The escalating behavior between dogs can be a nightmare for everyone affected. It could vary from a tiny gesture of aggression to a full on bite.
You can train reactive and aggressive dogs. It takes time and patience. Find a trainer who employs positive reinforcement for dogs as well as their owners.
Find a certified dog trainer
Many dog owners have an issue with aggression. If left unchecked the behavior can cause serious injuries to people as well as dogs and, in the worst cases the bite could land the dog back in a shelter or at the animal control center for euthanasia. It’s good to know that aggressive behavior is treatable. Anxiety and fear are typically the root of aggression but it may also be caused by genetics or a negative experience.
A good trainer will address these concerns and will work with you to help your dog overcome his fears and anxieties. Find out about their methods of training and look for references and certifications when looking for a dog trainer in your area. It doesn’t matter which printer you choose to print your business cards. What matters is finding a certified dog trainer, one who adheres to the ethics of the organization that certifies them and does not use aversive methods.
It is equally important to find a trainer who has experience working with dogs who exhibit aggression. They’ll have experience working dealing with dogs that have aggressive behaviors and give you insights into your dog’s thinking. You’ll get tips on whether your dog is best treated with medication, or if he would benefit from seeing a vet behavior specialist (DACVB). DACVBs are experts in animal behavior and are basically veterinarians. Many owners of doggies that are aggressive regret not having seen one earlier when they see the changes these specialists can bring to their dog’s behaviour.
Look for Online Dog Training Classes
Some trainers rely on dominance-based training techniques that can include issuing “corrections” like putting your dog on their back with the alpha roll, or grabbing the collar to prevent their barking or biting and using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. These methods may initially make your dog more obedient but they tend to result in anxiety and fear which can lead to an increase in aggression.
A dog’s training program that is online and aggressive that works will help you build an even stronger bond with your pet, so they can obey you when they’re excited, afraid or anxious. This is particularly important for dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior as they tend to snap out when they are confronted by these triggers.
Many owners find that their aggressive dogs are anxious or feel that they are required to guard their home or family, this can be addressed by a skilled trainer. A class for obedience in a group, or one-on-one instruction with a trainer that is knowledgeable can aid your dog gain confidence.
Urban K9, a highly reviewed NYC training program, offers behavior modification and training in obedience to tackle leash reactivity, aggression towards other dogs or people as well as resource guarding and separation anxiety. Stephen Baum, the owner is a highly trained trainer with extensive certification experience. He also has been a part of Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC, with rescue dogs that were difficult to place.
