Dog aggression can be extremely frightening for all affected. From a small display of aggression, or lunging, into a full-on bite it could be dangerous for people as well as other dogs and even your pet.

The aggressive and reactive dogs can be tamed. But it requires patience and time. Look for a trainer that employs positive reinforcement for both dogs and their owners.

Find a trainer who is certified

Many dog owners experience a problem with aggression. Unchecked aggression can cause severe injuries to humans and dogs. In the worst cases the bite of a dog could lead to the animal being sent back to a shelter or even to the animal control department to be killed. However, the good news is that aggression is treatable. The reason for aggression is usually anxiety and fear, however it can also be genetically linked or result from a negative incident in the past.

A reputable trainer will be able to address these concerns and work with you to aid your dog to overcome his anxieties and fears. Learn about their training techniques and look for references and credentials when looking for a dog trainer within your local area. While anyone is able to make business cards, it is essential to choose a trainer who follows the ethics declaration of their certifying body and doesn’t use any abrasive methods of training.

It is also essential to select a trainer that is familiar with working with dogs that display aggression. They’ll have experience working dealing with dogs that have aggressive behaviors and give you insight into the dog’s mind. They will be able to give you some advice about whether your dog needs medication or might require a visit to a veterinary behavioral specialist (DACVB). DACVBs specialize in animal behaviour and are essentially veterinarians. A lot of people with an aggressive dog regret not seeing one sooner when they realize the improvements that these experts can bring to their dog’s behaviour.

Search for online dog training

Some trainers rely on dominance-based training techniques that can include imposing “corrections” like rolling your dog’s back with an alpha roll, or grabbing them by the collar to keep the dog from biting or barking, and using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. These methods may initially make your dog more obedient but they often cause anxiety and fear, which can lead to an increase in 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 scared, excited, or stressed. It is crucial to practice this with dogs who have aggressive behavior since they are more likely to be violently reactive when they are provoked.

A trained trainer can be helpful when your dog is anxious or thinks it is required to guard the home or family. A group obedience class or one-on-one instruction with a trainer who’s knowledgeable can aid your dog gain confidence.

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 as well as 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.