| Having your puppy neutered is one of the best ways | | | | likes can help him form positive associations with it. If |
| to reduce aggression. Having your dog neutered may | | | | he acts aggressively toward the rabbit (family pet or |
| have no impact at all. Dog aggression comes from | | | | the one that wandered up from the basement...) you |
| three areas - nature, nurture and medical problems. On | | | | can reduce that aggression by giving him treats when |
| the biological front, the dog's hormones (androgens, of | | | | the rabbit is around. |
| which testosterone is the most important) spark | | | | To effectively counter-condition him, you have to first |
| dominant and aggressive behaviors. This may be | | | | identify the behavior threshold. This is the distance at |
| expressed by humping, growling or challenging others. | | | | which he reacts to the rabbit and becomes |
| It's perfectly natural and an advantage in nature but it | | | | aggressive. So if he is calm at 25 feet but snarls at 20 |
| goes over poorly in the suburbs. If the puppy is | | | | feet, the threshold is in between. When |
| neutered before the hormones kick in, then he will be | | | | counter-conditioning you provide him with rewards |
| less likely to develop behavior problems. But if the | | | | when he's outside that line (still calm) while gradually |
| hormones have already kicked in and he's started the | | | | moving closer. Over time the rewards he's received |
| behaviors, you are likely to see dog aggression after | | | | for being calm while in the rabbit's presence help him |
| neutering. If your dog is acting aggressively after being | | | | form new impressions about it. 1- The calm mindset |
| neutered, these tips can help you change his ways. | | | | has been reinforced and 2- Every time he sees the |
| Nothing in Life is Free | | | | rabbit something good happens. |
| Start a Nothing in Life is Free plan with your dog. | | | | Local Trainer |
| Require him to do something you want for the treats | | | | If your dog has severe aggression issues, call in a local |
| and attention he receives. The requirements can be as | | | | trainer that specializes in aggression to help. |
| simple as sitting on command or lying around | | | | Obedience Training |
| peacefully, or they can be complicated, such as | | | | Dog obedience training helps reduce aggression |
| making him follow 4 straight obedience commands or | | | | because it increases your dog's vocabulary (so he'll |
| wait 5 minutes for a savory treat. | | | | know sit, stay, come here, etc. in addition to |
| The key is that he learns to follow your orders and | | | | counter-conditioning, which is a big word for a dog) |
| earn everything he gets. | | | | while also getting him accustomed to following your |
| Daily Walks | | | | orders. |
| Make sure he's getting plenty of exercise. Pent up | | | | Unfortunately dog aggression can continue after |
| energy contributes to aggression - the more time he | | | | neutering. Because aggression is as much a learned |
| spends walking, the better behaved he'll be. Plus it | | | | behavior as it is an instinct, dogs that have already had |
| improves your bond with him and solidifies your position | | | | the hormones turned up will have developed the |
| as the pack leader. | | | | behavior problem. Taking away the impact of the |
| Counter-Conditioning | | | | hormones may reduce the incidence and severity of |
| Pairing an item your dog dislikes with something he | | | | the aggression, but additional training is often needed. |