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How do I socialize my aggressive dog with other dogs?

Jessica Powell
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Jessica is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of Proud Paws Dog Training, a small business offering private coaching and in-home dog training services to dog parents across the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. With nearly ten years of experience, she has extensive knowledge and experience in dog behavior, effective communication techniques, animal welfare, manners training, behavioral modification, and enrichment. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Management and is also an experienced shelter professional.

Jessica Powell

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Ask yourself if there is a reason for you to worry about your dog becoming aggressive in a social environment. If your dog has ever bitten a person or is exhibiting stress-related behaviors, there may be certain social situations that are not safe or enjoyable for them to be in. Always remember and understand that ‘socializing’ does not have to mean direct contact with things. Try to find suitable activities for your pet.

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Question

How can I help my puppy socialize?

Jessica Powell
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Jessica is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of Proud Paws Dog Training, a small business offering private coaching and in-home dog training services to dog parents across the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. With nearly ten years of experience, she has extensive knowledge and experience in dog behavior, effective communication techniques, animal welfare, manners training, behavioral modification, and enrichment. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Management and is also an experienced shelter professional.

Jessica Powell

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

When training puppies, simply learning to remain calm around things in the environment (people, other animals, moving objects, novel items) and getting rewarded by their humans during gentle exposure to the world is great socialization and very proactive in preventing aggressive type responses later in life.

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Question

How do I socialize my older dog with other dogs?

Jessica Powell
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Jessica is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of Proud Paws Dog Training, a small business offering private coaching and in-home dog training services to dog parents across the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. With nearly ten years of experience, she has extensive knowledge and experience in dog behavior, effective communication techniques, animal welfare, manners training, behavioral modification, and enrichment. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Management and is also an experienced shelter professional.

Jessica Powell

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

When considering play dates for socialization with older dogs, some good cautionary tips are to pick compatible play-mates, to keep play sessions short to prevent over-stimulation or play becoming too rough and to remove resources such as toys, food bowls and beds that dogs can become potentially possessive over.

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Question

How do you deal with an aggressive dog?

Jessica Powell
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Jessica is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of Proud Paws Dog Training, a small business offering private coaching and in-home dog training services to dog parents across the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. With nearly ten years of experience, she has extensive knowledge and experience in dog behavior, effective communication techniques, animal welfare, manners training, behavioral modification, and enrichment. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Management and is also an experienced shelter professional.

Jessica Powell

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

If your dog is showing any form of aggression or fear in social situations, do contact a certified reward-based trainer and do not put yourself, your dog or anybody else at risk.

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