Dog aggression can be extremely frightening for all who is involved. From a small display of anger or a snarl towards a full-on attack, it could be a risk for humans as well as other dogs or even your pet.
You can train reactive as well as aggressive dogs. It requires patience and time. Look for a trainer that utilizes positive reinforcement with both dogs and their owners.
Find a certified aggressive dog trainer
Aggression is a big problem for many pet owners. Unchecked aggression can cause serious injuries to pets and humans. In extreme cases the bite of a dog could lead to the animal being returned to a shelter or even the department of animal control for euthanasia. The good news is that aggressive behavior can be treated. The reason for aggression is usually fear and anxiety, but it could also be genetically linked or triggered by a negative previous experience.
A good trainer will address these problems and help you aid your dog to overcome his anxieties and fears. When you’re looking for a local dog trainer be sure to look for certificates and references, and inquire about their training techniques. Although anyone can print business cards, it’s important to find a certified trainer who adheres to the ethics guidelines of their certification body and does not use abrasive training techniques.
It is also important to find a trainer who has worked with dogs who exhibit aggression. They have worked with dogs that display aggressive behavior and will provide insight into the dog’s thoughts. You will get some good guidance on whether your dog should be treated with medication, or if he could benefit from seeing a veterinary behavior specialist (DACVB). DACVBs specialize in animal behaviour and are essentially veterinarians. Many people who have aggressive dogs regret not seeing one earlier when they see the improvements that these experts can make to their dog’s behavior.
Find online dog obedience training
Training methods that rely on dominance might consist of “corrections” such as rolling your dog with an alpha roll, or by grabbing their collars to prevent them from barking or biting. They can also use electronic collars that vibrate or have a static. While these techniques can initially help your dog become more loyal, they can result in anxiety and fear, which can actually increase aggression.
The best online dog training will focus on helping you develop more trust with your pet, so that they will obey even when they are excited, scared or anxious. It is important to do this for dogs with aggressive behaviors as they will be more likely to react violently when they are provoked.
Many people find that their dogs who are aggressive are anxious or feel that they have to protect their home or family, which can also be handled by a skilled trainer. Involving your dog in a class for obedience or working one-on-one with a trained trainer can help your dog become more confident and decrease their aggression towards others.
Urban K9, a highly evaluated NYC training center, provides behavior modification and training in obedience to address leash reactivity and aggression toward other dogs or people in general, as well as separation anxiety. Stephen Baum, the owner, has extensive training and certification expertise. He also has been a part of Rescue Dogs Rock, NYC, with rescue dogs that were difficult to place.
