How can I prevent dog bites and aggressive behavior?
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Without more information it's hard to give specific advice. If this is a puppy, gentle but firm correction when he plays too hard and walking away to deny attention can be effective. In an older dog, it can be more difficult to correct and may require the help of a trainer. Obedience training is an excellent place to start with any dog of any age. This helps the dog learn what behavior is and is not acceptable and to listen to you in case an incident does occur, you are in better control with some basic obedience training. The reason for the biting and aggression plays a large part in how best to treat it. If it's out of fear or territorialism, the approaches can be quite different.
For any dog, one vital part of them being happy and well-behaved is exercise and mental stimulation. Very intelligent dogs are more prone to anxiety and misbehavior because they need something to occupy their mind and burn off energy, they need a 'job'. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Go for long walks, if you run take the dog with you. Play fetch, get him involved in flyball or agility training, take him for playdates with friends and their dogs, anything and everything to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is a happy dog. Something else that can help is getting him a Kong toy to chew and play with. They are almost indestructible, it gives your dog an outlet for chewing and play and can be stuffed with peanut butter to keep him busy when you aren't home. A slow feeder or puzzle feeder is another way to keep his mind occupied and encourage him to problem-solve, by making him work to get treats or his meals, the way his wolf ancestors had to.
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