Young dogs become territorial for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, puppies may not get the socialization that they need to learn proper behaviour, and they may become aggressive as a result. In other sad cases, abuse, lack of affection and improper care may darken a puppy’s spirit, making him or her quite territorial about toys, chew sticks, and personal space.
Now and then, the reasons why a loved and properly cared-for puppy becomes territorial may be a mystery. However, the natural pack instinct of canines likely plays a significant role in this type of behaviour. Usually, territorial puppies will act like everything belongs to them (including their owners or other favorite people!). They will growl, bare their teeth, crouch down and point their ears forward when perceived threats to their “territory” are present.
Obviously, this sort of aggressive activity can be dangerous. Puppies in the throes of territorial behaviour may seem threatening to other people, and they may nip or bite if their territorial tendencies go unchecked. If your beloved pet is displaying classic signs of territorial behaviour, you will need to take action as soon as you can. Letting this sort of activity go on is not a great idea. Training your young dog correctly is the key to easing innate or “learned” territorial behaviour.
Here are some strategies for helping your loyal canine friend to change his or her ways:
Socialize Your Puppy – Proper socialization is one of the keys to nipping territorial behaviour in the bud. Puppies should be exposed to other canines on a regular basis during the first three months of life. A puppy should also be exposed to plenty of people and lots of places. Introducing variety into a young dog’s life is the key to making a puppy more comfortable with other animals and other people. Socialization and variety may lessen the natural anxiety levels of young canines and help them to realize that other people or animals are not really “threats”.
The first three month period of life is a crucial window of time that will often determine how your puppy reacts to outside stimuli or other people and animals. If you haven’t given your puppy sufficient time to mingle at a dog park or hang out with other canines, you should try to socialize your puppy immediately by getting him or her involved with other dogs. As well, be sure to introduce your beloved pet to lots of people and many different locales.
Of course, it’s harder to socialize a young dog when he or she is already exhibiting signs of territorial behaviour or outright aggression. However, a good dog trainer may be able to socialize your pet if you don’t feel that you are up to the challenge.
Starting early is the key to success, and so is staying the course. Be sure to socialize your young dog often during the first 12 weeks of life.
One of the best ways to socialize a new puppy is to place him or her in a “puppy class” where young dogs are grouped together specifically for purposes of socialization. These dogs are hand-picked because they have appropriate vaccinations for their age and because they are fundamentally healthy. This kind of socialization is ideal for your young puppy.
Understand Puppy Aggression and Canine Territorial Behaviour – Dealing with your puppy’s aggression and territorial behaviour will be easier when you understand why it happens. For example, puppies that “spaz” out when the mailman shows up will sometimes act even nuttier once mailmen have gone on their merry way. In the eyes of puppies, they have “made” these mailmen leave due to their aggressive behaviour.
Therefore, aggression may grow even stronger after a “success”. Knowing how the canine mind functions will help you to handle territorial behaviour with more patience. love and understanding.
What Not to Do – When dealing with a territorial puppy, acting aggressive yourself is not recommended. For example, shouting at your dog will only exacerbate your young dog’s problem behaviour. While you must voice your displeasure when faced with improper conduct, it should be done in the right way. Kindness and firmness are important traits of pet owners who manage to cure or minimize territorial behaviour in their pups. Hurting a dog with corporal punishment is also a mistake, as this type of punishment is cruel and usually inspires even more aggressiveness.
As you can see, socialization is really the key to soothing territorial behaviour in your puppy. If you’ve waited too long to socialize your dog, he or she may have spent too much time alone. While aggressiveness is dangerous and negative, there are ways to undo the damage. Proper training and lots of love will pave the way for a bright future with Fido.
0 Komentar