Aggression between dogs can be frightening for all affected. It can range from a small display of aggression, to a full-on bite.
It is possible to train reactive and aggressive dogs. It takes patience and time. Choose a trainer who employs positive reinforcement for the dogs and owners.
Choose a dog trainer who is certified
Aggression is a significant issue for a lot of dog owners. Unchecked aggression can cause severe injuries to humans and dogs. In the worst cases an animal’s bite can cause the animal to be returned to a shelter, or even to the animal control department to be killed. It’s important to understand that aggressive behavior is treatable. Fear and anxiety are often the reason for aggression, but it can also be due to genetics or a negative experience.
A good dog trainer will assist you in overcoming the dog’s anxiety and fears through addressing these issues. Ask about their training methods as well as look for references and certificates when searching for the best dog trainer within your local area. While anyone is able to print business cards, it’s essential to choose a trainer who adheres to the ethics statement of their certification body and does not use abrasive training techniques.
It is also important to find an instructor who has experience dealing with dogs who are aggressive. As someone who has dealt with this type of behavior before, they will be able to give you an idea of what could be happening inside your dog’s brain and the best way to teach the dog to be more calm and peaceful. They can offer some guidance on whether your dog requires medication or would be able to benefit from seeing a vet behavioral expert (DACVB). DACVBs are basically vets that are experts in the field of animal behavior, and many owners of pets that are aggressive 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 methods for training that be used to issue “corrections” like rolling your dog back with an alpha roll, or grabbing them by the collar to prevent the dog from biting or barking and using electronic static or vibrating collars. These methods may initially help your dog become more loyal but they often create anxiety and fear which, in turn, can cause aggression.
The best online aggressive dog training will focus on helping you build an improved relationship with your pet so that they respect you regardless of whether they are excited, scared or stressed. It is essential to do this for dogs who have aggressive behavior as they will be more likely to react violently when they are provoked.
Many people find that their dogs who are aggressive are insecure or feel like they have to protect their family or home, this can be dealt with by a professional trainer. Involving your dog in a class for obedience or working with a skilled trainer will help your dog become more confident and decrease their aggression toward other dogs.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and training in obedience to address leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs and people, resource guarding and separation anxiety. Stephen Baum, the owner, has extensive training and certification experience. He has also worked at Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC, with rescue dogs that were difficult to locate.
