The aggression of dogs can be scary for everyone involved. From a slight show of aggression or lunging into a full-on bite it could be a risk for humans or other dogs, and even your pet.
You can train reactive and aggressive dogs. However, it takes time and patience. Look for a trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement with both dogs and their owners.
Find a trainer who is certified
Many dog owners experience issues with aggression. If it is not addressed the behavior can cause serious injuries for both people and pets as well as, in extreme cases there is even a bite that could land the dog back in a shelter or at the animal control center to be killed. There is good news that aggression can be treated. Anxiety and fear are typically the root of aggression but it can also be due to genetics or a negative experience.
A skilled trainer will tackle these concerns and work with you to help your dog overcome his anxieties and fears. When looking for a dog trainer near you Look for their certifications and references, and inquire what their methods of training are. It doesn’t matter which printer you choose to print your business cards. What is important is finding a certified dog trainer, one who abides by the ethics of their certification organization and doesn’t employ aversive methods.
It is also important to find an instructor who has experience dealing with dogs that are aggressive. If they have dealt with this kind of behavior in the past they’ll be able to provide you with some insight into what might be happening inside your dog’s mind and how best to teach the dog to be more calm and peaceful. They can give you some advice about the need for medication or might benefit from seeing a veterinary behavioral specialist (DACVB). DACVBs specialize in animal behavior and are essentially veterinarians. A lot of people with an aggressive dog regret not having seen one sooner when they realize the positive changes that these professionals can bring to their dog’s behavior.
Look for Online Dog Training Classes
Trainers who use dominance-based techniques might use “corrections” like rolling your dog with an alpha roll, or by grabbing their collars in order to prevent them from biting or barking. They can also use electronic collars that vibrate or are static. These techniques can increase the obedience of your dog but they often result in anxiety and fear which can lead to an increase in aggression.
The best online aggressive dog training will focus on helping you develop an improved relationship with your pet, so that they obey you even when they are anxious, scared, or stressed. This is especially important for dogs with aggressive behaviors because they tend to snap out when they are confronted by these triggers.
A trained trainer can be helpful when your dog is anxious or believes it has to protect the home or family. A class for obedience in a group, or a one-on-one session with a trainer that is experienced can help your dog improve his confidence.
Urban K9, a highly rated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and obedience training to address leash reactivity and aggression toward other dogs or people in general, as well as separation anxiety. Stephen Baum, the owner has extensive training and certification expertise. He also worked at Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC and with dogs who were difficult to place.