How do you train a dog to be less aggressive?

Question

He jumps out at people all the time and it gets really old.... plus, I don't want to be sued and I am sure he really scares those people

Answer 1

really you just have to take control and let him know that behavior will not be tolerated. think of it as teaching your don fighting isnt okay

Answer 2

jumping on people is not an aggressive behaviour..it very normal excited behaviour.

How to stop it

Using a leash get people to ignore your dog. Hold your dog far enough away that if he does jump he won't touch them... have them ignore him until he comes down. Once he is calm then they can come over to him and maybe even give him a treat..if he starts to jump again have them walk away. You need to be strict about this, If someone is coming up to your dog (like a stranger) move away from them, if they still come towards your dog very polity say " i am trying to train my dog to be more polite around other people, so you could you please not step to close to my dog" Its better to train the dog with people you already know and to do it on a daily basis. Get a few different people (ideally 4-5 would work) and have them do the technique with you and your dog on different days. this way your dog learns for all different people, try to get them both male and female and even maybe a child, around the age of 12.. any younger and it may be problematic.

Here are some more articles on training on jumping.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pag...

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...

Answer 3

Jumping doesn't equal aggression. Unless his teeth are bared, high tail, head high, stiff body, hard stare showing whites of eyes, and he's emitting a low deep growl, he's likely jumping in play. However, jumping at people isnt acceptable behavior and can (and should) be corrected through proper obedience training.

Answer 4

I'm having the same issues with my 4 year old Dalmatian. It's very difficult to deal with this situation! I've tried a personal trainer, neutering, exercising, socializing, nothing works!!! I actually just got off the phone with another trainer, I'll let you know how it turn's out! Maybe it will help you too.  

Answer 5

This behavior is not necessarily aggressive behavior. Enrolling in basic obedience class should help with social skills as well as help you teach the dog to focus on you and not distractions. Good luck!

Answer 6

If the dog is a puppy, the number one thing you can do is to avoid rough games like tug of war or wrestling and roughhousing. When he gets older you can play those games it. If the dog is no longer a puppy, find a whistle that sounds very shrill when you blow it. Blow the whistle every time the dog does something you consider to be too rough. Dogs hate the high-pitched sound of the whistle, and if you're consistent, he or she will recognize the things he shouldn't be doing.

If it is really serious, you should lock the dog in a kennel the moment he does something you don't want him to do. If he starts barking, you need to get a muzzle. It might sound a little extreme, but trust me, it works fast and you will soon have a nicer, friendlier, dog.

Answer 7

Sorry my friend, but once a dog is already aggressive/violent, you can tame him to be like a sweet little puppy, but you can never trust him again, as he can turn in an instant back to his old behavior if something triggers him.

Sad but true.

Answer 8

train him.