How To Get Rid Of An Aggressive Dog

Dogs are the best friends to us humans and they are always a friend we want to have. Sadly, in some rare cases, aggression may occur. Here, we can see that the issue is huge. How do you get rid of an aggressive dog? Sadly, this is a question most people with this problem have, and they seek a simple and straightforward answer. Below, you can see that answer, or better yet, those answers.

How To Get Rid Of An Aggressive Dog

The First Thing To Do

How to get rid of an aggressive dog? Well, you can release him into the wild. He has wolf DNA, and he can hunt. This is a huge mistake. Dogs are not wild animals, and they cannot survive all by themselves. As such, this is far from the solution you need. Also, an aggressive dog is dangerous and he can hurt or even worse people, children, other dogs, etc. You will be responsible for his behavior, and this is another thing.

The first thing you actually have to do is take your aggressive dog to a vet using safety measures. He may be aggressive due to pain or a tumor. If any one of these is present, a vet can help your dog, and he won’t be aggressive anymore. Problem solved. This is not a common solution, but it can help you, and you shouldn’t move on to another option until you try this one.

The second thing to do (if everything is fine at the vet) is to take him to a behaviorist. This is a person who specialises in dog behaviour. He will be able to tell you the main cause and whether there is a solution for the problem. In most dogs, the behaviour can be changed completely, and you won’t have an aggressive dog anymore. As such, this is an equally important thing to do as the first one and can be the answer you have been looking for.

Keep in mind that your dog is only aggressive with other animals or small children. He may be able to behave normally when surrounded by you or other adults. This is something you can use to your advantage and possibly even keep the dog.

Find No-Kill Shelter

Yes, putting a dog to sleep may sound like the fastest and most appealing option, but it is not. As a matter of fact, this can be a complete mistake. If you haven’t tried the first two recommendations above, this is a mistake, period.

The alternative you will want to use is to take him to a no-kill shelter. Basically, this is a shelter for dogs where they will not put him to sleep. Instead, they will try to rehabilitate him. In most cases, this will work perfectly, and they will actually be able to save the dog. Just make sure the shelter is no-kill, and pick the one that already has experience dealing with these things. Honestly, if you don’t want to live with your aggressive dog anymore or you can’t, you can use this method, which is the most appealing or, better said, the most suitable of them all.

Additional Things To Know

Here, we must reveal a few sad facts. Some people like and need aggressive dogs. They will be happy to take your dog, and they will take him away, obviously. Be extremely careful in this scenario. Most of these people will need a dog of this kind for illegal fights. This is a bad decision to make, and it can be the worst mistake you can make. Let’s face it. An ordinary person will not take an aggressive dog. They are dangerous.

Another thing we will want to reveal is that aggressive dogs must not be hidden away, and you must not lie about the issue. Always be open, and yes, try to find a solution.

Those of you who don’t want to do anything from the above recommended options can keep the dog. They will have to invest a lot of time and effort into keeping him, and they will need to use protective equipment most of the time. This is also mandatory when you are taking your pet to a vet or to a behaviorist, as mentioned above.

Why Is Your Dog Aggressive?

Dogs are not typically extremely aggressive animals that are dangerous. Yes, some dogs are. In general, a dog can be aggressive due to several reasons. Here are the most common reasons.

• Territorialism
• Protection
• Guarding reason
• Fear

What all of this means is that a dog can be aggressive when you are on his territory. He may be aggressive when you are in danger and can want to protect you. He can also be aggressive if he is scared of someone or something. A guarding reason is when a dog is protecting a resource that is in danger. The best example would be a dog taking care of sheep. It is rare these days and can usually be found in rural locations.

As a dog owner, you need to understand and see the main reason behind the aggression. It can be any one of these things, and usually, it can be fixed. Dogs are almost never aggressive without a reason unless there is some medical issue. Of course, regardless of the reason, you need to choose a proper solution and determine the main cause first. You also need to make sure the dog is secured at all times and is not a danger to others.

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The Final Word

How to get rid of an aggressive dog? Basically, you should try and find the cause of that aggression, treat it and only then move to the more advanced options we have presented. Aggression can be a severe problem and it can affect any dog at any given time. You need to react as soon as possible and take all the precautions you can. If you have a large dog this problem is much bigger than when dealing with a small aggressive dog.

Frequently Asked Questions: How To Get Rid Of An Aggressive Dog

What are the signs that my dog is aggressive?

Aggressive signs include growling, snapping, biting, and lunging. However, each dog is unique, and it’s essential to consult a professional for diagnosis.

Can a vet help with aggression?

Yes, veterinarians can help rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing the aggression and may recommend a behavioral specialist.

Is it ethical to rehome an aggressive dog?

Rehoming is a complex issue. It may be an option if the new home is better equipped to manage the dog’s aggressive behavior, but full disclosure is critical.

How do I find a qualified behaviorist or trainer?

Look for professionals certified by reputable organizations such as the International Association of Canine Professionals or the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Can medication help my aggressive dog?

In some cases, medication may be prescribed as part of a broader behavioral modification program. Consult your veterinarian for advice.

Is it ever too late to correct aggressive behavior?

While it’s easier to correct aggression in younger dogs, older dogs can also be treated successfully, although it might require more time and resources.

What are the legal obligations of owning an aggressive dog?

Laws vary by jurisdiction, but you may be held liable for any harm caused by your aggressive dog. It’s crucial to understand your local laws.

Do all aggressive dogs need to be euthanized?

Euthanasia is generally considered a last resort when all other options have been exhausted and the dog poses a severe risk to humans or other animals.

How can I prevent aggression in the first place?

Early socialization, consistent training, and a stable environment can go a long way in preventing aggressive behavior.

Can neutering or spaying my dog reduce aggression?

In some cases, neutering or spaying can reduce aggressive tendencies, especially if done at a younger age, but it’s not a guaranteed fix.