🐩 Did you know? 60-70% of dogs act aggressively toward strangers.

Sit & Stay is a training and health focused newsletter to help you have a more well-behaved and happier dog!

The holidays are coming, and if you have a dog with aggression issues, chances are you aren’t exactly celebrating.

According to the ASPCA, 60-70% of dogs bark at or otherwise threaten people they don’t know. How well does your dog know the family and friends you plan to invite over this holiday season? Will you be able to enjoy yourself, or will you spend the evening yanking your dog away from the front door? Do you already have plans to keep them crated so they don’t scare guests?

What if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way?

Some people like the idea of a guard dog. However, your dog doesn’t know the difference between a burglar and your two-year-old nephew. It’s always safest to just buy a Ring doorbell and train your dog out of aggressive behavior before they turn on you or someone you love.

After all, the holidays are about family drama—not dog drama.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip

As most trainers will tell you, dogs try to figure out their place in the pack from the moment they can wrestle with the rest of the litter. At around six months of age, that will to dominate intensifies, and if left unchecked, it can morph into aggression. By the time they turn one year old, dogs will experience another upturn in dominant behavior.

You may find that dogs who typically run away when afraid might now stand their ground and demonstrate aggressive behavior.

Human aggression–especially toward strangers–is typically a fear response. No matter the reason, you, as the owner, must show that you find that behavior unacceptable. As expert John Van Olden states, “unaddressed and inappropriate behavior is self-reinforcing.”

A few ways to help curb aggressive behavior include:

• Reinforce basic obedience training. If you can count on your dog to lie down or go to bed when you command it, you can interrupt any growling or barking before it gets out of hand.

• Warn your guests ahead of time that your dog is nervous around strangers and they shouldn’t approach them or make unnecessary noise when entering the house.

• Remember to reward your dog for good behavior with treats, toys, and praise.

For more ideas on curbing your pup’s aggression towards people, check out the following articles:

Dog Aggression Training - Canine Trade Group | Dog Training Directory — caninetradegroup.com Dog aggression can be frustrating and embarrassing, and it can leave you feeling like you’re out of options—at least out of options that allow the dog to remain a part of your family. We call it aggression replacement training and is necessary to keep everyone in your household safe.

How to Help a Fearful Dog Handle Visitors · The Wildest — www.thewildest.com If your dog gets upset (exhibited by barking, growling, or even biting) when you have people over, you’re not alone. Sometimes one simple trick can help — keep reading to learn what it is and how to try it.

Aggression | ASPCA — www.aspca.org Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dogs. It's also the number-one reason why pet parents seek professional help from behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians.

Aggression in Dogs | The Bark — thebark.com By the time people have come to me for help with a dog’s aggression problems, the situation is often pretty serious and it’s not unusual for people to be at the end of their rapidly fraying ropes. Though not every situation has a fairy-tale ending, I approach each new case with optimism, partly because that’s my basic nature, but also because it reflects my experience that

The Smile Section

Vet Recommendations

The VCA website cites fear aggression as the most common type of canine aggression.

It typically begins with defensive behavior, designed to increase the distance between the dog and the perceived threat. Eventually, this may escalate to offensive behavior, where your dog tries to close the distance between himself and the perceived threat.

The VCA recommends speaking with your vet about any aggressive behavior you notice. Your vet can offer behavioral advice and help you find a certified trainer.

Product of the Week

Luxury Waterproof Pet Blankets, Beds & More by Paw.com — www.paw.com

Traveling for the holidays? Don’t forget a luxury waterproof car seat cover from Paw.com. They have a huge selection of beds, liners, and car door guards designed to make traveling with your pet easier on you and your vehicle.

If you’re staying home, check out their waterproof pet blankets designed to look like stylish throw blankets.

Shop the Black Friday Sale now!

Have questions about dog training?

Get them answered by a professional dog trainer from Canine Trade Group!

Each week, we’ll interview a trainer and feature the answers to your questions as our CTG Pro Tip. E-mail [email protected] to submit your question.

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