by Diane Garrod

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 26, 2009

Ten Step Guide to Re-socializing the Aggressive or Reactive Dog

It is my belief most dogs can be re-socialized and re-familiarized with their environment. The dog owner must be committed to the process. Re-socializing an already reactive or aggressive dog missing key social contact during the first sixteen weeks of life is a step-by-step process. There is no magic bullet and these dogs will be playing catch up for the rest of their lives.

Socializing a dog already reactive or aggressive is geared toward re-training social deficits. It is quite a different process from socializing a puppy, however it is possible to revisit puppy training to achieve progress. It also includes re-familiarization with objects in the environment.

Since each dog is a unique individual with differing challenges there is no recipe that works for all. However, by following a few guidelines you can be well on your way in the re-socialization process. Below are ten things you'll need to get you started.

1. Write down all your dog's triggers in painstaking detail.

a. What types of people are they uncomfortable around? What were they wearing? How were they walking?

b. What time of day? House? On walks?

c. What types of dogs are they uncomfortable around? All dogs? When are dogs most challenging to your dog? On leash? Off leash

2. Write down your dog's behavior in detail. What does your dog do BEFORE they react, while they are reacting, what did they get out of the reaction and what happens AFTER they reacted?

3. What is the distance of the person or the dog? What does your dog do? What signals or body language messages do they send?

4. How does your dog react and can you define exactly what they reacted to? What did you do when they reacted, meaning during the reaction?

5. what objects, sounds or other real life causes is your dog sensitive to?

NOTE HERE: Simply by answering the above and removing what happens BEFORE your dog reacts and what reinforcement they get AFTER they react, you can influence and change your dog's behavior. For instance, your dog lunges, barks and has teeth bared every time they see a man, wearing a cap, staring at them, swinging thier arms and approaching. First remove this trigger and begin to re-train, re-socialize your dog to each piece above in a controlled way where distance can be at maximum, say 75 feet where your dog does not react, and duration can be at 5 minutes only each session. Slow, systematic exposure to a dog's triggers will influence and change

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