Friday 18 July 2008

Training For Aggressive Dogs Takes Patience

Dogs can be the gentlest creatures, but they can also be highly aggressive animals that resort to instinctive behavior in situations where they feel threatened. In cases where the dog owner feels threatened by their dog’s behavior, training for aggressive dogs must be sought. This applies for dogs that are a threat to other beings and animals too.

You should start by investing in a quality leash and muzzle to help you begin training for aggressive dogs. Remember that your dog may be a threat to others and you should always put others safety first.

Aggressive dog behavior can be a real issue for many dog owners who simply don’t know how to treat aggressive dog behavior. In unfortunate cases, a dog may have to be put down, especially if he has attacked another being or animal. Thankfully there is much a dog owner can do to prevent this from ever happening.

Dogs are intelligent creatures that have needs much like us humans; they experience emotions such as fear, happiness, sadness and anger. They are capable of learning new habits and commands which makes them one of the easiest animals to train. However, dog training for aggressive dog behavior differs in that there are many other hurdles in place that the owner has to consider.

Aggressive dogs are aggressive for several reasons; partly due to their territorial instincts and natural need to follow or dominate, and partly due to negative and fearful experiences. For a dog owner to train an aggressive dog effectively, they must know how to help an aggressive dog overcome its fears and gradually change its negative habits.

A dog owner, who feels dominated by their dog, will find training for aggressive dogs a little more difficult depending on how effectively and quickly they can reverse the roles. Taking leadership is a crucial part of dog training for aggressive behavior, but don’t worry it can be done even with the most aggressively dominant dogs.

A good guide on how to treat aggressive dog behavior will make a world of difference on how effectively and quickly you can train your dog. The key in how to help an aggressive dog is not by backing down, believe it or not. Each time you succumb to your dogs every whim and react subserviently, you are reinforcing your dog’s role as the leader of the pack.

In your dog’s eyes you are merely a part of his pack. Of course in cases where he is really displaying aggressive and violent behavior it’s best not to challenge him. Training for aggressive dogs takes time and you as the owner should be able to gauge how quickly you can progress.

Avoid letting your dog get away with bad behavior. Punishment should not be aggressive, but firm. Simply making a stance and saying ‘No’ when your dog does something wrong should be enough. Don’t use physical punishment as this will only fuel your dog’s fear.

Many dog owners react in the opposite way when a dog is behaving badly or demanding attention, but this is not how to treat aggressive dog behavior. Like a spoilt child, by giving your dog everything he wants he will only demand more.

As well as being firm, you must also be rewarding when your dog does something positive, even if it’s very small. When your dog obeys a command, give him praise. Really show him that you’re pleased. Give him a pat or a treat to encourage good behavior.

In time you will find that dog training for aggressive dog behavior becomes easier, but don’t forget that there are tools and guides out there to make your job easier. It’s not necessary to find a school or professional trainer that specializes in how to help an aggressive dog.

A great guide in training for aggressive dogs that you can follow is the highly acclaimed SitStayFetch. This complete guide in dog training has been put together by Daniel Stevens, a highly experienced dog trainer who walks you through training for aggressive dogs every step of the way.

Click Here to get the 6-Day SitStayFetch Course - For FREE!

 

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