“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
Bringing your dog outside on walks in the park may sound like a great idea, but if your fur baby lacks the socialization skills, it may be a bit more complicated. They could get into fights with other dogs or start growling at strangers, which is something you definitely want to avoid.
Dogs go through a critical socialization period during their puppyhood (3 weeks to 3 months), and if you weren’t able to socialize them as puppies, it may be difficult to do so as adults. Difficult, but not impossible.
It’s also important to note that aggression may not always be caused by a lack of socialization. There are a few other factors that could cause your dog’s behavior such as their genetics, breed, or their experiences in the past.
Through following some of the tips below, you may be able to help your dog slowly get used to unfamiliar environments, dogs, and people. Do remember that all dogs learn at their own pace so remember to be patient throughout the entire process.
Avoid Labeling Your Dog As “Aggressive”
As stated earlier, there are indeed factors that may contribute to your dog’s behavior. However, it is recommended that you shouldn’t blame these factors and think that your dog will be aggressive forever.
Labeling your dog “aggressive” will not help you nor your dog move forward with the situation. The best thing you can do is simply move forward, and believe that your dog’s behavior can change.
Identify Your Dog’s Triggers
Dogs that are aggressive only in certain situations have triggers that make them act a certain way. Each dog has a unique set of situations that set them off. As the dog owner, you know your dog the most. So take the time to remember these triggers.
Once you know what these are, you can then slowly work your way to calming down your dog in these situations so that they know that they are safe.
Teach Your Dog Basic Commands
Sometimes, aggression may be caused by lack of obedience training. By teaching your dog these commands, you will be able to divert their attention away from their triggers and focus on you instead. When your dog is focused on these triggers, they end up getting lost in the situation, which is why you need them to snap out of their negative feelings.
Teaching them commands like sit, leave it, or come are great in bringing your dog’s attention back to you. And while you’re giving your dog these commands during triggering situations, positive reinforcement is always the way to go to keep them focused. These will help build a solid foundation in making sure that your fur baby is ready to be exposed to the outside world.
Ensure Safety Measures Are In Place
Once you have the foundations in place, it’s still always better to be safe than sorry, no matter how confident you feel. Basic safety training such as muzzle training or crate training your dog are crucial to ensure that your dog can be controlled when the situation calls for it.
Other essentials you should bring on walks are a no-pull harness to control your dog and even a citronella spray that will keep off-leash dogs away from your dog without harming them.
If you have followed all of these tips and you still don’t see significant improvement in your dog’s behavior, you may want to consider getting a professional dog trainer.
- Large Dog Harness - Recommended Breeds: Medium to Large Dogs, such as Siberian Husky, Labrador, German Shepherd, Akita, Chow Chow, Schnauzer Giant，American Pit Bull Terrier, etc. Please measure your dog's neck and check girth carefully before purchasing this present for your puppy. Make your puppy stand out with this Classic Black Harness!
- No Pull, No Choke - Our non-pulling dog harness is specially designed with 2 metal leash rings for safer dog walks. Use the chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling on walks, perfect for dog training or dogs who tend to pull. The back one is great for casual walks, jogging, hiking, etc
- Easy to Use - This hassle-free overhead harness is easy to put on and take off with its 2 fast-release buckles. Slide the harness over your dog's head, buckle it up, adjust the straps, and here you go! Grab the top handle for additional control. Lightweight and easy to clean
- Fully Adjustable - This adjustable harness features 4 easy adjusting straps around the body. You can use its 2 neck straps and 2 chest straps to create a perfect fit for your dog with some room of growth. No worries about slipping out or choking
- Safe and Comfortable - Your dog will enjoy the daily walk in this comfort dog harness! Made of sturdy polyester oxford and padded with soft cushion to protect your dog's skin. Breathable air mesh keeps your dog cool during outdoor activities. Super bright reflective strips ensure a safe walk both day and night
- 【No Pull & No Choke Design】: This harness simply goes through the dog's head, snaps on the belly and that's the end of it. Besides, the D-ring on the chest strap is used for no pull dog training and guiding direction, and the O-ring on the back is used for daily dog walking. The triangular design on both sides of this no pull harness helps to distribute the pulling force, so you don't have to worry about the dog choking when suddenly pulling.
- 【Soft Velvet Padded & Durable】: With soft thicken and wider fleece pads used beneath the strap of neck, back and handle atop, this dog harness could reduce friction from movement and protect the health of the dog's skin. It also uses superior nylon material to ensure long-lasting use.
- 【Leash Double Handle & Elastic Band】: You can use the top handle for casual dog walking, and the center handle for controlling the direction of the dog, easily guiding it through crowded areas and preventing storming in case of accidents. And the springy design of the leash really absorbs the pull from large strong dogs without tugging on your wrist and shoulder.
- 【Neck & Chest Adjustable】: SlowTon dog harness is equipped with adjustable loop for both neck and chest girth, and the quick-release buckle allows for quick donning. No matter what kind of breed and shape, it provides proper length after adjusting to fit your dog's neck and chest, which is perfectly designed for walking, jogging, running, hiking and training.
- 【Tangle-free Leash & Reflective】: The heavy-duty 360°swivel metal hook ensures no tangle. Plus, it has an elastic bungee and 2 padded handles, which is great for walking training of city dogs, or wandering off in country. Furthermore, its super bright reflective strips ensure a safe walk both day and night. And it comes with 2 hook and loop straps, a regular one Support Dog and the reflective one DO NOT PET.
