Aggression between dogs can be a nightmare for everyone affected. From a small display of aggression, or lunging, into a full-on bite it can be a risk for humans or other dogs, or even your pet.
Reactive and aggressive dogs are able to be controlled. It takes patience and time. Choose a dog trainer who employs positive reinforcement for both dogs and their owners.
Find a certified dog trainer
Aggression is a significant issue for a lot of pet owners. Inadequately handled aggression can result in severe injuries to dogs and people. In the worst cases an animal’s bite can result in the animal being sent back to a shelter or even to an animal control department for euthanasia. It’s important to understand that aggression can be treated. It is often a result of fear and anxiety, but it could be inherited or result from a negative previous experience.
A reputable trainer will be able to address these issues and help you help your dog overcome anxiety and fears. When looking for a dog trainer in your area, look for certifications as well as references, and then inquire about their training techniques. While anyone can print business cards, it is crucial to find a trainer who adheres to the ethical guidelines of the body that certifies them and does not use abrasive methods of training.
It is also essential to choose a trainer who has experience working with dogs who exhibit aggression. If they have dealt with this kind of behavior in the past, they will be able to offer an idea of what could be happening in your dog’s brain and the best method to train him. You’ll get advice on whether or not your dog is best treated with medication, or if he would benefit from seeing a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are basically vets that specialize in animal behavior, and many owners of dog aggression regret not seeking one earlier because they can see the vast improvement these specialists can bring on their dog’s behavior.
Search for online dog training
Certain trainers use dominance-based training techniques that can include issuing “corrections” such as putting your dog back with the alpha roll, grabbing the collar to stop their barking or biting, and using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. These techniques can make your dog more obedient however they can also cause anxiety and fear, which can lead to an increase in aggression.
The best online dog training will focus on helping you build more trust with your pet, so that they obey you even when they are excited, scared or anxious. This is particularly important for dogs with aggressive behaviors since they tend to snap out in response to these triggers.
A lot of people discover that their dog’s aggressive behavior is insecure or feel like they must protect their family or home, this can be dealt with by a professional trainer. Participating in a class for obedience or working with an experienced trainer can assist your dog in becoming more confident and reduce their aggression toward other dogs.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and obedience training to tackle leash reactivity, aggression toward other dogs or 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, with rescue dogs that were difficult to identify.
