Most dogs snap at adults and children because they feel threatened by how they are approached.
So, how can you, as a responsible dog owner, stop this aggressive behavior and keep it from worsening?
Start by understanding why your dog may feel threatened.
Then, develop strategies to help aggressive dogs become more confident, calm, and secure.
Understand why dogs feel threatened
- Moving quickly or erratically, especially with raised hands
- Speaking loudly
- Loud noises
- Towering over them
- Teasing
- Startled while resting
- Disturbed while eating
- Resource guarding or being overprotective of food or toys
- Cornered with no escape
- Direct eye contact
Consider snapping aggressive behavior. It is unacceptable, even if done out of fear.
Overcome aggressive behavior
Once you recognize snapping is an aggressive behavior, you can work with your dog to improve its socialization skills.
Here are a few tips that will help.
- Greet guests in a cheerful, upbeat, friendly voice. You want your dog to see that you are relaxed and that your guests are welcome into your home.
- Ignore your dog. Inform your guests not to make eye contact or talk to your dog. They are to ignore your dog until it is calm and relaxed.
- Have treats handy for your guests to feed your dog only when it has stopped barking, is calm, and is submissive. Start by putting the treats on the floor, then feed them by hand. If your dog does not take treats from strangers, you may give them while you talk to your guests.
- Let your dog sniff guests after they sit down.
- Instruct your guests to make a fist and offer the back of their hand for your dog to sniff. You may also hold your guest’s hand to allow the dog to sniff both hands together. This helps dogs make the association, “This is OK with me.”
- Calmly massage your dog under the chin.
- Tell guests to avoid petting your dog on the head—pet under the chin. Many dogs are head-shy.
- Ask guests to keep their hands low and avoid quick, erratic movements. Don’t let guests pet your dog if they feel nervous or fearful. Dogs sense fear and will react.
- Should your dog attempt to snap, immediately correct him with a correction sound and a quick pop on the leash, or use a scruff grip.
- Never let your dog’s teeth touch skin.
- Be firm enough to let your dog know that behavior is unacceptable. Do not hit your dog or yell.
- Then, massage the dog under the chin.
- PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE your dog whenever their behavior is acceptable. It will reinforce good behavior.
Help your dog with children
Dogs and children should be a natural pairing.
But some dogs, especially those who haven’t spent much time with kids, can be nervous about these tiny humans.
Part of that fear is natural. Children speak in higher-pitched voices and tend to behave more erratically than adults.
Your dog’s aggression may be due to fear.
Use these tips to help your dog interact with children:
- Have the child stop several feet away from your dog.
- To make your dog feel more comfortable, speak to the child in a happy, upbeat, friendly voice. You want your dog to see that YOU are relaxed.
- Have the child place treats on the ground for your dog to eat.
- Instruct the child to make a fist and offer the back of their hand to your dog to sniff.
- If your dog responds appropriately, instruct the child to pet your dog under the chin, not on the head.
- Do not force your dog to be pet by children. Instead, let your dog approach the child if the dog wants more interaction.
- Do not allow your dog to feel cornered by a child.
- Should your dog snap at the child, make a firm correction immediately by using a low, serious voice. Then, make your dog focus on you by following several obedience commands for at least 2-3 minutes.
- Demand that your dog pay attention to YOU!
- Slowly ease up, giving low-key praise and a calming massage while still talking to the child.
- PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE your dog whenever their behavior is acceptable. It will reinforce good behavior.
The goal is for your dog to feel comfortable, relaxed, and not threatened by a child.
Some dogs NEVER like children. If that is the case, avoid interactions with children, and make sure your dog is securely muzzled around children to prevent dog bites.
Recognize when your dog feels threatened
Dogs are usually known for their friendly and loyal nature, but sometimes exhibit aggressive or snapping behavior.
Understanding the underlying reasons behind this behavior and recognizing when a dog feels threatened in different situations is essential.
Read your dog’s body language
Observe body language to recognize the warning signs when your dog feels threatened and may snap or bite if provoked.
Specific postures can indicate when dogs feel threatened or uncomfortable.
Some examples include:
- Tucked tail: A tucked tail can suggest the dog feels anxious or scared.
- Ears flattened back: When a dog’s ears are flat against their head, it could mean they feel defensive or afraid.
- Raised fur: If a dog’s fur stands up on its back, it could indicate aggression or fear.
- Stiff posture: A stiff body with tense muscles suggests the dog may be ready to attack.
Vocal cues
Paying attention to your dog’s barks and growls can help you understand their feelings.
For example:
- High-pitched yelps: Often indicate pain or fear.
- Deep growls: Can suggest aggression and territorial behavior.
- Whining: Often associated with discomfort or anxiety.
Environmental triggers
Environmental stimuli can make dogs feel threatened and trigger aggressive behavior.
Although these triggers vary, some common ones include:
- Loud noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, construction noise
- Strangers: Approaching too quickly or in an intimidating manner
- Other animals: Invading their personal space
Recognize these triggers so that you can help your dog avoid them or effectively manage their response to them.
Previous traumatic experiences
Dogs who have experienced trauma, like abuse, neglect, or previous animal attack, may be more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior when they feel threatened.
