Dogs are naturally aggressive and we all realize that dogs are capable of seriously injuring people and other animals. Thankfully, there are ways for dog owners to stop aggression in their dog. It is essential that dog owners who have an aggressive dog make sure that he is given obedience training, before he hurts you or a member of your family.

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Aggression towards family members and towards strangers are the most frequent behaviors displayed by aggressive dogs. Dog aggression can be caused by many different factors so it should be dealt with in different ways.

Aggressive Dog Behavior Towards Strangers

Dogs will frequently dislike unfamiliar people and other animals until they have a chance to get used to being around them. Socialization is the method used to familiarize dogs with new environments, and strange people and animals. Socialization is critical to training your dog. You may be wondering how socialization can stop aggressive dogs from attacking the postman or pizza delivery boy. A dog that has been socialized will start to realize that these new adventures can be pleasurable instead of being scary.

Your dog should learn this important lesson as a puppy. The more often your dog gets to interact with different people (such as children, teenagers, men wearing uniforms, old people, people wearing helmets or carrying umbrellas) in a relaxed and fun environment, the chances of your dog being being aggressive towards strangers are much less.

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Puppy group training courses (often run by pet stores or at a vet office) are a good place to socialize your dog in a controlled environment. During these sessions, your puppy will be taught how to interact with other dogs. These sessions will also make your dog realize that he does not need to be afraid of people he doesn't know. It is important that he is not overwhelmed - begin slowly to allow his tolerance to grow over time.

Aggression to Family Members

Dogs often show aggressive behavior to their human family members for the following reasons:

• Your dog is trying to protect his possessions (food, toys, etc.) from an apparent danger (that is to say you or your family members). Such excessively possessive behavior or resource guarding is not unusual in dogs.

• Dogs being pack animals show dominant behavior according to where they see themselves ranked in the hierarchy of the household. To your dog, your family composition is no different from a dog pack. If your dog sees himself in a higher position than you or your family members, he'll become aggressive.

As a lower ranked dog wouldn't behave in an aggressive manner towards a dog that was higher in the hierarchy of the pack, resource guarding is a clear indication of dominant behavior.

Providing consistent dog training is the best way to stop dog aggression issues, which will make your dog understand that you are the boss or "alpha dog". Your "alpha dog" status can be strengthened with rewards such as treats and praise when he responds appropriately to a command, and with "time-out" for misbehaving.

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