The escalating behavior between dogs is a frightening experience for everyone affected. It could be anything from a minor gesture of aggression to a full on bite.
Reactive and aggressive dogs can be trained. But it requires patience and time. Find a trainer who uses positive reinforcement with both dogs and their owners.
Find a trained instructor who is certified
Aggression is a significant issue for a lot of dog owners. Unchecked aggression can cause severe injuries to pets and humans. In the worst cases the bite of a dog could lead to the animal being taken back to a shelter, or even the animal control department for euthanasia. It is important to recognize that aggression can be treated. Anxiety and fear are typically the cause of aggression, but it may also be due to genetics or a negative experience.
A reputable dog trainer will aid you to overcome the dog’s anxiety and fears through addressing these issues. If you are looking for a local dog trainer near you be sure to look for certificates and references, and inquire what their methods of training are. While anyone can create business cards, it is crucial to find a trainer who adheres to the ethics statement of their certifying body and does not use abrasive methods of training.
It is equally important to select a trainer that has experience working with dogs that exhibit aggression. They have worked with dogs that display aggressive behavior and will give you insights into your dog’s thinking. You will get some good advice on whether or not your dog needs to be treated with medication, or if he would benefit from seeing a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are basically vets that specialize in animal behavior and many people with dog aggression regret not seeking one earlier because they can see the vast improvements these experts can make in their dog’s behavior.
Find online aggressive dog training classes
The methods used by trainers who focus on dominance could include “corrections” such as rolling your dog in an alpha roll, or by grabbing their collars to prevent the dog from barking or biting. They can also use electronic collars that vibrate or are static. While these techniques can initially help your dog become more willing to obey, they frequently cause anxiety and fear, which can actually increase aggression.
The best online dog training will be focused on helping you establish a stronger relationship with your pet to ensure that they will obey even when they’re excited, scared, or stressed. This is especially important for dogs with aggressive behaviors as they tend to get angry and lash out in response to these triggers.
A qualified trainer can assist in the event that your dog is nervous or thinks it is required to guard the family or home. A group obedience class, or one-on-one instruction with a trainer who’s skilled can assist your dog become more confident.
Urban K9, a highly reviewed NYC training program, provides behavior modification and training in obedience to deal with leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs or people, resource guarding and separation anxiety. Owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and experience in training, including E-collar training. He has also been working hard to get rescue dogs at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.
