Why is my dog only aggressive when I'm around?

Aggression may be dominance-related, territorial, possessive, or caused by fear/anxiety. Some dogs have “alliance aggression”. This occurs when dogs only show aggression in the presence of their owners and are peaceful when they are alone.
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Why is my dog aggressive when I'm around?

Territorial or protective aggression may be exhibited toward people or other animals that approach the pet's property. Generally, people and other animals that are unusual, less familiar to the dog, or most unlike the members of the household are the most likely “targets” of territorial aggression.
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Why does my dog only get aggressive with me?

Aggression toward family members may be due to: fear and anxiety; conflict (i.e., uncertainty or unpredictability as to how the human might respond); defensive responses (as when the pet perceives that it might be punished); possessive behavior (resource holding potential), redirected aggression; or rarely social ...
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Why do my dogs only fight when I'm around?

Owners are high-value to dogs, so much so that two dogs will compete over an owner's attention more often than they would over a bone, resting spot, or toy. This can become quite an issue if the behavior is allowed.
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Why does my dog get aggressive when someone comes near me?

Most often a dog's aggression is motivated by fear, anxiety, conflict about what to expect and what to do and the anticipation of possible punishment (see Aggression – Diagnosis and Overview, (Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership – What Does It Really Mean?, and Canine Communication – Interpreting Dog Language).
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What is rage syndrome in a dog?

The behavior associated with Rage Syndrome includes outbursts of aggression that are intense and at times unpredictable. These episodes also tend to be large dramatic responses relative to a seemingly benign situation. Affected dogs often freeze, stare, and may rapidly escalate to biting.
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How to discipline a dog for aggression?

The safest and most effective way to treat an aggression problem is to implement behavior modification under the guidance of a qualified professional. Modifying a dog's behavior involves rewarding her for good behavior—so you'll likely be more successful if your dog enjoys praise, treats and toys.
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How to stop aggression in dogs?

How to prevent dog aggression
  1. Socialisation. Socialising your dog when they are young is one of the best ways to prevent dog aggression later on. ...
  2. Training. Train your dog with positive, reward-based training. ...
  3. Recall. ...
  4. Staying on the lead. ...
  5. Be aware of other dogs. ...
  6. Learn their body language.
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What is littermate syndrome?

Also known as littermate dependency, this term refers to behaviors that develop when two puppies from the same litter are raised together. Behaviors include attachment to each other, difficulty bonding with humans and other animals, aggression, separation anxiety, and reduced independence in training.
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What to do with an aggressive dog that bites?

Take him as far away as necessary for him to calm down. Remember that any punishment – whether verbal or physical – might make the behavior worse, and attempting to “show him who's boss” could result in serious injury to you or others.
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Can I train my dog to not be aggressive?

It is important to remember that aggressive dog training takes time, patience, and consistency. It is not a quick fix, but with the help of a professional, you can create a positive environment for your pet and improve their behaviour over time.
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Can dog aggression be cured?

It's important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a cure for aggression. Aggressive behaviors are managed and reduced through proper treatment with a veterinary behavioral professional. It's also essential to understand that aggression is a behavioral problem, not an issue of obedience.
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Will a dog bite again if it bites once?

A dog that bites once might bite again. Once a dog understands how effective biting is, it could try doing it more often. Dog bites can cause serious injuries; dogs bite over 4.5 million people yearly, and 800,000 seek medical attention for their injuries.
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Why is my dog only aggressive towards me?

Dog aggression towards owners can result from various factors such as fear, resource guarding, past trauma, or lack of socialization. Identifying the underlying cause through observation and, if necessary, consulting with a professional dog behaviorist can help address and manage the aggression effectively.
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How to fix dog barrier aggression?

How to Reduce Barrier Aggression in Dogs
  1. Prepare a reward. Choose a high-value treat that your dog loves. ...
  2. Go to a private fenced area. Choose a location where you and your dog are alone, and your pet can safely be off-leash. ...
  3. Provide a treat. ...
  4. Wait for your dog to remain calm.
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How should I react when my dog is aggressive?

If a dog is showing signs of aggression, stay calm. Do not yell, kick, run away or make eye contact with the dog. All of these reactions may escalate aggression. Baring teeth, yelling or making eye contact are signs of challenge, and running away can activate a predator-prey instinct.
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What is crate syndrome?

Many crated dogs become severely depressed and withdrawn and can suffer from separation anxiety or even Stockholm syndrome. Hyperactivity and behavioral issues are other common consequences of crating. And if an emergency occurs while no one else is at home, crated dogs have no way of escaping.
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What is litter aggression?

Littermate Syndrome (also knows as Sibling Aggression or Littermate Aggression) is a non-scientific anecdotal term that refers to a whole host of behavioral issues that tend to present when canine siblings (Littermates) are raised in the same household beyond the normal 8 to 10 weeks of age, when puppies are usually ...
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Are dogs happier in pairs?

By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
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How do I discipline my aggressive dog?

Influencing an animal's behavior without the use of force. Constructive disciplinary techniques such as removal, time outs, taking something of value away, ignoring behavior and interrupting negative behavior with a vocal interrupter.
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How do you desensitize an aggressive dog?

Desensitization is a behavior modification technique in which you purposely and gradually expose your pet to a stimulus that has triggered a fear response. The stimulus is always controlled, starting at a very low level, so that your pet does not experience fear or display signs of stress.
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What to do if your dog growls and snaps at you?

Bottom Line: When your dog growls at you I recommend that you listen to what your dog is saying. Immediately stop doing whatever it is that you're doing and move away.
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What not to do around an aggressive dog?

Approached by aggressive dog? Remember these 5 tips
  1. Stop moving. The last thing you want to do is run away. This will only trigger the dog's instinct to chase you.
  2. Keep arms loose at sides. Don't flail your arms about.
  3. Speak in calm tones. You could try speaking calmly, yet firmly to the dog.
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How do you show dominance to a dog?

Methods such as alpha rolls and physical corrections (via the leash and a choke chain or by smacking the dog on the nose or by shaking their scruffs) were often recommended as a way for humans to establish dominance over their dogs.
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Should I punish my dog for snapping at me?

Any trainer/behaviorist who understands dog behavior and the psychological process behind modifying behavior knows that punishment does not help aggression. In fact, punishment often makes the problem worse.
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