How to fix frustration-based aggression in dogs?

Minimizing visual and audio access will help to decrease your dog’s stress level, making your training much easier. First, observe when and where your dog becomes reactive to determine what the trigger is. Next, arrange your dog’s environment, so they won’t have the chance to react. For example, if your dog is barking through a fence or window, try covering the view by putting up visual barriers along the fence line or by closing the curtains. If your dog becomes reactive when someone comes to the door, try putting them in another room before guests arrive. You can even turn on soothing music or give your dog a long-lasting treat to help distract them from their trigger. Gather high-value treats, attach a long line or regular leash to your dog, and start in the location where your dog displays reactivity. As they look out from the barrier, practice the cue “come.” When you are not able to work on this, make sure your dog is not able to access the barrier they react behind. Always use a calm, gentle tone. Keep sessions short: five minutes or less at first. Remember to take breaks. Be patient but optimistic. Progress might be slow, but it will happen.

To fix frustration-based aggression in dogs, make a big list of the things your dog enjoys each day and order them from least to most valuable to him. Begin with the thing at the top of your list and ask him to wait quietly and patiently before giving it to him. If he doesn’t, keep the door closed and wait without speaking, looking at him or saying anything. Wait until he has controlled himself enough to wait quietly without moving for 30 seconds, then open the door and let him out. Once he can be calm over the least valuable thing, do the same with the next most valuable. In this way, work up through the things he values until you can easily ask him to wait calmly for the things he wants. By doing this, he will learn how to deal with the feelings of disappointment when he cannot get something he wants immediately. In addition to teaching your dog to deal calmly with frustration, make sure he is getting plenty of physical exercise in the form of off-lead running and make sure you are playing sufficiently with him with toys. Teach him control during play so he learns to control himself in exciting situations. In addition, teach him tricks and exercises to use up his mental energy and get him working for you. If your dog does redirect his aggression and anger onto other people, other animals or inanimate objects, muzzling him prior to placing him in situations that arouse him will prevent injuries or damage. Alternatively, avoid situations that make him aroused or excited if possible.