The escalating behavior between dogs can be frightening for all who are involved. From a small display of aggression, or lunging, into a full-on bite it could be a risk for humans or other dogs, or even your pet.
It is possible to train reactive and aggressive dogs. It takes time and patience. Look for a trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement with both dogs and their owners.
Choose a dog trainer who is certified
Aggression is a big problem for a lot of dog owners. Unchecked aggression can cause serious injuries to dogs and people. In severe cases the bite of a dog could cause the animal to be sent back to a shelter or even the animal control department to be killed. It’s good to know that aggressive behavior is treatable. Fear and anxiety are frequently the cause of aggression, but it can also be caused by genes or a negative experience.
A reputable trainer will be able to address these concerns and help you help your dog overcome his fears and anxieties. Learn about their training techniques and seek out references and certifications when looking for a dog trainer within your local area. It doesn’t matter the person who prints your business cards. What is important is that you locate an accredited dog trainer, one who is in line with the ethics of the organization that certifies them and does not use aversive techniques.
You must also seek out an experienced trainer who has worked with dealing with dogs that are aggressive. As someone who has dealt with this type of behavior in the past they’ll be able to offer some insights into what might be happening in your dog’s brain and the best method to help the dog to be more calm and peaceful. They will be able to provide you with some suggestions on the need for medication or would benefit from seeing a veterinary behavioral expert (DACVB). DACVBs specialize in animal behavior and are in essence veterinarians. Many owners of aggressive dogs regret not seeing one earlier when they see the changes these specialists can bring to their dog’s behaviour.
Find online dog obedience training
Training methods that rely on dominance may consist of “corrections” such as rolling your dog with an alpha roll or grasping their collars in order to prevent the dog from barking or biting. They may also utilize electronic collars that vibrate or are static. These methods may initially increase the obedience of your dog but they tend to create anxiety and fear which can lead to an increase in aggression.
A dog’s training program that is online and aggressive that works will assist you in building an even stronger bond with your pet, to ensure that they obey when they’re anxious, scared, or stressed. This is particularly important for dogs with aggressive behaviors as they tend to get angry and lash out in response to these triggers.
A trained trainer can be helpful if your dog is insecure or believes it has to protect the family or the home. Enrolling in a class for obedience or working one-on-one with a skilled trainer will aid your dog to become more confident and reduce their aggression towards others.
Urban K9 is a highly-rated NYC training program that provides behavior modification and obedience classes to tackle leash reactivity, aggression towards other dogs or humans, resource guarding separation anxiety, as well as more severe behavioral issues. Owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and training experience, which includes e-collar training, and has been working hard to get rescue dogs at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.
