There may be a range of triggers for aggression. Some of the commoner ones are

* Approaching the dog in a threatening manner

* Hovering or looming over the dog

* gazing at the dog

* Provoking the dog

* Telling him to get off the sofa

* making an attempt to take something out of his mouth

You can avoid a number of these triggers altogether - like provoking him, gazing at him, or hovering over him. Do not do them. Other triggers, though, you want to handle. Management You have 4 ways to control aggression caused by fight drive. Provide exercise and coaching One way is to provide lots of exercise and coaching.

Exercise physically tires the body, and coaching tires the brain. In this position shortage of psychological kick gets the dog into difficulty.

Shoot for 2 coaching sessions a day, each at least 10 mins long. If you keep to the same time schedule, you may have a cheerful puppy. Play tug of war : an alternate way is to use the energy in this drive by playing a good game of tug of war. This game permits the dog to use his timescale of needing to snarl, tug, and bite.

Rather than making an attempt to suppress the behavior, diffuse its energy. The lack of a conduit for that energy, or attempts to suppress it, only makes the situation worse. Set aside 10 mins several times each week to play tug of war at the same time each day.

Here is what you do : one. Get a pull toy, a bit of sacking, or a knotted sock to use for the game. Two. Permit your dog to snarl and bite the object and shake it.

Three.Let him bring the object back to you to play again.

Four.Be certain to let him win every time.

Five. When he has had enough, or the 10 mins are up, move away from this session with the dog in possession of the toy.

Taking something out of Tommy's mouth : Often you'll need to take something out of Tommy's mouth. It might be a chicken bone from the rubbish or anything more unfit.

Don't scream at him or chase him. He'll redouble his attempts to eat whatever it is. Try the "Leave it" command. If that does not work, try a trade.

Offer him a fair trade, for example a bit of cheese or raw beef. As he reaches for it, naturally, the chicken bone will drop out. Remember : Never chase Tommy and corner him.

Doing so destroys the relationship you have been working so troublesome to achieve. The game effectively discharges the energy and the timescale in that drive.

The game should be removed from regular coaching sessions and done when you and your dog are alone with no diversions. It's his time and his only. You will be dazzled at how gratifying the game is to your dog and at the relaxing effect it has on him.