Dog Aggression And Kids

This is important information that you need to know!

It is pretty common knowledge that certain breeds of dogs like Pitbulls and Dobermans get a reputation of being viscious.While it is certainly true in some cases,it is not true in every case.In fact many Dobermans and Pitbulls can be quite gentle and don't exhibit dog aggression.

The real truth is that any dog can become aggressive and at any time.It really depends on the individual dog,the owner,what training if any and the situation that occurs.Some of the gentlest dogs can turn "mean" under the right circustances.

Using some common sense when training your dog is the best tool for dog owners.It is pretty simple...mistreat your dog and you end up with an aggressive dog.Treat your dog with love,care and understanding and you have a well mannered pet.Your dog will take it's clues from you.

Since kids and puppies seem to go together,you will need to set some guidelines for your kids when it comes to the beginning stages of dog training to help prevent dog aggression.

Puppies in general are very playful and like to jump around,but you don't want your kids to push or shove your dog.A dog's natural tendency is to fight back for dominance.This is an urge that comes from their"pack"mentality.The pup will think that pushing and shoving is normal,allowed and expected.

If your kids are getting rough,laughing loud,even giggling,your dog will think that is encouragement to continue with his "bad" behaviour.You need to settle the kids and dog fast,otherwise any efforts that you have made towards training could be wasted.

Wagging tails seem to fascinate kids,especially the little ones.It is all great fun until the one time that the child grabs the dog's tail and pulls.Suddenly the dog whips around and nips the child.

From the dog's perspective this is normal behaviour.His instinct is to protect himself when attacked from behind,hense the biting.Even dogs that you wouldn't think could ever hurt someone can still get spooked and react without thought very quickly.

Although it may seem to be great fun to play tug of war with your pup,it really teaches him dominance and aggression.Tug of war can trigger a dog's natural predatory aggressive instincts.Kids being kids pay no mind to this and think that everything is fun until the pup gets serious and really bites down hard.That's when all you know what breaks loose and suddenly you have a bad dog.So for you,your child and the dogs sake try to discourage tugging games.

If you have not owned the dog from the time it was a pup and you have adopted it,never give an attack command even as a joke.You never know just how well the dog may have been trained prior to you getting him.An accident like that is certainly avoidable by just never using that type of command.

Avoid eye contact as much as possible as it could be perceived as a challenge to your dog.Again your dog will most likely react instinctively with bad results.

One last tip.Never tower over or lean over your or any other dog as this is most definitely an aggressive action.Just like having his tail pulled,being leaned over by someone will most likely cause your dog to react negatively.

Just use common sense whenever you mix dogs and kids and you should be fine and hopefull not have to experience dog aggression first