Dog aggression can be very frightening for all affected. From a minor display of aggression or lunging to a full-on bite, it could be dangerous for people as well as other dogs and even your pet.
You can train reactive as well as aggressive dogs. However, it takes patience and time. Choose a dog trainer who employs positive reinforcement for both dogs and their owners.
Find a trained instructor who is certified
Many dog owners have an issue with aggression. If it is not addressed the behavior can cause serious injuries to both humans and pets, and in severe cases there is even a bite that could result in the dog ending up in a shelter or even in animal control to be killed. However, the good news is that aggressive behavior is treatable. Aggression often stems from anxiety and fear, however it could also be genetically linked or result from a negative experience in the past.
A good trainer will address these problems and will work with you to help your dog overcome anxiety and fears. When you’re looking for a dog trainer near you, look for certifications as well as references, and then inquire about their training techniques. It is not important the person who prints your business cards. What is important is finding a certified dog trainer, one who adheres to the ethics of their certifying organization and doesn’t use abusive methods.
It is also essential to select a trainer that has worked with dogs who exhibit aggression. Having worked with this type of behavior before, they will be able to provide you with an idea of what could be going on in the dog’s head and how best to train the dog to be more calm and peaceful. They will give you good guidance on whether your dog should be treated with medication, or if he could benefit from seeing a vet behavior specialist (DACVB). DACVBs are experts in animal behavior and are basically veterinarians. A lot of people with an aggressive dog regret not having seen one sooner when they realize the improvements that these experts can bring to their dog’s behavior.
Look for Online Dog Training Classes
Certain trainers are reliant on dominance-based training techniques that can include imposing “corrections” like putting your dog on their backs in an alpha roll, grabbing them by the collar to prevent them from barking or biting and using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. These techniques can help your dog become more loyal but they often result in anxiety and fear which can lead to an increase in aggression.
The most effective online aggressive dog training will focus on helping you develop an improved relationship with your pet so that they will obey even when they’re excited, scared or stressed. This is crucial for dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior as they tend to snap out when they are confronted by these triggers.
A lot of people discover that their aggressive dogs are afraid or feel they must protect their home or family, that can be dealt with by a professional trainer. Involving your dog in a class for obedience or working one-on-one with a skilled trainer will assist your dog in becoming more confident and decrease their aggression towards other dogs.
Urban K9 is a highly-rated NYC training program that provides behavior modification and obedience classes to tackle leash reactivity, aggression towards other dogs or humans resources, separation anxiety, and more severe behavior concerns. Stephen Baum is the owner. Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and training experience, which includes E-collar training. He has also worked hard to find rescue dogs at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.