Dog aggression can be extremely frightening for all affected. From a minor display of aggression, or lunging, to a full-on bite, it could cause harm to people, other dogs, and even your pet.
You can train reactive and aggressive dogs. It takes patience and time. Choose a dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement with both dogs and their owners.
Find a trained instructor who is certified
A lot of dog owners suffer from an issue with aggression. Unchecked aggression can cause serious injuries to both dogs and people. In severe cases an animal’s bite can cause the animal to be sent back to a shelter, or even to an animal control department to be killed. However, the good news is that aggression can be dealt with. Fear and anxiety are often the reason for aggression, but it can also be due to genes or a negative experience.
A qualified dog trainer can aid you to overcome your dog’s fears and anxieties through addressing these issues. Ask about their training methods and look for references and certificates when searching for a dog trainer in your area. While anyone can print business cards, it is important to find a certified trainer who follows the ethics guidelines of their certifying body and avoids using aversive methods of training.
It is also essential to select a trainer that has worked with dogs that exhibit aggression. They will have experience with dogs that display aggressive behavior and will provide you with insight into the dog’s thoughts. They can offer some guidance on the need for medication or would require a visit to a veterinary behavior specialist (DACVB). DACVBs specialize in animal behavior and are in essence veterinarians. Many owners of aggressive dogs regret not visiting one sooner when they realize the positive changes that these professionals can bring to their dog’s behavior.
Find online dog obedience training
Some trainers rely on dominance-based training techniques that can be used to issue “corrections” like putting your dog’s back with an alpha roll, grabbing the collar to prevent their barking or biting and using electronic static collars or vibrating collars. These methods can initially increase the obedience of your dog however they can also create anxiety and fear which can lead to an increase in aggression.
The best online dog training will focus on helping you build a stronger relationship with your pet, so that they respect you even when they are stressed, anxious or stressed. It is important to do this for dogs who have aggressive behavior because they are more likely to be violently reactive when they are provoked.
Many owners find that their aggressive dogs are insecure or feel like they must protect their home or family members, which can also be handled by a skilled trainer. Involving your dog in a group obedience class or working with an experienced trainer can aid your dog to become more confident and decrease their aggression toward other dogs.
Urban K9, a highly reviewed NYC training center, provides behavior modification and training in obedience to address leash reactivity and aggression towards other dogs or people in general, as well as separation anxiety. The owner Stephen Baum has extensive credentials and training experience, which includes e-collar training, and has worked hard to find the dogs in rescue at Rescue Dogs Rock in NYC.
