Dog Behavior Modification Training
Dog behavior modification training is essential to alter unwanted behavior.
These unwanted behaviors can be just a bad or annoying habit, a fear caused by a negative experience, or plain aggression. We achieve success by teaching the dog a stress-free replacement behavior. Resulting in a happier and much less stressful life for the dog. Furthermore, it prevents aggression from building up and escalating.
Canine Behavior Modification Training In The Greater Phoenix Area
Certain negative behaviors can be very difficult to eliminate since these behaviors are well established and have been rewarded many times in the dogs life. These behaviors have essentially become a habit to the dog, and the dog instinctively continues to do them because he gets rewarded.
Some unacceptable behaviors are even self-rewarding; meaning the dog finds a reward in the behavior itself without receiving any reward.
There are many behaviors, especially aggressive behaviors, which are almost impossible to suppress. The inappropriate behavior might be from improper socialization during the imprinting phase. Or, genetically, the canine may possess a very dominant or nervous disposition.
Since it is extremely difficult to eliminate bad habitual behaviors; the only reliable solution is to modify the dog’s bad behavior. Consequently exchanging it with a learned “replacement behavior”.
This said, we need to focus on positive reinforcement of the correct behavior instead of punishing the undesired behavior.
Behaviors we don’t want, such as jumping on people, aggression, and other situations, need to be replaced with a behavior we want. This is what we reward. Let’s not forget that the forbidden fruit sometimes seems to be oh so sweet. However, once the dog clearly understands what is expected, it becomes easy for him to act accordingly.
This lowers the dog’s stress level.
At Quality K-9, we implement modern behavioral modification techniques in order to replace inappropriate behaviors with good behaviors.
Tino has been very successful with this training style, achieving sustainable results. His training is based on positive reinforcement, which reduces the stress on the canine. Therefore, enabling him to achieve better results than with traditional punishment based dog training methods.
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, sometimes, 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 because of 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 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.