The escalating behavior between dogs can be a nightmare for everyone who are involved. It could range from a small display of aggression to a full-on bite.
Reactive and aggressive dogs are able to be controlled. It takes time and patience. Look for a trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement with dogs as well as their owners.
Choose a dog trainer who is certified
Many dog owners have an issue with aggression. If not addressed, aggression can cause serious injuries to both pets and humans. In the worst cases an animal’s bite can result in the animal being taken back to a shelter or even to the department of animal control for euthanasia. It’s important to understand that aggression can be treated. Fear and anxiety are often the root of aggression but it may also be due to the genetics of a person or an experience that has been negative.
A good trainer will address these concerns and will work with you to help your dog overcome his fears and anxieties. Ask about their training methods and seek out references and certificates when searching for a dog trainer in your region. While anyone is able to make business cards, it is essential to choose a trainer who adheres to the ethics guidelines of their certifying body and avoids using aversive methods of training.
You must also seek out an experienced trainer who has worked with working with aggressive dogs. As someone who has dealt with this type of behavior in the past, they will be able to provide you with an idea of what could be happening in your dog’s brain and how best to teach him. You will get some good tips on whether your dog should be treated with medication or if he could benefit from seeing a vet behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are veterinarians who specialize in animal behavior and many owners of pets that are aggressive regret not seeing one sooner due to the massive improvements these experts can make to their dog’s behaviour.
Find online dog obedience training
Training methods that rely on dominance may consist of “corrections” such as rolling your dog with an alpha roll or grabbing their collars to stop them from biting or barking. They can also use electronic collars that vibrate or remain static. While these techniques can initially lead to your dog becoming more loyal, they can cause anxiety and fear, which can actually increase aggression.
The best online dog training will be focused on helping you build an improved relationship with your pet so that they will obey even when they are anxious, scared, or stressed. This is crucial for dogs with aggressive behaviors as they tend to get angry and lash out in response to these triggers.
A skilled trainer can help if your dog is insecure or thinks it has to protect the family or home. Enrolling in a class for obedience or working with an experienced trainer can assist your dog in becoming more secure and less aggression towards other dogs.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and obedience training to address leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs and people as well as resource guarding and separation anxiety. Stephen Baum is the owner. Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and experience in training, including E-collar training. He has also been working hard to get rescue dogs in Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.
