Anger Management for Your Dog

Be Alpha and Don't Baby
Dogs, like humans, rest easier under good leadership. If you are a thoughtful, yet decisive, head of the group, you will help to reduce your pet's stress levels, and probably your own too. "Anxiety often stems from confusion about place in a pack," says McCarthy. She believes that the largest single cause of dog/owner problems is treating dogs like spoiled children. Instead, set boundaries for your dog and don't praise lavishly for nothing. Reserve your approval for when they have earned it. 

Be Decisive 
Being alpha is all about attitude. If you give mixed messages that you are the alpha in one context but not in others, your dog may show signs of dominancy, anxiety, fear, or aggression. McCarthy says to present yourself as confident but kind, fair but tough, loving but firm. Prove your leadership to earn respect. A true alpha never gets into a fight because the leader of the pack wouldn't need to do this. Your dog sees your confidence and leadership as safety and security. If you assert your leadership through body language, attitude, and, yes, a little growling, your dog will understand.