Dogs’ aggression can be frightening for all affected. From a small display of aggression, or lunging, towards a full-on attack, it can be dangerous for people or other dogs, or even your pet.
It is possible to 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 trained instructor who is certified
Many dog owners have a problem with aggression. Inadequately handled aggression can result in severe injuries to humans and dogs. In severe instances the bite of a dog could result in the animal being sent back to a shelter, or even to the animal control department for euthanasia. It’s important to understand that aggressive behavior can be treated. It is often a result of anxiety and fear, but it can also be genetically linked or triggered by a negative experience in the past.
A good dog trainer will assist you in overcoming your dog’s anxieties and fears by addressing these concerns. Learn about their training techniques and seek out references and credentials when looking for an instructor for your dog in your area. While anyone can make business cards, it is important to find a certified trainer who adheres to the ethical statement of the body that certifies them and does not use abrasive training techniques.
It is also important to find an instructor who has experience dealing with dogs who are aggressive. Having worked with this type of behavior before they’ll be able to provide you with some insights into what might be happening in your dog’s mind and the best method to train the dog to be more calm and peaceful. You’ll get tips on whether your dog is best treated with medication or if it would benefit from seeing a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). DACVBs are essentially vets that specialize in animal behavior, and many owners of dog aggression regret not seeking one earlier due to the massive changes these specialists can make on their dog’s behavior.
Find online aggressive dog training classes
Training methods that rely on dominance may consist of “corrections” such as rolling your dog with an alpha roll or grabbing their collars in order to prevent the dog from barking or biting. They may also utilize electronic collars that move or have a static. While these techniques can initially help your dog become more obedient, they often cause anxiety and fear that can lead to increased aggression.
A dog’s training program that is online and aggressive that is effective will help you build bonds with your pet so that they will obey you when they’re scared, excited or stressed. It is important to do this for pets with aggressive behaviour because they are more likely to respond violently when they are provoked.
A trained trainer can be helpful if your dog is insecure or thinks it has to protect the home or family. Involving your dog in a group obedience class or working one-on-one with an experienced trainer can help your dog become more secure and less aggression towards other dogs.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training program, offers behavior modification and training in obedience to deal with leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs and people, resource guarding and separation anxiety. Owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and experience in training, including E-collar training. He has also worked with hard to place the dogs in rescue in Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.
