Beware the cornered dog! Always give your dog an escape route – ensure there is a dog-accessible place free of children. Encourage your dog to get behind you when meeting a stranger.

Distract your dog from any “triggers.” Keep its attention focused on you.

Think ahead. Keep your dog out of situations where it will become fearful and therefore aggressive.

Never reward your dog for aggression. For example, if the dog bristles when a child walks by, do not whisk the child away. Instead, remove the dog for a “time out.”

Never let your dog see you become fearful – or the dog may rush to protect you. If you become afraid of your dog’s behavior, it will initiate a downward spiral in your interactions with strangers..

Never allow your dog to see you become angry and aggressive. If you must fight with a spouse, do it away from the dog.

Never use aggression to establish “dominance” with the dog. Correct your dog in a calm, but indisputable manner. Remember the basic energy of “calm-assertive leadership.”