For many pet parents, their furry friends are everything that a friendly dog is supposed to be. They wag their tails, lick their owners’ faces, and have a great time playing and roughhousing with other dogs. There is a reason dogs are known as “man’s best friend” and are able to make great companions.
Other dog owners, though, are not as lucky because their dogs exhibit aggression toward people and other dogs. This can be a difficult thing to handle because the owner is never sure when the dog’s aggressive behavior may appear. Dealing with a dog’s aggression can be challenging and sometimes frightening, even for the owner.
In these situations, it is important to understand aggression in dogs, know the warning signs in male and female dogs, and find a skilled trainer who can work to modify the dog’s behavior. At K9aholics Dog Training, our aggressive dog training uses the most advanced behavior modification techniques in order to work through and curb canine aggression.
What Is Aggressive Behavior in Dogs?
When you are discussing a dog’s aggressive behaviors, it is important to remember that not all aggressive dogs are trying to start a fight or are angry. Aggressive behavior may stem from many different feelings within the dog, and some are actually trying to avoid further confrontations with other animals or dogs. Your own dog may not enjoy being around many dogs at a time, so the aggression comes back.
Generally, aggressive behaviors are characterized by harmful and/or threatening behavior toward another dog, person, or animal. There are different types of aggression in dogs, and each one needs to be dealt with by experienced dog trainers in very specific ways. Modifying aggressive dog behavior is not a one-size-fits-all type of training.
Types of Dog Aggression
There are many different types of aggression that will manifest across dog breeds and may be found in young dogs or older dogs. Some of the most common types of unwanted behavior and aggression in dogs include:
- Territorial aggression: Whenever a dog feels that another dog, person, or animal is entering the area deemed their territory, they may exhibit an aggressive response. Usually, your home or vehicle are the likely places where this may occur.
Possession Aggression: If your dog displays aggression when you or another animal comes near her food or a particular toy, this may be a sign of possession aggression. It can make your dog react violently, even toward a family member or familiar dog.
Sex-related Aggression: This can be a problem when un-neutered males or un-spayed females try to get the attention of the other sex during mating season. These aggression issues are less likely to occur in dogs that have been spayed or neutered.
Frustration Aggression: If a dog is confined (in a room or on a leash) and cannot act on its impulse when stimulated, it may become a reactive dog. You may notice lunging, barking, and growling.
Redirected Aggression: This is one of the most common ways that dog owners get bitten by their own dogs. In the middle of a dog fight, a dog owner may try to break it up. The dog, in its fury, will turn on its own master unknowingly, and dog bites are quite common.
Maternal Aggression: As with any animal, a mother guarding or protecting its young will react violently to threats. A mother dog protecting her puppies is no different. A dog trainer should be called in to handle this aggression so that the puppies do not start acting aggressively as well.
Pain Aggression: When a dog is in pain or discomfort, it may behave aggressively. If this reaction is out of the ordinary, you might want to take your dog to the vet to check for signs of illness or injury.
Fear/Anxiety Aggression: When it comes to reactive dog behavior, fear and anxiety are at the top of the list of reasons that the dog behaves aggressively. Reducing your dog’s fear or anxiety is the best way to overcome this type of dog aggression.
Predatory Aggression: All dogs have an instinct to be predators, but not many actually act on it. Unfortunately, a simple game of chase between two dogs could turn deadly if the predatory instinct kicks in.
When visiting dog parks, you may notice aggression which is a form of dominance. There may be a conflict between two dogs in a social context.
If you have noticed these or other signs of aggressive dog behavior in your furry friend, it may be time to talk to an expert who can train an aggressive dog and eliminate unwanted behavior issues.
How Can Dog Aggression Training Help with Aggressive Dogs?
Dealing with a reactive dog can be difficult for pet parents, so it is best to seek professional help in aggressive dog training to work with your furry friend.
At K9aholics Dog Training in Virginia Beach, VA, our aggressive dog training classes are designed to help dog parents like you handle an aggressive dog in their home. We use positive reinforcement as a primary training technique, and our trainers will create a training plan that will make sure you have a clear understanding of how to continue working with your dog at home.
Our team is also well-versed in knowing how to work with a dog with a biting history, and we will work with your pet to get him used to wearing a muzzle guard. When it comes to dog training and having the patience to work with reactive dogs, K9aholics is the best name in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas.
Contact Our Experienced Trainers If Your Dogs Exhibit Aggressive Behavior in Virginia Beach, VA, and Surrounding Areas
If you are looking for exceptional dog training in Virginia Beach, look no further. Our professional dog trainers at K9aholics are here to help you understand what is motivating your dog’s aggression and the best ways to handle it.
Contact us right away to find out more about our training and to set up classes to change your dog’s behavior!
