be easier said than done, but with a hefty dose of consistency and patience, you’ll get there

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Want To Learn 3 Simple Techniques You Can Use RIGHT NOW To Stop Your Dogs Dangerous, Scary Aggression Problem?

Let me ask you this…

• Is your dog’s aggression becoming just a little bit unpredictable?
• Do they obsessively snap and lunge at every opportunity?
• Are they always fighting, growling, or attempting to sink their teeth into other people or dogs?
• Are you scared they’ll cause serious injury to an unsuspecting victim?

If you’ve answered yes to ANY of the above, then you need to check out the free online dog training workshop from the K9 Training Institute