Aggression between dogs can be frightening for all involved. It can be anything from a minor display of aggression to an entire bite.
You can train reactive and aggressive dogs. It takes time and patience. Find a dog trainer who employs positive reinforcement for the dogs and their owners.
Find a trainer who is certified
Many dog owners have a problem with aggression. If not taken care of the behavior can cause serious injuries to people as well as dogs and, in the worst cases there is even a bite that can result in the dog being in a shelter or even in animal control for euthanasia. It is important to recognize that aggression can be treated. Fear and anxiety are often the root of aggression but it can also be caused by genes or a negative experience.
A good dog trainer will help you overcome your dog’s anxieties and fears by addressing these issues. If you are looking for a dog trainer in your area be sure to look for certificates and references, and inquire about their training techniques. While anyone can create business cards, it’s essential to choose a trainer who follows the ethics statement of their certifying body and does not use abrasive methods of training.
It is equally important to find a trainer who is familiar with working with dogs that display aggression. They have worked dealing with dogs that display aggressive behavior and will give you insight into the dog’s mind. You’ll get tips on whether your dog should be treated with medication or if he would be better off seeing a veterinarian behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are essentially veterinarians who 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 in their dog’s behavior.
Find online dog obedience training
Certain trainers are reliant on dominance-based training techniques that can include imposing “corrections” like putting your dog on their back in an alpha roll, grabbing them by the collar to keep the dog from biting or barking, and using electronic static or vibrating collars. These methods can initially help your dog become more loyal but they often result in anxiety and fear which can lead to an increase in aggression.
Online aggressive dog training that is effective will assist you in building bonds with your pet, to ensure that they obey when they’re excited, afraid or stressed. This is particularly important for dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior since they are more likely to lash out when they are confronted by these triggers.
A qualified trainer can assist when your dog is anxious or thinks it has to protect the family or home. A class for obedience in a group, or one-on-one training with a trainer that is skilled can assist your dog improve his confidence.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training program, provides behavior modification and training in obedience to tackle leash reactivity, aggression toward other dogs or people as well as resource guarding and separation anxiety. The owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and training experience, including e-collar training, and has worked with hard to place the dogs in rescue in Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.
