Dogs’ aggression can be a nightmare for everyone involved. From a minor display of aggression, or lunging, to a full-on bite, it could be a risk for humans or other dogs, or even your pet.
You can train reactive as well as aggressive dogs. But it requires patience and time. Look for a trainer that employs positive reinforcement for both dogs and their owners.
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Aggression is a major issue for many dog owners. Inadequately handled aggression can result in serious injuries to both dogs and people. In extreme cases an animal’s bite can result in the animal being sent back to a shelter, or even the department of animal control for euthanasia. 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 good dog trainer will assist you in overcoming the dog’s anxiety and fears by addressing these issues. When you’re looking for a dog trainer near you be sure to look for certificates and references, and ask what their training methods are. It is not important who prints your business cards. What matters is that you find an accredited dog trainer, one who is in line with the ethics of their certification organization and doesn’t employ aversive techniques.
It is also important to find an instructor who has experience dealing with dogs who are aggressive. If they have dealt with this kind of behavior before they’ll be able to provide you with some insight into what might be happening in your dog’s brain and the best way to teach the dog to be more calm and peaceful. They will give you 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 veterinarians who specialize in animal behavior and many owners of pets that are aggressive regret not seeing one sooner because they can see the vast changes these specialists can make on their dog’s behavior.
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Some trainers rely on dominance-based training techniques that can include imposing “corrections” like rolling your dog on their backs in an alpha roll, or grabbing the collar of their dog to prevent them from barking or biting, and using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. Although these techniques may initially help your dog become more loyal, they can result in anxiety and fear that can lead to increased aggression.
A dog’s training program that is online and aggressive that works will aid in building a stronger bond with your pet, to ensure that they obey when they’re excited, afraid or anxious. It is important to develop this kind of relationship for dogs with aggressive behaviors as they will be more likely to be violently reactive when they are provoked.
A trained trainer can be helpful in the event that your dog is nervous, or feels like it must protect its family or home. A class for obedience in a group, or a one-on-one session with a trainer who is skilled can assist your dog improve his confidence.
Urban K9 is a highly-rated NYC training center that provides obedience and behavior modification to address leash reactivity, aggression towards other dogs and humans resources separation anxiety, as well as more serious behavior issues. Stephen Baum, the owner is a highly trained trainer with extensive certification experience. He has also been a part of Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC, with rescue dogs that were difficult to place.