What To Do With An Aggressive Dog: Tips When They Approach You

Let's face it, not every dog is as calm and collected as your friendly neighborhood golden retriever.

In fact, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. And more than 800,000 require medical attention!

Well, Doggy Dan, most dogs in my neighborhood are ‘friendly breeds' like labs and poodles. 

Let me be clear…aggression is not specific to one breed. 

ALL DOGS are capable of biting.

A study performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States analyzed dog bites and found that the statistics don't show that any breeds are inherently more dangerous than others.

So when you're out on a morning run and you see a growling dog down the street, don't immediately approach it because it might lash out and act aggressively towards you. 

Instead, knowing how to “communicate” with an aggressive dog and let them know you're not a threat can help keep you safe.

Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation (If You Can)

You're out and about when a strange dog wanders your way. 

First and foremost, never go running up to an unfamiliar dog. They might think that you have ill intentions toward them and that they will respond aggressively if you approach them. 

Making loud noises or even running in the opposite direction can escalate the situation. You cannot outrun a dog, so keep calm and slowly back away from the aggressive dog (continue monitoring where they are at all times). 

Think of how you would react if you saw an aggressive person in the street who seemed to be looking for a fight. You certainly wouldn't run up to them and or start yelling at them because that will tell them that you're ready for a fight too. 

Instead, you would quietly walk in the other direction and away from any potential trouble. 

The same can be true for approaching an aggressive dog. As long as they're not actively pursuing you, just walk away from the situation to keep yourself safe. 

If the dog is tethered to something or inside a fence and growling or excessively barking, calmly walk to the other side of the street until you've passed them. 

Never hold eye contact with an unfamiliar or aggressive dog. Dogs perceive prolonged eye contact as a challenge – and they may respond with aggression. 

Dogs can pick up on your emotions, which is why it's so important to remain calm and collected as you try to remove yourself from any negative encounter with an aggressive dog.

If You Can't Avoid Confrontation, Do This

If an aggressive dog jumps out at you and you aren't able to back away or remove yourself from the situation, stay confident and address the dog in a soothing tone.

I know it can be intimidating to speak in a relaxing way when you're face-to-face with those big canines, but this might just disarm the dog and let them know that you don't pose a threat to them.

If an aggressive dog lunges towards you in a threatening way, be prepared to use items you might be carrying to put between you and the dog.

A backpack, umbrella, or even your shoe can help shield you from an aggressive dog. 

I know that I mentioned before that you should stay calm and not yell at an aggressive dog. However, if they're coming at you and you have no other option, try clapping or yelling or even puffing up your chest to appear large and intimidating. They might feel frightened and run off.

Put Yourself In Their Shoes

What's the best way to understand a dog's aggression? Think like a dog!

Most times, dogs have a reason for acting aggressively.

Maybe the dog is afraid of you and responding out of fear. In this case, backing away slowly or demonstrating that you're not a threat can tell them they don't need to react with aggression. 

Dogs who show aggression might be guarding something. Did you walk into their “territory,” or are you near an object that might be important to them (bone, stick, treat, etc.)? Check your surroundings and move away from anything the dog might be guarding. 

Perhaps the dog is hungry. If you're carrying any snacks in your backpack or leftover treats in your pocket, carefully throw them far away. If the dog is hungry, they will run after the food and you can get out of the situation. 

Aggressive dogs often come from family homes with owners who have simply bit off more than they can chew. If you have an aggressive dog or know someone who does, they probably need a solid training program.

Having an aggressive dog, or encountering one, can happen to anyone, and you don't want to be put in a situation where your dog hurts other people. 

This can be avoided with proper training, regardless of your dog's age. 

I've gone over some basic communication tips here on how to let an aggressive dog know that you're not a threat as you approach them. Learning how to speak a dog's language is the basis of my Dog Calming Code™ training program. 

What I do is help you to communicate with your dog to help them achieve a consistent ‘calm' state, so they are able to listen to your commands no matter what is going on around you. This is how you can truly help an aggressive dog relax and turn to you for guidance (instead of lashing out at you). 

No matter what your dog has done in the past or how aggressive they've behaved, I believe that any dog can learn and grow with the proper tools in place. 

Learn more about my Dog Calming Code™ program. 

Get ready to transform your relationship with your dog.

To a safe and happy future!

What Triggers Aggressive Dog Behavior?

Several factors can trigger aggressive behavior in dogs. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective modification. Common triggers include:

Fear or Anxiety

A dog that feels threatened or insecure can lead to defensive aggression. This might be triggered by strangers, unfamiliar environments, loud noises, or past traumatic experiences.

Territoriality

Dogs may exhibit aggression to protect their perceived territory, such as their home, yard, or even their favorite spot on the couch.

Possessiveness

Resource guarding their valuables like their food, toys, or even their human companions can lead to possessive aggression, even in dogs who might not have safety concerns. 

