Aggression between dogs can be a nightmare for everyone affected. From a minor display of aggression or lunging into a full-on bite it can be a risk for humans, other dogs, and even your pet.
You can train reactive as well as aggressive dogs. However, it takes time and patience. Look for a trainer that employs positive reinforcement for both dogs and their owners.
Find a trainer who is certified
Aggression is a major issue for a lot of dog owners. If it is not addressed, it can lead to serious injuries to both humans as well as dogs as well as, in extreme instances, even a bite that could result in the dog ending up in a shelter or even in animal control for euthanasia. It’s good to know that aggressive behavior is treatable. Anxiety and fear are typically the root of aggression but it can also be due to the genetics of a person or an experience that has been negative.
A good trainer will address these issues and help you help your dog overcome anxiety and fears. Ask about their training methods and seek out references and credentials when looking for the best dog trainer within your local area. While anyone can print business cards, it is crucial to find a trainer who adheres to the ethics guidelines of the body that certifies them and avoids using aversive methods of training.
It is also important to find a trainer with experience in working with aggressive dogs. Having worked with this type of behavior before they’ll be able to offer some insight into what might be going on in your dog’s brain and the best way to train him. They’ll be able to offer some guidance on whether your dog requires medication or might be able to benefit from seeing a vet behavioral expert (DACVB). DACVBs are essentially veterinarians who are experts in the field of animal behavior, and many owners of pets that are aggressive regret not having seen one sooner due to the massive changes these specialists can make on their dog’s behavior.
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Certain trainers are reliant on dominance-based methods for training that include issuing “corrections” like rolling your dog back in an alpha roll, or grabbing the collar to prevent the dog from biting or barking and using electronic static or vibrating collars. Although these techniques may initially lead to your dog becoming more loyal, they can result in anxiety and fear, which can actually increase aggression.
The best online aggressive dog training will concentrate on helping you establish more trust with your pet to ensure that they respect you even when they’re anxious, scared, or stressed. It is essential to practice this with dogs with aggressive behaviors as they will be more likely to respond violently to triggers.
A qualified trainer can assist when your dog is anxious, or feels like it is required to guard the home or family. Involving your dog in a group obedience class or working one-on-one with a trained trainer can assist your dog in becoming more confident and decrease their aggression towards others.
Urban K9, a highly rated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and obedience training to tackle leash reactivity, aggression towards other dogs or people in general, as well as separation anxiety. Owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and training experience, including E-collar training. He has also worked with hard to place the dogs in rescue at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.