Aggression between dogs can be frightening for all who are involved. It could be anything from a minor gesture of aggression to a full on bite.
You can train reactive and aggressive dogs. But it requires patience and time. Find a dog trainer that uses positive reinforcement for both the dogs and owners.
Find a trained instructor who is certified
Many dog owners experience a problem with aggression. If not addressed, aggression can cause serious injuries to both pets and humans. In severe cases, a dog’s bite could lead to the animal being sent back to a shelter, or even to the animal control department to be killed. There is good news that aggression can be dealt with. Fear and anxiety are frequently the root of aggression however, it could be triggered by the genetics of a person or an experience that has been negative.
A reputable dog trainer will help you overcome the dog’s anxiety and fears by addressing these concerns. When looking for a dog trainer, look for certifications as well as references, and then inquire what their methods of training are. It is not important the person who prints your business cards. What is important is that you locate an accredited dog trainer, one who abides by the ethical standards of the organization that certifies them and doesn’t use abusive techniques.
It is also essential to choose a trainer who is familiar with working with dogs who exhibit aggression. As someone who has dealt with this type of behavior previously, they will be able to give you some insight into what might be going on in your dog’s mind and how best to train him. They will be able to provide you with some suggestions on the need for medication or would be able to benefit from seeing a vet behavior specialist (DACVB). DACVBs specialize in animal behavior and are essentially veterinarians. Many owners of aggressive dogs regret not seeing one earlier, when they realise the changes these specialists can bring to their dog’s behaviour.
Look for Online Dog Training Classes
Some trainers rely on methods of training based on dominance that be used to issue “corrections” like rolling your dog back with an alpha roll, holding the collar to keep the dog from biting or barking or biting, and also using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. These techniques can help your dog become more loyal but they tend to create anxiety and fear which in turn can increase aggression.
The best online dog training will be focused on helping you establish a stronger relationship with your pet, so that they respect you even when they’re excited, scared or stressed. It is important to practice this with dogs who have aggressive behavior as they will be more likely to be violently reactive when they are provoked.
A qualified trainer can assist when your dog is anxious or believes it must protect its family or the home. A group obedience class or one-on-one training with a trainer who is experienced can help your dog improve his confidence.
Urban K9, a highly reviewed NYC training program, provides behavior modification and obedience training to address leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs and people as well as resource guarding and separation anxiety. Stephen Baum is the owner. Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and training experience, which includes e-collar training, and has been working hard to get the dogs in rescue at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.