aggressive dog training
Aggressive Dog Training
It can be heartbreaking to have an aggressive dog whose behaviors get worse even as you try to help them. Fortunately, true aggression in dogs is pretty rare, as most aggression is caused by anxiety–which means it’s within your power to help your pup.
Addressing your dog’s aggression is crucial not just to their well-being and safety but to the safety and well-being of your family, other people, and animals. Off Leash K9 Training (OLK9) Columbus is here to help you address and manage your dog’s behavior with aggressive dog training.
Our dog trainers specialize in working with dogs showing signs of aggression toward people and animals. While we can’t guarantee results, we are passionate about what we do and give you and your dog the best chance to thrive.
Signs of Aggression and Anxiety in Dogs
How can you tell if your dog is being aggressive? Here are a few telltale signs:
- Baring teeth
- Becoming very rigid (freezing)
- Biting
- Growling
- Lunging
- Making guttural sounds
- Snapping
- Snarling
In addition, barking, panting, drooling, shaking, and whining can also be signs of anxiety, which can lead to aggression, especially if the issue is not addressed.
What Causes Dog Aggression?
Like humans, dogs experience anxiety, fear, and aggression due to many factors. These can be attributed to nature, nurture, or a combination of both.
Dog aggression can be caused by:
- Abuse. A dog that has been abused–which can include being hit, yelled at, and deprived of food and water, among other things–is more likely to show signs of aggression.
- Fear. When a dog is afraid, its first response may be to show aggression, which is why building confidence in dogs can help reduce aggressive behavior.
- Genetic predisposition. Some dogs may be more likely to develop anxiety or aggressive behavior based on their genetics and upbringing.
- Overcrowded places. Loud noises, lots of people or animals, and stimulation can be overwhelming for a dog, especially young puppies.
- Protective instincts. Dogs may show aggression if they are protecting a person, animal, or valued resource from what they perceive as a threat.
- Physical pain. If a dog is in pain or has a medical issue, it may be more likely to be anxious, aggressive, and reactive.
- Traumatic events. Dogs, like people, can experience trauma that leads them to be more aggressive or anxious.
How to Help an Aggressive Dog
It’s crucial to address the behavior of a dog showing aggression or anxiety. In cases such as these, professional training is the best way to help your dog. While many dog parents have the best intentions when trying to help their pups, they can often make the problem worse.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises that the safest and most effective way to address dog aggression is to use behavior modification that should be supervised by a qualified dog trainer.
At Off Leash K9 Training Columbus, we understand better than anyone how challenging it can be to deal with an aggressive dog. That’s why we’ve designed the Aggression/Anxiety program, an 8-week intensive aggressive dog training program to help manage your dog and minimize aggressive behavior.
Our Aggressive Dog Training Program
Our Aggression/Anxiety program can be completed in lessons at our facility or via our board and train program. However, please note we do not accept dogs that are human-aggressive at our board and train program–we will need to do private lessons at our facility for these dogs.
We do offer one-on-one training sessions outside our facility for an additional fee. Please contact us to discuss.
The program is divided into two parts. The first four (4) weeks will be spent on OLK9’s Basic Obedience lessons. The second four (4) weeks will be spent working on your dog’s triggers and how to manage them.
Part One: Basic Obedience
Each obedience lesson has a specific goal. These lessons aim to establish a strong foundation between you and your dog. With obedience training, a dog is expected to be calmer and more behaved off-leash, ready to listen to commands. In aggressive dog cases, the goal is to ensure you can effectively communicate with your dog. Doing so will also help you understand your dog better, creating a bond based on trust and mutual respect.
Part Two: Addressing Your Dog’s Triggers
In the second half of the Aggressive/Anxiety program, the goal is to minimize aggression and anxiety in your dog by addressing their triggers and helping you manage them. Based on the initial evaluation of behavioral signs and patterns, your dog trainer will design a customized protocol addressing your dog’s triggers using various situations in different environments. With ongoing work, patience, and consistency, many dogs improve.
What to Expect With Our Training for Aggressive Dogs
After the entire 8-week program, your dog will be more obedient and calmer, equipped with the necessary tools and skills to lessen reactivity. At most, your dog’s aggressive behavior will significantly improve.
However, it’s crucial to note that:
- You play the biggest role in your animal’s success. We work with your dog and provide you with the tools necessary to appropriately manage their behavior, but it’s up to you to continue to do the work long after the training is complete. In many cases, managing aggressive behavior is a lifelong commitment.
- Reactivity can occur at any time. No matter how well your dog is trained or how much time it has been since they’ve had an incident, your dog can show signs of aggression again. There is often no “fix” or “cure” to these underlying problems.
- We don’t guarantee results. If you are willing to put in the work to protect and manage your dog, we can usually help you. We empower dog parents to successfully manage their dogs through a strong foundation of obedience and behavioral management.
By continuing to help your dog at home and reinforcing the lessons outlined in the Aggression/Anxiety program, you can dramatically improve their behavior and quality of life. Our trainers see every day how much a committed and informed owner can make a difference for a dog with anxiety and aggression.
Dealing With Dog Aggression? Contact Us Today
Whether your dog is showing signs of aggression towards people, dogs, or other animals, professional dog training can help. If you’re searching for dog training near me for a pup with anxiety or aggression, contact Off Leash K9 Training Columbus. Our trainers are here to empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to give your dog the quality of life they deserve!
