Dog Aggression Issues
Aggressive Dog Behavior Modification Training in Phoenix & Scottsdale
Dog aggression is a very serious behavior problem that can easily escalate and get out of control if ignored.
It is best to address any dog aggression issues as quickly as possible by seeking the help of an experienced professional dog trainer.
Common signs of dog aggression include:
- growling
- showing teeth
- snapping and/or biting
Dog aggression issues can be significantly reduced or even eliminated, if addressed early on and in the proper manner. However, this is only possible if the owner is properly educated and understands what triggers the aggressive behavior of the dog. The signs of aggression need to be treated as soon as they surface. This is much easier than to fix aggressive behavior that is long established.
As the dog owner, your participation plays an important role in correcting the behavior. As a matter of fact, in some cases, it’s the owner who triggers the aggressive behavior of the dog without realizing it.
The Different Types of Dog Aggression
Dominance Aggression
The dog thinks he is the “Alpha”, the leader of the pack. Male dogs, as well as certain breeds, are more prone to displaying this type of behavior. This behavior can range from showing dominance over people and other dogs to being territorial. This type of dominant behavior needs to be controlled by establishing leadership through proper training.
Fear Aggression
A dog displays this type of aggressive behavior due to being mistreated or abused or because the dog possesses an unstable and fearful disposition genetically.
Territorial/Possessive Aggression
The dog shows aggression over his home/territory, certain objects (toys, bones, etc.) or his food. It is imminent to start training early on in order to counter-condition the dog and establish leadership.
What Should The Dog Owner Do?
First of all, check with your veterinarian to make certain there are no underlying health problems that cause the dog’s aggressive behavior.
Secondly, take precautions. If necessary confine the dog, keep the dog on leash and use a muzzle if needed.
Also, do not expose your dog to situations that will trigger an aggressive reaction.
These are only temporary measures to keep your dog and other animals or people safe until the situation is under control with the help of a professional dog trainer. Spaying or neutering your dog can also make a difference. Hormones are known to contribute to aggressive behavior in intact dogs.
Get Professional Help
Let’s face it, this problem is not going to go away all on its own. Your best bet is to find a trainer such as Tino with Quality K-9, who has a lot of experience with aggressive dogs and is an expert in dog behavior modification.
Under no circumstances should you choose a trainer, who uses excessive force or punishment. Any experienced dog trainer and/or dog behaviorist will tell you this will only make matters worse. The aggressive behavior will escalate in both dominant as well as fearful dogs.
Bottom line is, most aggressive dogs can be rehabilitated with the correct training.