The escalating behavior between dogs is a frightening experience for everyone affected. It could vary from a tiny gesture of aggression to a full on bite.

Dogs that are aggressive and reactive can be trained. It takes patience and time. Choose a trainer who uses positive reinforcement for both the dogs and owners.

Find a trainer who is certified

Many dog owners have issues with aggression. If not addressed, aggression can cause serious injuries to both dogs and people. In severe instances, a dog’s bite could 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. Fear and anxiety are often the cause of aggression, but it may be triggered by genes or a negative experience.

A skilled trainer will tackle these problems and work with you to assist your dog in overcoming anxiety and fears. Learn about their training techniques and look for references and certificates when searching for the best dog trainer within your local area. Although anyone can make business cards, it is essential to choose a trainer who follows the ethics declaration of the body that certifies them and does not use abrasive training techniques.

It is also important to find a trainer with experience in working with aggressive dogs. They have worked dealing with dogs that display aggressive behavior and will provide you with insight into the dog’s mind. They will give you good guidance on whether your dog should be treated with medication, or if he would be better off seeing a veterinarian behavior specialist (DACVB). DACVBs are essentially vets that specialize in animal behavior, and many owners of pets that are aggressive regret not seeing one sooner 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 be used to issue “corrections” like rolling your dog’s backs in an alpha roll, grabbing them by the collar to stop them from barking or biting, and using electronic static or vibrating collars. While these techniques can initially help your dog become more loyal, they can lead to fear and anxiety that can lead to increased aggression.

A dog’s training program that is online and aggressive that is effective will aid in building an even stronger bond with your pet, so they can obey you when they’re excited, afraid or anxious. It is crucial to develop this kind of relationship for dogs who have aggressive behavior since they are more likely to be violently reactive to triggers.

Many people find that their dogs who are aggressive are afraid or feel they must protect their family or home, which can also be dealt with by a professional trainer. A group obedience class or one-on-one training with a trainer who’s experienced can help your dog improve his confidence.

Urban K9, a highly rated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and obedience training to deal with leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs and people, resource guarding and separation anxiety. Stephen Baum, the owner is a highly trained trainer with extensive certification expertise. He also has worked at Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC and with dogs who were difficult to locate.