Aggression in dogs is an urgent problem for dog owners and trainers.

Aggressive dogs show aggression towards other dogs, other animals, and people. When such behavior is seen in a dog, it is important to find a way to snap the dog out of it. 

There are techniques and ways in which you can snap your dog out of its aggressive state. 

A term used to connote aggression in dogs is called Possessive aggression.

Signs of a Possession Aggression state in dogs

When your dog shows aggression towards food or objects (toys), it may growl, and bite to protect it. 

Dogs show aggression when they feel like the Alpha, the growl signals back off! This object is mine and mine alone. 

Once you notice this Alpha state in your dog then it’s time to take action.

Your dog could growl when the owner or another dog approaches its food bowl or drinking trough. 

It could snap and fight other animals in an attempt to bite. Often showing physical aggression and causing injury by biting.

Some dogs tend to be more aggressive than others, some dogs are observed to show aggression to a particular object, and not to other animals. 

Degree of aggression

Depending on the degree of aggression, necessary steps need to be taken to snap your dog out of it.

It is not uncommon for dogs to show aggression after giving birth, this is common and natural. A protective instinct kicks in immediately. 

This kind of aggression is Normal, give it time and it’ll wear off. 

It is important to observe your dog closely, especially when it shows signs of aggression. 

Take time to correct it at the appropriate time almost immediately by snapping it out of it.

If you don’t correct your canine friend as soon as possible, the aggression may escalate and blow out of proportion.

Read also: Top 10 Aggressive dog breeds that can kill Humans

Why do some dogs show aggression?

Dogs are not to be blamed in this regard, owners of the dog need to take responsibility by becoming the Alpha of the pack and taming their canine friends so they don’t go wild. 

Dogs acquire aggressive behaviors at a young age, this could be from ancestry traits, sudden vibrations in the environment such as neighbor dogs barking, possessive instincts, etc.

How to stop possession Aggression

Depending on the aggressive state of your dog, make sure you consult a dog trainer if you’re unsure of what to do. 

In most cases, once you notice possessive aggression in your canine friend, snap it out of it by snapping your fingers, each time it goes into an aggressive state, rebuke it, and do this repeatedly until it learns to go into a calm and submissive state.

Take note: Never use force or aggression to control your dog, instead each time your canine friend learns, reward it with a treat or toy to play with. 

Let’s assume your canine friend shows aggression towards a toy, snap it out of it and if he listens then reward it with a treat. Do this repeatedly until he snaps out of the aggression.

Possession aggression is more common in guardian dogs as a result of their ancestry traits. 

But they can be trained from pups to be sweet goofballs.

Read also: Steps on how to control an aggressive dog

Consider using a multi-step conditioning method.

Some trainers advocate a multi-step method for conditioning a dog to gladly leave an item. This can be used in conjunction with meals.

Arrange numerous dog bowls around a broad space. Fill one bowl with bland foods. While your dog is eating, place a more appealing food in a separate bowl.

Allow your dog to realize that you are providing a valued alternative without getting too close to eliciting an aggressive response, continue to fill additional bowls with increasingly valuable food, but stop if your dog becomes aggressive.

Keep high-value items out of your dog’s reach.

It’s best to keep highly desired objects away from your dog during the early phases of treatment, or restrict them to constrained, controlled environments like their box.

Make sure these objects are out of reach of your pet so they can’t steal them while you’re away. Begin behavioral modification exercises such as those outlined above with items that are less closely guarded, then go-to items that are more valuable to your dog.

Seek advice from a professional trainer.

If your dog is attempting to bite you, you must exercise extreme caution.

Consider hiring a dog trainer or behaviorist to assist you to modify your dog’s behavior.

If you aren’t seeing results on your own or if your dog’s hostility is getting worse, if you feel your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian right away.

Always consult your veterinarian for health-related inquiries, as they have evaluated your pet, are familiar with its medical history, and can provide the best suggestions for your pet.