Pain or Discomfort

Underlying medical conditions or injuries can cause discomfort and irritability, making a dog more likely to react aggressively.

Lack of Socialization

Dogs that haven't been properly socialized during puppyhood may struggle to interact appropriately with other dogs or people, leading to fear-based or social aggression.

Frustration

Being confined, restrained, or prevented from accessing something they desire can lead to frustration-elicited aggression.

Types of Dog Aggression And How to Deal With Them

Protective Aggression

Protective aggression arises from a dog's innate desire to shield their loved ones from harm. This could include their human family, other pets in the home, or even cherished possessions. 

When a dog perceives a threat to those they care for, they may react with protective aggression, which can manifest as growling, barking, lunging, or even biting. Managing protective aggression often involves a combination of socialization, training in basic obedience commands, and managing the dog's environment to avoid triggering situations. 

In some cases, seeking professional guidance from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary to address the underlying causes and develop a tailored behavior modification plan.

Territorial Aggression

Dogs, like many animals, possess a natural instinct to defend their territory. This instinct can lead to territorial aggression, where a dog exhibits defensive behaviors when they perceive an intrusion into their domain. 

This domain could be their home, yard, or even the car they frequently travel in. Typical signs of territorial aggression include barking, lunging, or snapping at individuals approaching the perceived territory. 

Managing territorial aggression often requires a multifaceted approach, including obedience training, environmental management to limit exposure to triggers, and gradual desensitization to the presence of perceived intruders. In some cases, consulting a veterinary behaviorist may be necessary to address underlying anxiety or fear contributing to the aggression.

Direct Aggression

Direct aggression in dogs is characterized by hostile behavior directed at a perceived threat, often without any clear provocation.

This type of aggression can be particularly challenging to manage, as the underlying causes can be complex and varied, ranging from fear and frustration to underlying medical conditions. If your dog displays direct aggression, it's crucial to prioritize safety and seek immediate professional help from a veterinary behaviorist. 

They can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of the aggression and recommend appropriate interventions, which may include behavior modification techniques, medication, or a combination of both.

Redirected Aggression

Redirected aggression is a unique phenomenon in dogs where aggression is redirected from the original trigger to someone or something else within reach. This often occurs when a dog is highly aroused by a stimulus they cannot access, such as a squirrel outside the window, and subsequently redirects their frustration towards a nearby person or object. 

Managing redirected aggression involves identifying and managing the triggers that cause the dog to become aroused, avoiding direct contact with the dog when they are in a heightened state of arousal, and potentially seeking professional guidance from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to develop effective coping strategies.

What Not To Do When Dogs Display Aggressive Behavior?

When faced with a dog displaying territorial or fear aggression, it's important to avoid actions that could escalate the situation. Here are some things you SHOULD NOT do when dealing with dog aggression.

Don't Punish

Punishment, such as yelling, hitting, or using harsh corrections, can worsen aggression. It can increase fear and anxiety, making the dog more likely to bite in the future.

Don't Stare Down or Challenge

Direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat by dogs. Avoid staring or making sudden movements that could be interpreted as a challenge.

Don't Corner or Crowd

Give the dog space and an escape route. Feeling trapped can intensify fear and aggression.

Don't Try to Force Interaction

If a dog is showing signs of fear or aggression, don't force them to interact with people or other animals. Allow them to approach at their own pace.

Behavior Modification: How To Train Your Dog To Be Less Aggressive

Addressing aggressive behavior requires a multifaceted approach, often with the guidance of a qualified professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Here are some key elements of behavior modification:

Identify Triggers to Dogs' Behavior

Carefully observe your dog's behavior to pinpoint the specific situations, people, or stimuli that elicit aggression. If your dog's aggressive behaviors can be traced back to specific factors, take note of them to avoid serious incidents.

Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning

Gradually expose your dog to their triggers at a safe distance and intensity, pairing it with positive reinforcement like treats or praise. This helps them associate the trigger with something positive.

Positive Reinforcement Training

Teach your dog alternative behaviors through positive reinforcement. Reward them for calm and relaxed behavior, especially in situations that previously triggered aggression.

Management and Prevention

Manage your dog's environment to minimize exposure to their triggers. Use tools like leashes, muzzles, or baby gates when necessary to ensure safety.

Medication, If Necessary

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help manage anxiety or aggression in conjunction with behavior modification.

Doggy Dan, The Online Dog Trainer, Can Help!

If you're concerned about aggression in your dog, there's hope! Changing how you interact with your dog can make a big difference. Doggy Dan's popular online training programs have helped over 100,000 dogs and their owners overcome aggression issues.

Dan's approach uses dog psychology to address the root cause of the problem: dogs who think they're in charge. His “Dog Calming Code” and “Puppy Coach” programs teach you how to become the leader in your dog's eyes. When your dog sees you as the leader, they naturally become calmer and more obedient.

You can learn more about the Puppy Coach and The Dog Calming Code here.

~Doggy Dan 🙂