| If you have an Australian Cattle Dog that is showing | | | | another friendly dog. Let them play for longer and |
| signs of an aggression problem, then you'll want to | | | | longer periods each day, until your pup becomes |
| grab a comfortable seat and read this article right | | | | completely comfortable with the other dog. |
| away. | | | | In mature ACD's, socialization is still the best answer |
| In the next few minutes, we're going to talk about | | | | for aggression, although it's going to be a little more |
| aggression in Australian Cattle Dogs and what can be | | | | difficult. If you want to socialize an older dog, you |
| done to stop it. First, we'll talk about why they are | | | | should walk the dog alone for a few days, and slowly |
| among the most aggressive breed of dog. Next, we'll | | | | move into more populated areas as time passes. |
| discuss using socialization as a solution. Lastly, we'll | | | | Practice giving your dog commands as you walk, and |
| talk about preventive measures that you can take to | | | | if he doesn't obey, tug slightly on his leash and stop him |
| avoid aggression in your dog. | | | | altogether. Repeat the process until your dog obeys |
| First, let's discuss why Australian Cattle Dogs are so | | | | immediately. The key is to take small, baby steps. |
| aggressive. ACD's were originally bred to be | | | | You want to condition your dog to obey your |
| herders. They had to control large animals like cattle | | | | commands immediately. If your dog does head off to |
| and horses that could potentially do them physical | | | | fight another dog, you'll be able to stop him with a |
| harm. As such, they have an inbred fear mechanism | | | | sharp command. |
| that can cause them to lash out when they feel | | | | Next, we're going to talk about prevention. The best |
| apprehension. | | | | way to prevent aggression is to address it when your |
| ACD's also have a tendency to try to control their | | | | dog is still a puppy. Desensitization techniques like |
| environment, and they will often protect their owner's | | | | introducing it to other dogs slowly is most important. |
| possessions with fierce loyalty. That's what makes | | | | Obedience classes when the dog is young can also |
| them fantastic watch dogs and loyal companions. It's | | | | be an option. Aggression classes for ACD's work |
| also attributed to making them the 5th most | | | | well because they are usually very small, with a high |
| aggressive breed of dog. | | | | instructor to dog ratio. |
| Let's discuss socialization. Socialization is simply the | | | | If all else fails, there are two other options. If your dog |
| process of exposing your ACD puppy to new | | | | is extremely aggressive and other techniques don't |
| experiences slowly, and it's the most effective way to | | | | work, you may have to use a muzzle when your dog |
| ensure your dog doesn't develop aggressive | | | | is around other people. Another option is neutering. |
| tendencies. Start to socialize a new pup by slowly | | | | This will lower aggression considerably, and will also |
| exposing it to new experiences every day. As it | | | | eliminate odorous urine marking habits. |
| begins to learn that it doesn't have to fear new things, | | | | Finally, remember that ACD's should always be |
| it will drop it's guard and the fear that causes it to be | | | | leashed in public. Their independent nature makes |
| aggressive will cease. | | | | them very hard to train, but you must have patience. |
| Another great option is doggy daycare. An effective | | | | Follow the above mentioned tips, and you'll have a |
| way to socialize your puppy is to introduce it to | | | | good start. |