If you have a fearful, insecure or aggressive dog, you will know that it is not easy to approach him. However, with a lot of training and patience, your pet could gain confidence and bond with other animals and humans. On the other hand, if you want to interact with someone else’s dog, you will have to ask first and follow the owner’s rules. Here are some guidelines for interacting with an unsafe dog.
Look for the cause of their aggressiveness
When you notice that your dog is behaving aggressively, take a look around you and look for possible causes of his behavior. Are there cars or cats near the house? Are you scared by a specific sound, like a vacuum cleaner? Are you afraid of the dark or of being alone?
Likewise, it is important to know the history of the animal. If your dog was abused by his previous family, it is normal for him to be afraid of people. You should have more patience if possible and give him a lot of love until you manage to earn his trust. Also, if you discover that the cause of his behavior is you, you will have to approach him in a more delicate way.
Come closer slowly
If you have not yet gained the trust of your dog, it is best not to approach him head-on as this could be seen as a defiant gesture. Instead, approach sideways very slowly. You should also avoid staring into his eyes, as this is a sign of dominance and the dog may not want to socialize with you.
Another technique that works is getting on the same level as the dog . By squatting or sitting, the dog will understand that you are in an equal position and, therefore, will be more relaxed when you interact. However, it is not recommended to use this pose if the dog is aggressive.
Positive reinforcement
A good way to earn their trust is by giving them positive reinforcement. For example, instead of directly giving him a hug, you could hug one of his favorite toys and then release it in front of him. You can also use treats such as chicken pieces, dog biscuits, or wet food. It may be difficult at first, but little by little your pet will come closer to ask you for more prizes.
Of course, if none of these techniques work, you will have to put yourself in the hands of a professional dog trainer.
