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.

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