Understand your dog’s history and work with a professional trainer to help them overcome any lingering fear or anxiety.
Socialization helps prevent aggression
Early socialization for puppies is crucial in preventing aggressive behavior later in life.
Exposing puppies to various people, animals, environments, and experiences during their crucial developmental period (from 3 to 14 weeks old) helps them become well-adjusted adult dogs.
Puppies not properly socialized during this time are more likely to exhibit fear, anxiety, and aggression toward unfamiliar people, animals, or situations later in life.
They will be more likely to exhibit possession aggression and may be more likely to snap or bite.
Socialization helps puppies learn to be comfortable and at ease with different stimuli, reducing the likelihood of them feeling threatened and exhibiting aggressive behavior in the future.
Positive interactions during socialization can build confidence, calmness, and security in puppies, making them less likely to react aggressively when faced with new people, animals, or environments as adults.
Early exposure to various stimuli in a controlled and positive manner can help puppies develop into well-mannered and adaptable adult dogs. Therefore, dog owners must prioritize early socialization to prepare their puppies for a lifetime of confident and non-aggressive behavior.
Know when to seek help
Sometimes, even the best-behaved dogs can exhibit aggressive or unpredictable behavior like snapping.
While some cases may require simple training techniques, others may need more specialized attention from professional dog trainers or behaviorists.
Addressing the issue promptly is crucial when your dog’s behavior becomes increasingly concerning or dangerous.
Seeking help from a certified dog behaviorist can be crucial in correcting your dog’s bad behavior or aggressive responses to ensure a safe and harmonious relationship.
One of the significant advantages of turning to a professional is their in-depth understanding of canine behavior.
Certified dog behaviorists can identify the root causes of aggression or fear-based behaviors in dogs.
They provide tailored solutions based on a comprehensive evaluation of your dog’s triggers, history, environment, and overall health.
Professional trainers prioritize positive reinforcement techniques over punitive methods. They can also help you overcome any frustration you may feel about your dog’s behavior.
This humane approach involves rewarding desired behaviors with treats or praise while ignoring undesired behaviors.
Such methods foster trust between you and your dog, reinforce good habits, and help address behavior modification.
A professional training program also allows for consistency in discipline techniques; this is important as mixed signals from different family members can confuse the dog, leading to inconsistent results.
A certified trainer will work closely with you and other family members to ensure everyone consistently follows the same training methods. Always avoid physical punishment.
For more complex cases, such as severe canine aggression towards humans or other animals, seek help from a certified dog behaviorist.
The behaviorist may also suggest consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying issue or medical conditions that may cause the behavior.
If necessary, your vet can determine whether your dog needs any medications to help manage its behavior.
Case studies
Max the Rottweiler
Max was a 3-year-old Rottweiler who displayed aggressive behavior towards strangers and other dogs.
His owners sought professional help after he lunged at a neighbor, causing significant concern.
The trainer developed a structured program using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding calm behavior and gradually desensitizing Max to the presence of other dogs and people.
Through controlled exposure, Max was introduced to friendly dogs while on a leash, allowing him to experience positive interactions. His owners were trained to use treats and praise when he remained calm.
After several weeks, Max showed remarkable improvement, demonstrating a relaxed demeanor around strangers and even playing with other dogs during supervised outings.
Bella the Spaniel
Bella, a 2-year-old Cocker Spaniel, had developed aggressive tendencies when her space was invaded, particularly during meal times.
Her owners were frustrated and worried that her behavior could lead to injury. They implemented a combination of management and counter-conditioning strategies.
The family created a safe space for Bella during feeding, ensuring she had a quiet area away from foot traffic.
They also began desensitization by gradually introducing people to her feeding time from a distance, rewarding her calm reactions with treats.
Over time, Bella learned to associate the presence of others with positive experiences. After a few months, she no longer reacted aggressively and appeared more relaxed around her family and guests during meals.
Duke the Labrador
Duke, a 5-year-old Labrador, exhibited aggression when on a leash, particularly toward cyclists and joggers. His owner started using behavioral modification techniques, including the “Look at That” (LAT) method and leash training with a head collar.
Whenever Duke saw a cyclist, he was taught to look at his owner for a treat instead of focusing on the trigger.
This created a new, positive association with the previously feared stimuli. The head collar gave the owner better control during walks.
After consistent practice, Duke learned to remain calm, and his aggressive reactions diminished. Eventually, he could walk past cyclists without incident, making walks enjoyable for him and his owner.
Final thoughts on why dogs snap
By correcting your dog immediately for snapping, you are showing you will not tolerate bad behavior. If there is trust and respect between you and your dog, they will want to please you.
Make sure your dog gets adequate rest and exercise. Massage your dog for a few minutes daily to help release some of the tension they feel.
Doing this will help relax your dog, desensitize them to touch, and reinforce that being touched is a good thing.
Never force your dog to be around people who make them feel uncomfortable.
Allow dogs to warm up to new people at their own pace. PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE, and reward them when they behave appropriately.
Socialize your dog as much as possible and use your daily routine to help keep your dog calm.
Be patient. Some dogs take longer than others to modify their anti-social behavior.
Unfortunately, a few never change. The fear is too embedded, and you must develop strategies to help your dog cope.
Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! — Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.