Dog aggression on walks or in dog parks

Peace loving dogs at home can become maniacs when walked. It's a difficult problem that no amount of leash jerking or yelling will solve. You really can manage this kind of aggression but the discipline must come not from punishment but from leadership of the canine variety.

Leadership

• Most dogs naturally look to their person for direction, but some simply react.
• The communication breakdown worsens when human management methods are used on a different species.
• Dogs require the canine-speak of dominance gestures and eye contact.
• You need the right tool: head halters are easy to use, comfortable for dogs, and they work reliably.

Head Halter

• A head halter fits over the neck and head but it is not a correction device because it doesn’t rely on discomfort. Instead it’s a tool that reminds your dog that you are the boss.
• You won’t need quick timing nor physical strength.
• A gentle pull on the lead will establish eye contact between the two of you and send a clear signal that you are the dominant, but benevolent, leader.
• Hundreds of repetitions will teach your dog to watch you for direction.

Getting Started

• To get your dog accustomed to the head halter he needs to associate it with positive rewards.
• He may fight it if you try to use it before he is relaxed with it.
• Use lots of treats as you hold the nose loop and entice your dog to poke his nose through to get the snack.
• With time and practice any dog can learn to accept a head halter as second nature.
• There are several brands of head halters. I recommend the Gentle Leader made by Premier Pet Products (www.premier.com).

Set your dog up to succeed

• Making practical use of this contraption must be done slowly.
• Divert your dog's attention from a dog he sees way off in the distance by saying his name and making an about turn as you pull gently but firmly on the head halter lead.
• Tell him to sit and give him a treat. Then lead him away from the other dog as you hand out a few more goodies.
• Repeat hundreds of times. Increase the level of challenge very slowly.

With enough practice you will be respected as the big dog you have always aspired to be. When you've done well in your new position of leadership you too deserve a reward. Now lie down on your rug and enjoy a rawhide or pig's ear yourself. You've earned it, darn it.

Keep the faith and don't give up. Contact me through my web site if you need individual help.