When it comes to training your best friend, there are some that are easy and others that can be a bit tough. Although it’s always best to train your dog from a puppy, there are times when you adopt an older dog or your pal is just getting too aggressive for you and your family. There are several great programs out there that can help you train an aggressive dog, but before you start here are some tips to help you both succeed:

1. Remember that you’re the dominant one: You should always play and reinforce the dominant role in your relationship with your dog. Even though your dog is a part of your family, you want them to know where their place is. So, when you are out for a walk, you want your dog walk either beside you or behind you to keep your role out in the open for them. You also want your dog to lower his or her head when you’re reaching down to pet them, and you want to work on them obeying the commands that you give to them all of the time. While training programs can help with your dog’s obedience, there are so many other ways that you can reinforce your dominance in your relationship constantly.

2. When training a puppy, teach them the difference between play and aggression: So many times people see an overly playful puppy and they automatically think that puppy is very aggressive. This isn’t always the case, and most of the time, the puppy just doesn’t understand that he is being too rough when playing. So, you need to teach him or her that there is a limit to how rough play time is. When your puppy does play too rough or nip too hard when playing, you want to stop the play time and let them know that is not acceptable. Don’t be too harsh and don’t hit your dog, instead, use a stern voice and tell them “no” and “don’t bite” or another command that is simple and let’s them know that you are not happy with that behavior.

3. Teach your dog how to socialize: This can be harder for older dogs, but teaching them to socialize with other dogs can be a great key to them socializing with humans too. When you start working on you dog’s socialization skills, you want to keep them on a leash and possibly use a muzzle if needed. Only introduce them to very well trained, mild mannered dogs so you don’t end up with a fight on your hands. Once your dog has mastered interacting with other dogs, he or she can move on to adults and children. Always give praise to your dog when they do well, and let them know that you are not happy with their behavior when they do not do that great.

Keep these simple tips in mind when you start your training programs and you and your dog will do just fine.