Training Your Dog Not To Attack Strangers With the Establish Leader Method
It is common for most dogs to bark to warn you when a stranger is approaching. This is a natural part of their role as a member of your “pack”. However, some dogs take this protection too far, showing aggression toward strangers and attacking them. Your dog may come in contact with strangers regularly. Therefore, teaching them how to refrain from attacking strangers is beneficial. We will teach you how to do this with the Establish Leadership Method. Please refer to our steps below to learn more!
- Take authority. You need to conduct training exercises with your dog to establish leadership. The goal is to try and make them understand that they are not the dominant pack leader. One of the best things you can do is teach your dog to heel and follow you reliably on a leash.
- Have an assistant approach. Have you established a leader relationship? Arrange to have a strange assistant approach you, while walking your dog. Remember to stay calm!
- Exert control. Your dog may act aggressively towards a stranger. If this happens, jerk quickly to the side on the leash in an upward motion. This will redirect your dog. Tap your dog on the side with your leg.
- Proceed. Have the stranger proceed at a safe distance while you remind your dog that you are the leader.
- Practice. Repeat steps two through four while you signal your dog to follow you without reacting. The procedure will need to be repeated with different assistants over days and weeks.
As always, a little patience and consistency go a long way! The last thing you want to do is become agitated or aggressive with your dog. Eventually, your dog will take their cues from your leadership, calmly walking past strangers and not reacting.
