• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Don’t let your dog snap

Posted October 12, 2016

don't let your dog snap
By Karen A. Soukiasian

The reason most dogs snap at adults and children when because they are startled by the way they were approached.

They snap because they feel threatened.

Reasons dogs feel threatened

· Moving quickly, or erratically, .especially raised hands
· Speaking loudly
· Loud noises
· Towering over them
· Teasing
· Startled while resting 
· Disturbed while eating
· Over protective about items
· Cornered with no escape
· Direct eye contact

Any snapping should be considered aggressive behavior. It is unacceptable, even if done out of fear.

Overcome aggressive behavior

· Greet guests in a happy, upbeat, friendly voice. You want your dog to see YOU are relaxed and 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 he/she has stopped barking, is calm, and submissive. Start by putting the treats first on the floor, then feed by hand. If your dog does not take treats from strangers, you may give the treats while you continue to talk to your guests.
· Have your guests be seated and allow your dog to sniff.
· 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…so they can make the association “This is OK with me.”
· Calmly, massage your dog under the chin.
· Instruct your guests to avoid petting your dog on the head! Pet under the chin. Many dogs are head-shy.
· Tell your guests to keep their hands low, and avoid any quick, erratic movements. Only if your guests are comfortable, should they be allowed to pet your dog. Dogs sense fear!
· 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.
· Be firm enough to let them know that behavior is unacceptable. Do not hit your dog!
· Then, massage them under the chin.
· PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE your dog, whenever their behavior is acceptable. It will reinforce that behavior.
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 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 for your dog to sniff.
· If your dog is responding 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…allow your dog the time to approach the child, if they are interested in 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 put your dog through several obedience commands for at least 2-3 minutes.
Demand they pay attention to YOU!
· Slowly ease up, giving low-key praise and a calming massage, while still visiting with the child.
· PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE your dog, whenever their behavior is acceptable. It will reinforce that behavior.
The objective 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 when around children.

Bottom line

By correcting your dog immediately for snapping, you are showing as the Alpha member of the pack; YOU will not tolerate their behavior. If there is trust and respect between you and your dog, they will want to please you.

Massage your dog for a few minutes a day, to help release some of the tension they feel. By doing this, it will not only help relax your dog, but it will also desensitize them to touch, and reinforces being touched is a good thing.

Never force your dog to be around people who make them feel uncomfortable! Allow them to warm up to new people at their own pace. PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE them when they behave appropriately.

Socialize your dog as much as possible. Be patient. There are those, who take longer than others to modify their anti-social behavior. A few never change. The fear is too embedded.

Follow Karen A. Soukiasian on Facebook

Related Posts

  • Pay attention to dog sounds to understand what your dog wants or needs.
    Dog sounds carry meaning

    Dog sounds carry meaning, so learn to recognize when your…

  • get your dog's attention
    Dog training: Get your dog's attention

    To get your dog's attention, don't yell. Speak in a…

  • Small dogs like this sleepy Yorkie are prone to exhibiting Napoleon Complex is they aren't trained properly.
    Don't let your small dog exhibit "The Napoleon Complex"

    Napoleon Complex: Small dogs without training and appropriate boundaries try…

  • tail biting
    Don't let tail biting become obsessive

    Tail biting is most often found in dogs that have…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Training, Home Page Tagged With: Canine manners, Dog manners, snap

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • puppy 101

    Puppy training 101: 7 tips to start your dog off right

  • Small brown and white dog wears a mask. Dogs and coronavirus: Canines unlikely to catch or transmit the virus to people or other animals, World Small Animal Veterinary Association says.

    Coronavirus and dogs: Can canines get COVID-19?

  • Dogs and other pets on a video conference call. Dog home alone again? If you're preparing to go back to work, get your dog ready. To prevent separation anxiety, use training, treats, and a safe space.

    Ready to go back to work? Prepare your dog to be home alone

Tags

Bulldog Dogs eat grass Dog teeth care Petfinder.com First-time dog owner Labrador retriever Canine exercise Adopt a dog after a breakup Border collie Dog sleep Pomeranian Hip dysplasia Old dogs Dog manners Babies Service dogs Dog food Biting Dog teeth Corgi Dog poop Healthy weight Dog gifts Greyhound Boxer Doberman Pinscher Canine diabetes Acupuncture CBD-Marijuana-Hemp collie

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Is a Japanese Chin the right dog for you?
    The Japanese Chin is a perfect dog for apartment dwellers. The breed needs minimal exercise and loves to cuddle with its owners. […]
  • Understand and work with your dog’s temperament
    A dog’s temperament is indicative of its attitude towards people and other animals and plays a major role in training. […]
  • Is a Weimaraner the right dog for you?
    The Weimaraner has a kind and patient disposition. The breed is active and playful, which makes it an ideal choice for dynamic families. […]
  • Do you need to register your dog as a service dog?
    While you don’t legally need to certify your dog, it’s easier to show documentation rather than get into a legal argument about service dogs. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2021 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.