SAFETY FIRST, avoiding further aggression and the possibility of being bitten is of utmost importance, NEVER confront or challenge an aggressive dog.

If aggression is displayed, use the ‘time out’ technique. Attention of any kind from an owner is of great value to most dogs. Immediately any aggression is shown, remove the dog from the room in silence and slam the door hard leaving the dog in isolation for 5 minutes. Then allow him back in but ignore him for a further 30 minutes. This will prove to him that aggression achieves nothing but a lack of attention. If this is not practical it may be better for the owner to storm out of the room slamming the door. This achieves the same effect but no interaction with the dog is necessary.

STATUS REDUCTION

	The owner should maintain a height advantage at all times, no sitting or sleeping on the furniture or bed for the dog and no sitting on the floor for the owner.
	Do not allow the dog to go through narrow gaps first, open doors/gates and push the dog back with a foot or if the dog lunges at the gap close it again smartly. Repeat this until the dog waits to see what happens then go through and allow him to follow. The dog should be given a sit and wait command before being allowed to go through the doorway.
	No rough and tumble games. This just teaches the dog he is the fitter and more agile. It also teaches the dog to play competitive games and will encourage mouthing and increased levels of excitement which can escalate out of control.
	The dog should be made to work for ALL resources e.g. food, games, toys and attention, by performing a short obedience routine of at least 3 commands before getting the reward. This teaches them that they must work for the owner to earn the things they value. It also builds a good and positive hierarchy based relationship between owner and dog.
	The dog should not be allowed to beg for food and should never be fed from your plate. The dog should also only be fed after the owner has eaten. If kitchen scraps are to be given then they can be included with the dog’s meal. Set meal times keep the owner in control of the food. If a meal is not eaten in one go then the bowl should be removed after a few minutes and not returned until the next meal time. Do not allow dogs all day access to their food, this puts them in control of this most valuable resource and provides a potential source of conflict.
	Throw and fetch games are ok, but they must be initiated by the owner and stopped also by the owner before the dog gets bored. They make the dog work for the one to one attention that the game will provide. If the dog is possessive over a toy and doesn’t return it, a second toy or food treat should be used as a distraction to get the dog to leave the first toy. The owner should always be in charge of the toys and should remove them to a safe place after the game is over.
	The dog should be made to work to gain attention, which is the greatest and most valuable resource. If he comes and demands attention he should be ignored the first 2 or 3 times, if he goes away and settles he can be called over later and given a fuss. You should not reduce the attention you give your dog but it should be given in a controlled way and at your discretion rather than when the dog demands it.
	Pulling on the lead must be avoided. This gives the dog the impression he is in control on the walk and he is constantly being rewarded for pulling by the progression of the walk. A Halti Head Collar is recommended if strength is an issue. If the dog persists in pulling the owner should walk more slowly or stop and call the dog back to their side. Only then should the walk progress. This can take a long time to achieve and using toys or treats to keep the dogs attention on you and keep him walking by your side can help them learn the correct way to walk.

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