Everyone likes to offer their own point of view of dog behavior advice when it comes to aggressive canines. The truth is aggressive dogs are dangerous to be around. So, socialization for all pets is critical, right from the start. This point can’t be stressed too strongly.

My dog behavior advice is “start at the puppy stage.” Frisky behavior is adorable, but vicious behavior should not be allowed.

Here are seven tips to correct your dog’s behavior.

1. Give rewards. Remember that your canine may have anything he desires if he is willing to work for it. Remember to award all impromptu positive behavior.

2. Oversee the food supply. Since food is such a valuable commodity, it is necessary to make your canine realize you oversee this valuable asset.

3. Restrict petting. Petting, and the recognition that goes with it, is a powerful reward for most dogs and as such should be restricted in the identical way as food.

4. Restrict praise. Praise can be another really valuable asset for which demonstrative dogs must be required to work. Praising a canine continuously waters down the importance of this otherwise much valuable declaration.

5. Use toys as rewards. The supplying of toys is a privilege for which “alpha” dogs must work.

6. Restrict activities. Games are fun, and as such should be rationed. You must to initiate all games and you choose when they are over.

7. Make your canine earn their freedom. Freedom is one of life’s privileges and with privilege comes the need for social responsibility and respect.

This can be the most maddening thing for those that have canines: A dog that insists on barking constantly. All you want is some quiet time, but your dog could be less concerned about what you want!

Well - it’s not like the dog is barking on purpose just to upset you. You’ve got to start becoming more aware of the “dog’s barking trends”.

Pay attention to when, where, and at what the dog is barking. Usually, there is an obvious reason- an unfamiliar smell, person, or sounds are examples.

Usually, the dog is trying to protect his and, thus your, property.

Try to be prepared for these moments when the dog feels intruded upon. For example, if the neighbor and his loud truck come home from work at the same time every day.

Most mailmen deliver mail around the same time each day. Leash your dog when it gets to be that time of day. As the mail truck approaches, give a slight pull on the leash to let your dog know that you will not tolerate his barking behavior today. That will reinforce your message physically.

Even better, if you are outside, is to have a little water pistol handy. If you know what triggers your dogs bark, squirt him with water before he gets a chance to bark. He’ll soon figure out there are consequences for the barking.

Remember to use both positive and negative reinforcement with your dog. In addition to just punishing him for barking, praise him for not barking in a situation where he normally would.

You’ve doubtless heard the saying that people who have dogs as pets for a long time, actually develop facial expressions that mimic their dogs, which is why they start to resemble each other! While it makes an amusing story, there is some truth in this old saying. However, it’s the dog who’s doing the imitation, rather than the other way around.

For example, the grouchy old man’s dog may be a lay-around, a fussy and antisocial creature. Not that Rover would bite, he’s just got a disgruntled personality and kind of an Eeyore complex. There’s no fun and play in old Rover, much like his owner. A vivacious teen-aged girl, full of fun and life, has Rover’s offspring, Jingles, as her beloved pet. Both are seen bouncing around the neighborhood, playing Frisbee at the park or going for long walks through the hills, both scampering gleefully in the sun and wind.

Unlike cats, dogs are very loyal to their owners. In a way, understanding dog behavior is much like understanding kid’s behavior. Kids learn by example, and tend to pick up mannerisms and reactions similar to how they see their parents behave. Most dogs never outgrow the kid’s mentality. They don’t exercise good judgment, they’re not very sensible and they pretty much do what they can get away with doing!

Now, children have a good deal more intelligence than dogs do. Through experience and parental guidance, they gain better judgment, which is a primary goal of parenthood. Kids learn to communicate with words and the use of reason and logic. Our dog friends don’t have these advantages. Understanding dog behavior requires that you understand Rover and Jingle’s limitations. Let’s face it, your dog isn’t going to college and will never hold a job! What your dog will do is remain loyal to you, love you and misbehave whenever an enticing occasion arises.

Understanding dog behavior and misbehavior means that you understand that your beloved pet will remain a lifelong pre-adolescent. If Rover has an opportunity to run off with a roast beef, left tantalizingly on the kitchen counter, he’ll do it now, and ten years from now. He’ll never outgrow the urge to chase a Frisbee until his tongue is hanging down by his feet. Your kids and grandkids will be able to stick peanut butter on Rover’s nose forever, with the exact same result. Rover and Jingles love every minute of such silliness. They’ll be running over hill and dale, long after your kids have grown up and left the nest.

Understanding dog behavior involves a certain amount of slacking. Dogs are pirates and, so even though they know what you disapprove of, they will go for it. You’ve got to discipline your dog. A well inflected Baaad dog!, helps curb their natural inclinations. Once you understand dog behavior and the natural limitations, you just learn to live with the down side! Use a gentle and forgiving hand when training your dog. Your dog is going to love you forever, no matter what.

Think about your relationship with your dog. Does he or she reflect your personality? Does your dog friend behave like Tigger or Eeyore? It’s really all up to you. You’re the leader in understanding dog behavior. Put a smile on your face when he steals a cube of butter. A Baaad dog! is still in order.