Aggression between dogs can be a nightmare for everyone affected. From a minor display of aggression, or lunging, towards a full-on attack, it can be a risk for humans, other dogs, and even your pet.
You can train reactive as well as aggressive dogs. But it requires patience and time. Find a trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement with both dogs and owners.
Find a trained instructor who is certified
Aggression is a significant issue for many dog owners. If it is not addressed the behavior can cause serious injuries to people and dogs, and in severe cases there is even a bite that could result in the dog ending up in a shelter, or at animal control for euthanasia. The good news is that aggressive behavior is treatable. It is often a result of anxiety and fear, however it can be inherited or triggered by a negative previous experience.
A skilled trainer will tackle these issues and help you help your dog overcome anxiety and fears. When looking for a local dog trainer near you be sure to look for certificates and references, and ask what their methods of training are. While anyone can create business cards, it is important to find a certified trainer who adheres to the ethical statement of their certifying body and doesn’t use any abrasive methods of training.
It is also important to choose a trainer who has experience working with dogs that exhibit aggression. If they have dealt with this kind of behavior previously, they will be able to offer an idea of what could be going on in your dog’s mind and the best way to train the dog to be more calm and peaceful. They will give you good advice on whether or not your dog needs to be treated with medication or if he could benefit from seeing a vet behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are essentially vets that are experts in the field of animal behavior, and a lot of people who have dog aggression regret not having seen one sooner due to the massive improvement these specialists can bring to their dog’s behaviour.
Find online aggressive dog training classes
Certain trainers use dominance-based methods for training that include imposing “corrections” like putting your dog on their back with the alpha roll, holding the collar of their dog to keep their barking or biting and using electronic static or vibrating collars. These methods can initially increase the obedience of your dog but they tend to result in anxiety and fear which, in turn, can cause aggression.
The best online aggressive dog training will be focused on helping you develop more trust with your pet so that they will obey even when they’re anxious, scared or stressed. This is particularly important for dogs with aggressive behaviors as they are more likely to lash out in response to these triggers.
Many owners find that their dogs who are aggressive are insecure or feel like they are required to guard their family or home, this can be addressed by a skilled trainer. Involving your dog in a class for obedience or working with an experienced trainer can aid your dog to become more secure and less aggression towards other dogs.
Urban K9 is a highly-rated NYC training center that provides obedience and behavior modification to address leash reactivity, aggression toward other dogs or humans and humans, resource guarding separation anxiety, and more severe behavior concerns. Stephen Baum, the owner, has extensive training and certification experience. He has also been a part of Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC where he worked with rescue dogs who were difficult to identify.
