Posts Tagged ‘aggression’
Aggression Suppression in Your Dachshund
Dachshunds are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and inventive.However that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the top dog.
Individual dogs will deviate in degree, of course. There are submissive Doxies though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to insist on having their own way at all times like most terriers. But training can modify their behavior, especially if you start when they are young and stay consistent.
Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive conduct, whether toward you, strange people, a family member and animals.Chewing the lead during training is one mild manifestation.
Discourage it by stepping on the leash close to the dog’s head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.Take care not to stress their neck, as they are prone to back problems.When they have let go of the lead, praise them lavishly.
To discourage biting or snapping or excess barking a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give him a little squirt against the muzzle when your dog shows this behavior. Avoid the eyes.That scares your Dachshund and it is unpleasant besides.Avoid making it a contest of wills, but repeat when needed.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a competitor.Being consistently firm is preferred to counter-aggression.
If your Doxie persists, isolate your dog and be ready for some barking.Like spoiled young children, a dog will occasionally try to whine or shout its way out of punishment. Give your dog sturdy chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.
Be sure to follow this negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement. Look for instances of good behavior and praise it lavishly. Use a moderate amount of treats if necessary.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different consequences of its own course of action in terms of your response.Doxies are intelligent. With persistence, they will catch on.
For instance, one may become assertive during fetch by refusing to give up the ball.Try to discern between authentic willfulness and a simple desire to play a different game, tug. Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.
It is key to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or quiet dog will help.Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.
A helper can be a big help here.Heave the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.Make sure the partner gets the ball first when the Dachshund gives chase.Repeat the exercise a few times, then let your Doxie win.
With patience and a little creativity, you can direct your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.