The aggression of dogs can be scary for everyone involved. From a minor display of anger or a snarl into a full-on bite it could be a risk for humans as well as other dogs and even your pet.
You can train reactive and aggressive dogs. It takes time and patience. Find a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement for both the dogs and their owners.
Choose a dog trainer who is certified
Aggression is a big problem for many pet owners. If not taken care of, it can lead to serious injuries to both humans and pets and, in the worst instances there is even a bite that can result in the dog being in a shelter or at the animal control center to be killed. It’s important to understand that aggressive behavior is treatable. Aggression often stems from fear and anxiety, but it can also be genetically connected or caused by a bad experience in the past.
A good dog trainer will assist you in overcoming your dog’s fears and anxieties by addressing these concerns. Find out about their methods of training and seek out references and certifications when looking for an instructor for your dog in your area. It is not important who prints your business cards. What matters is finding a certified dog trainer, one who is in line with the ethical standards of their certifying organization and doesn’t use abusive methods.
It is also important to find an instructor who has experience dealing with dogs that are aggressive. They’ll have experience working dealing with dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior and can provide you with insight into the dog’s thoughts. You’ll get tips on whether your dog needs to be treated with medication, or if he could benefit from seeing a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are vets that are experts in the field of animal behavior, and many owners of aggressive dogs later regret not seeking one earlier due to the massive improvement these specialists can bring in their dog’s behavior.
Find online dog obedience training
Some trainers rely on methods of training based on dominance that include issuing “corrections” such as putting your dog’s back in the alpha roll, grabbing the collar to keep them from barking or biting and using electronic collars that vibrate or static. These techniques can help your dog become more loyal but they often create anxiety and fear which, in turn, can cause aggression.
A dog’s training program that is online and aggressive that works can aid in building a stronger bond with your pet, so they can obey you when they’re scared, excited, or stressed. This is especially important for dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior as they tend to get angry and lash out in response to these triggers.
Many owners find that their dogs who are aggressive are insecure or feel like they are required to guard their home or family members, this can be handled by a skilled trainer. Involving your dog in a group obedience class or working one-on-one with a trained trainer can help your dog become more confident and decrease their aggression towards other dogs.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training program, provides behavior modification and training in obedience to address leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs and people as well as resource guarding and separation anxiety. Stephen Baum, the owner is a highly trained trainer with extensive certification expertise. He also worked at Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC where he worked with rescue dogs who were difficult to locate.
