In the aftermath of a disturbing incident involving a pitbull attacking another dog at a Miami Beach restaurant, it has become increasingly important to understand how to handle situations involving dog aggression. To shed light on this crucial issue, the experts at Dog Training Elite offer valuable advice to dog owners faced with the distressing prospect of their pets getting into a fight.
Marie Nicolas, the proprietor of Dog Training Elite in Broward, imparts her wisdom on dealing with canine aggression, emphasizing that not all dogs are inherently aggressive. She highlights that, in most cases, a dog’s behavior can be positively influenced through proper training and socialization from an early age. Nicolas asserts, “It’s not the fault of the dog unless the dog has any neurological issues. For most of them, it’s a problem of socialization, a lack of training, and the owner’s inability to interpret the dog’s cues.”
Dogs are known to engage in rough play, which, to the untrained eye, may resemble a dog fight. Nicolas advises dog owners to pay close attention to the animals’ body language in order to gauge the situation accurately. She elaborates, “If you see that the dog freezes, stops breathing, fixates its gaze, adopts a tense body posture, holds its tail high, be very, very cautious. Sometimes people might say, ‘Look, the tail is wagging; the dog is happy.’ However, a wagging tail can sometimes signify a dog attempting to alleviate stress. Hence, one must observe the dog’s entire body language.”
Nicolas also underscores that one of the most effective strategies to prevent dogs from developing reactive or aggressive tendencies is early socialization. “Socialization should commence as early as possible, ideally during the puppy stage. This training involves exposing the dog to various scents, interactions with diverse individuals, encounters with a variety of other animals, and exposure to different sounds,” she advises.
In light of the recent incident and expert advice, dog owners are encouraged to prioritize early socialization and behavioral training for their pets to ensure a harmonious and safe environment for both animals and their human companions.
