Aggression between dogs can be a nightmare for everyone who are involved. From a minor display of anger or a snarl towards a full-on attack, it can cause harm to people, other dogs, and even your own pet.
It is possible to train reactive and aggressive dogs. But it requires time and patience. Choose a dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement with both dogs and their owners.
Find a trained instructor who is certified
Aggression is a major issue for many pet owners. If not taken care of the behavior can cause serious injuries to people as well as dogs and, in the worst instances the bite could land the dog back in a shelter, or at animal control to be killed. It’s important to understand that aggression can be treated. Anxiety and fear are typically the root of aggression but it may also be due to genetics or a negative experience.
A reputable trainer will be able to address these concerns and help you help your dog overcome anxiety and fears. When you’re looking for a local dog trainer near you Look for their certifications and references, and ask about their training techniques. While anyone is able to make business cards, it is crucial to find a trainer who adheres to the ethics guidelines of their certification body and does not use abrasive methods of training.
You should also look for an instructor who has experience working with aggressive dogs. They’ll have experience working with dogs who exhibit aggressive behavior and can give you insights into your dog’s thinking. You’ll get guidance on whether your dog needs to be treated with medication or if it would benefit from seeing a vet behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are vets that specialize in animal behavior and many people with aggressive dogs later regret not seeing one sooner because they can see the vast improvements these experts can make in their dog’s behavior.
Find online aggressive dog training classes
Certain trainers use dominance-based training techniques that can be used to issue “corrections” like rolling your dog on their back in the alpha roll, or grabbing the collar of their dog to prevent the dog from biting or barking and using electronic static or vibrating collars. While these techniques can initially lead to your dog becoming more willing to obey, they frequently lead to fear and anxiety and can increase aggression.
Online aggressive dog training that works will aid in building a stronger bond with your pet so they can obey you when they’re anxious, scared, or stressed. This is crucial for dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior because they are more likely to lash out in response to these triggers.
A skilled trainer can help if your dog is insecure or thinks it must protect its family or home. A group obedience class, or one-on-one instruction with a trainer who’s experienced can help your dog become more confident.
Urban K9 is a highly-rated NYC training program that provides behavior modification and obedience classes to tackle leash reactivity, aggression toward other dogs or humans, resource guarding separation anxiety, and more serious behavior issues. The owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and experience in training, including e-collar training, and has been working hard to get rescue dogs at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.